Team of the Week

With precious few Americas players suited up overseas and a bye week for the Jaguares, we opted for something different this week. The first all-female Team of the Week for Americas Rugby News. Of course it looks conspicuously like the Canadian women’s side, but that’s what happens when you win the Can-Am Cup by an aggregate score of 76-15. With a number of top players injured and unavailable for the Women’s Eagles it’s not all doom and gloom, rather a chance to see some new players learn some lessons against some of the world’s best.

1 – Carolyn McEwan (Canada) Selected more for her mobility rather than set piece dominance, she has made noticeable improvements in the scrum and now boasts a well-rounded skill set. Picked up a try in the first half of Tuesday’s match.

2 – Laura Russell (Canada) Has found a seemingly permanent home in the middle of the front row, only adding to an already impressive scrum unit. Performed well enough in the set piece and her play in the loose was outstanding as ever.

3 – DaLeaka Menin (Canada) Another selected for her ability to play an open game, with the powerful Olivia DeMerchant seen more as a set piece specialist. Menin proved herself no slouch in the scrum as she and her teammates dominated their opposites in both matches. Catie Benson went well for the USA in the loose but there is work to be done in the scrum.

4 – Tyson Beukeboom (Canada) A stunning three-try performance as a replacement in the first test earned her a start on Saturday. Now looks to have nudged her way ahead of close rivals Kayla Mack and Cindy Nelles for the spot to replace now-retired Maria Samson.

5 – Latoya Blackwood (Canada) Continues in the second row after a nice run of games on the flank. Still provides all the same blockbusting runs and smashing tackles that have become her trademark. Effectively an extra loose forward around the pitch.

6 – Jacey Grusnick (Canada) Will be her own harshest critic about the missed tackle on Jordan Gray in the first test but was otherwise her usual self. Adds a very physical presence to a nicely balanced back row trio. Christiane Pheil was the USA’s best forward in a beaten pack.

7 – Karen Paquin (Canada) One of the most exciting players in the team and one of the players of the series. Tireless work rate and the pace of a back that sometimes finds her almost too far ahead of her teammates. Could use some fine-tuning on her sideline radar but otherwise looks in top form.

8 – Kelly Russell (Canada) Led by example once again as she provided plenty of muscle in the tight-loose and dominated the gainline. Scored a try from the back of the scrum in each game. Her opposite Jordan Gray is outstanding with ball in hand but but as prevalent in defense.

9 – Chelsea Guthrie (Canada) Nothing too flash but she didn’t need it to be. Reminded the USA of the importance of an effective halfback connection with her tempo and accuracy driving the Canadian attack.

10 – Emily Belchos (Canada) Once again displayed her all-around talents with two complete performances. Has the ability to run, pass, or kick and more importantly takes what the defense gives her. Could use some work on her goal kicking but that goes for everyone.

11 – Naya Tapper (USA) If anything looked even more dangerous than she does in sevens. The dominant force from either team with ball in head, she is a real specimen with her combination of pace and power. The USA’s strategy going forward might not look too different from ‘get the ball to Naya’.

12 – Alev Kelter (USA) Another to come across from sevens and prove every bit as effective. Outstanding work rate in defense and ran hard lines on offense. Scored on try in the first test. Looks every bit a future Eagles captain in XVs as well.

13 – Brittany Waters (Canada) Underlined her versatility with two strong performances in the midfield, the first as a replacement and the second as a starter. No tries but linked perfectly with her outside backs and made good decisions in defense.

14 – Magali Harvey (Canada) Will have nightmares from defending Tapper in the first test but made up for it with her scintillating running on attack. Shifted to the left wing in the second test and finished with 17 points.

15 – Jessica Wooden (USA) Classy operator at the back for the Eagles who is always a threat on the counter attack. Always pops up in the right places going forward. Close call with her Canadian counterpart Julianne Zussman also impressive as ever.