Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Canadian heavyweight Adam Zaruba has been selected to the official HSBC Dream Team for the Wellington 7s. The 120kg (265lbs) giant enjoyed his finest tournament to date, the 19th in his career since making his debut in October 2014. A superb individual performance against Scotland in the opening match put Canada on the front foot, with his powerful running and commitment at the restarts proving invaluable throughout. Zaruba is selected as a forward though he lined up on the wing for Canada.
Joining Zaruba up front is the selections is 1.95cm (6’5″) Fijian star Jasa Veremalua, with South African hooker Kwagga Smith completing the forward trio. Two more Fijians are included in the backs in the form of halfback Jerry Tuwai and the versatile Joeli Lutumailagi. Scottish scoring machine James Fleming and Blitzbokke superstar Seabelo Senatla, undoubtedly player of the tournament, complete the team.
Of those surely considered but ultimately not selected are a trio of Americas standouts. Long-time Canadian playmaker Nathan Hirayama was in vintage form in Wellington, with his stepping ability creating space for others when not breaking through himself.
Newcomers Matías Osadczuk and Lautaro Bazán were both exceptional for Los Pumas. Osadczuk, a winger in the XVs game, has adapted in no time to the forwards role in the shortened game, while halfback Bazán’s quickness and deceiving strength have marked him as a dangerous attacker and possible long-term successor to now-retired Olympian Nicolás Bruzzone.
