ARC Team of the Week – Round 1

It’s time for our first weekly selection of the best from the Americas Rugby Championship. This particular side took extra time to complete, as the rough conditions on the weekend made it difficult to compare one player from another. After some re-watches we think we’ve just about got it down. Hopefully this weekend’s weather cooperates a little more. From the sound of things it could be another rough one in Canada… is it too late to move the game to Chile?

1 – Mateo Sanguinetti (Uruguay) Despite some interesting interpretations from the officials, Sanguinetti had dominance in the scrum and never looked like going backwards. His work rate in the loose is what got him into the Uruguayan side in the first place and he didn’t disappoint against the Eagles.

2 – Yan Rosetti (Brazil) It might have been a try-scoring day for Facundo Gattas, but fundamentals are everything for a hooker and Rosetti led the way with his pinpoint accuracy at the lineout. The smallest hooker in the competition also had a busy day around the park before finally giving way in the 77th minute to mentor Daniel Danielewicz.

3 – Wilton Rebolo (Brazil) Santiago Medrano scored a try with his first touch and made a couple heavy tackles which put him in the frame after an excellent 30 minute second half performance for the Argentina XV. Rebolo, however, played the entire match for Os Tupis, switching from tighthead to loosehead in the second half and never missing a beat in the scrum. Two of the brightest young prop forwards in South American rugby.

4 – Nate Brakeley (USA) It was a surprise to see him taken off the pitch with 20 minutes to play as he had been one of the Eagles’ best forwards to that point and the match was still up for grabs. A primary target in the lineout for new hooker Peter Malcolm and visible in the loose with several tackles. Brazilian duo Diego López and Lucas Piero also get a mention for their tireless commitment to the battle in São Paulo.

5 – Pedro Ortega (Argentina XV) Playing 80 minutes in what must have been the worst weather the Argentines have ever faced is an accomplishment in itself. Ortega continued where he left off last year with his high work rate around the pitch, committing entirely to a support role that is vital to continuity.

6 – Tomás de la Vega (Argentina XV) A tough choice with Uruguay’s dynamic openside Rodolfo Garese impressing on debut in San Antonio, particularly at the breakdown. Finding a spot for de la Vega, however, was necessary with the Argentine no8 the best loose forward on the field in the snow and rain of Langford. Ran well from the base, covered kicks, and generally did everything well in frightful conditions.

7 – Anton Petrowitsch (Chile) The best player in red by a mile at Pacaembu. Outstanding effort in the air, dominating the lineout and restarts. All over the pitch defensively as well, cutting down players in the middle and also out wide. Visibly frustrated with his team for much of the second half.

8 – Alejandro Nieto (Uruguay) One of the top players from Round One, the Uruguayan captain led by example with numerous carries over the gainline giving Los Teros a platform to attack from. Also strong over the ball in defense with one key turnover and a couple other near-misses.

9 – Sebastián Cancelliere (Argentina XV) A selection almost by process of elimination. No halfback was entirely convincing this week. Cancelliere challenged the fringe defense and did well to survive the frigid weather for more than 70 minutes – that alone requires recognition.

10 – Domingo Miotti (Argentina XV) The youngster showed unshakeable composure in the face of dreadful conditions and executed the game plan well enough to win. Didn’t fall into the trap of kicking to much but when he did, he kicked effectively. Josh Reeves also showed some very nice touches off his left boot against Chile, while Germán Albanell impressed for Uruguay.

11 – Taylor Paris (Canada) Easily his country’s best on a day when there was every excuse to be ordinary. Chased every high ball with complete commitment, defended well, and used footwork to evade the first and often second tackler.

12 – Moisés Duque (Brazil) Not much between he and Eagles stand-in AJ MacGinty, both similar players though their physiques might not suggest it. Duque’s kicking was more accurate than MacGinty, who missed a couple kickable shots late, so the Brazilian gets the nod.

13 – Bryce Campbell (USA) Running hard and straight is often a good policy from the midfield, and Campbell does that as well as any. Good support line gave him a try off the shoulder of MacGinty and another was called back because of advantage.

14 – Blaine Scully (USA) Aerial acrobatics were the name of the game with one landing him a try and another stopping a Uruguayan attempt. His leadership helped a stunned Eagles side escape what was nearly another surprise defeat to Los Teros.

15 – Bautista Delguy (Argentina XV) Never short of running despite playing in nightmarish conditions for a fullback. Delguy’s kick coverage was spot on his willingness to counterattack very nearly resulted in a couple more tries against an outnumbered Canadian defense.