Team of the Week

Numbers were a bit down this week with the Pro D2 on hiatus and the California Cup also on holidays. A few regulars were also missing by way of rest or injury. As such we’ve had to squeeze a few players into unusual spots, and we’ve even plucked a couple out of the Italian Eccellenza in recognition of their standout efforts. It’s a bit of a scratch side if we’re being honest but overall it’s not too bad.

1 – Juan Figallo (Saracens) Played the second half in the win over Newcastle and made an noticeable impact defensively. Subbed in at tighthead but we need a loosehead so we’ve drafted him over to the no1 shirt this week.

2 – Santiago Socino (Rotherham) Continued his loan from Newcastle as he started against Doncaster. Contributed to a high quality scrum and always effective in the loose but could use a little more work on his throwing.

3 – Francisco Gómez Kodela (Lyon) No real standouts and his side did not look great against Brive but the former Pumas tighthead did his part in the scrum at least. Hopefully next week we have a few more options in the front row.

4 – Manuel Carizza (Racing 92) Another quality match in the set piece and on defense. Castres were no match for the defending French champions and Carizza was a key figure up front.

5 – Mariano Galarza (Gloucester) Another week, another strong game, this one among his best performances of the season. Always top class in the lineout and his defensive work is well-known, he added some quality carries this week though his side came up short against Harlequins.

6 – Justin Blanchet (Bedford) An 80-minute effort in a shootout at Goldington Road that saw the Blues edge Jersey 39-37. It’s the physical stuff that Blanchet revels in, with crunching tackles and plenty of graft at the breakdown.

7 – Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe (Toulon) Didn’t get many chances with ball in hand but his work rate off the ball was exemplary. Made several tackles but couldn’t quite will his team to victory.

8 – Sergio Parisse (Stade Français) Couldn’t get much out of his teammates but the captain was good enough to get in our side. Might be considering a move to Rome having seen his club faltering badly in the past couple seasons.

9 – Juan León Novillo (Calvisano) With no natural scrumhalves to choose from this week we’ve had to convert Novillo, normally a flyhalf but with the physical attributes and skills to play either halfback role. Seven conversions and some fine distribution as San Donà were put to the sword.

10 – Brian Ormson (Viadana) A massive game for the former Pumitas captain who orchestrated the dominant win over Mogliano. Scored two tries himself and 25 points in all in a reminder that there are some top players who would benefit greatly from a second Super Rugby franchise.

11 – Chris Wyles (Saracens) Just another day at the office for the Fezheads favorite. Makes up for his lack of top level pace with great running lines and a knack for being in the right place at the right time.

12 – Ronnie McLean (Richmond) Has been a crucial part of the midfield for the semi-pro side this season, in both attack and defense. Stood up once again as Richmond gave undefeated London Irish a scare and even managed to pick up a losing bonus point.

13 – Marcelo Bosch (Saracens) Scored another try and proved a key figure on attack. Tackling was up to its usual high standards. His top form of this season continues.

14 – Axel Müller (Toulon) The most potent attacker for Toulon against Montpellier, he proved a menace with ball in hand. Still only on an academy contract, look for him to get an upgrade next season.

15 – Patricio Fernández (Clermont) A big game going forward and with the boot, scoring 17 points in all including a try in the big win over Paris. Not so hot in defense so we’ve shifted him to fullback to make room for the excellent Ormson.