Team of the Week

We’re a little late this week, but there was a lot of rugby to watch with five full international teams to choose from. It almost felt like a warm-up for the Americas Rugby Championship, which amazingly is just about three months ahead of us. This coming weekend will be even better, with all six competitors from the ARC seeing action as Brazil enters the fray. This week’s team was a little tricky with disappointing games from the Eagles and Los Pumas, and only Los Cóndores achieving victory. Still, we’ve found room for players from all five teams to squeeze into our select XV.

1 – Claudio Zamorano (Chile) Stocky and mobile, he plays like a center in a prop’s body. Made several bursts with ball in hand including a huge line break in the first half that led to a try. In complete control of his opposite in the scrum.

2 – Ray Barkwill (Canada) Wasn’t quite as prominent in the loose against a difficult Irish team but still made an impression. Enjoyed one of his best performances in the set piece, with his throwing on target and hooking up the task.

3 – Jake Ilnicki (Canada) Somewhat quietly put in a very respectable effort against a British & Irish Lion in the scrum, even getting the edge in the first half. Also put himself about around the fringes in the loose, making several tackles and supporting well at the breakdown.

4 – Mario Mayol (Chile) The lumbering giant was surprisingly effective as he waded through would-be Korean tacklers, and showed some nice hands with one offload in particular contributing to a score. A constant source of possession in the lineout, he has done his ARC selection chances no harm.

5 – Evan Olmstead (Canada) Lived up to his pre-match billing and has put a stamp on his status as Canada’s in-form forward. Excellent in the lineout and abrasive in the tight-loose. Even the Irish commentators were impressed.

6 – Kyle Baillie (Canada) Had to play a slightly different game than he’s used to with more time spent stuck in the trenches, but came through with his reputation enhanced. Made a couple heavy tackles and like Olmstead was a complete nuisance especially around the maul.

7 – Santiago Hernández (Uruguay) The best of a woefully stale forward pack that was embarrassed by the Germans in almost every facet. If it weren’t for the tireless efforts of Hernández the game might have been lost well before the final kick on full time. Loss aside, it was an impressive test debut and he looks to have many more caps in his future.

8 – Facundo Isa (Argentina) Not the blockbuster performance we have gotten used to but still put in a big work rate in a disappointing team outing. Asked to make the hard yards and did so with numerous carries and a couple thumping tackles stood out in defense.

9 – Nate Augspurger (USA) Made up for a below-par match against the Maori with a much more promising display in Bucharest. Made an effort to move the ball quicker and his quick taps had the Oaks on the back foot. Sadly his teammates seemed to be a step behind, and the referee failed to reward his positive play by letting a lazy defense off virtually scot-free.

10 – Francisco González Moller (Chile) Turns his attentions away from 7s and towards XVs, hopefully in a full time capacity. Controlled field position with his kicking and took on the line to keep the defense honest. Would like to have one pass back that led to an intercept try, but otherwise looks a good bet to retain his spot for the ARC.

11 – Rodrigo Silva (Uruguay) Playing in the unusual position of wing and showed no concerns whatsoever. If anything he excelled in the role, with his strong finishing landing him two tries albeit in a losing cause. Held his own in defense and will be frustrated by his team’s mediocre performance.

12 – Juan Martín Hernández (Argentina) Why he was substituted in the closing minutes is anyone’s guess, one can only surmise that he was short of full fitness. Looked his classy self both in the midfield and at fullback, where he moved in the second half. At 34 he is still a world class player – the only question is how long his body can hold up to the demands of test rugby.

13 – Felipe Brangier (Chile) Another turning his attention back to XVs after captaining the 7s side where he was a forward. His size and deceiving pace caused problems both in attack and defense, though he’ll rue one missed tackle late in the game. Scored a try on a nice support line in the second half. Could be a very useful addition to the backline for the ARC.

14 – DTH van der Merwe (Canada) Didn’t get as many chances with ball in hand but made the most of the times that he did. The intercept try has become a signature move. Thumping tackle on Keith Earls was fun to watch. Hopefully he sees more of the ball against Romania.

15 – Matt Evans (Canada) Consistently one of his country’s best performers. Showed his determination to make the tryline and looked assured under the high ball. Might be the best fullback playing for a Tier 2 nation, with his chief competition likely to play opposite in Bucharest.