Team of the Week

It was all guns blazing in Europe this past weekend with all the major divisions in action including some Aviva ‘A’ League fixtures. The Jaguares didn’t have the greatest game but there were more than enough options elsewhere to put together what looks a pretty handy side on paper.

1 – Carlos Muzzio (Mont-de-Marsan) Handed the captain’s armband for the match, the Corrientes native led from the front as the Montois smashed Bourgoin at Stade Pierre Rajon. Bonus points for managing to stay out of the bin during a huge punch-up that earned a red card for front row mate Jerónimo Negrotto.

2 – Joe Taufete’e (Worcester) The big man lasted a full 80 minutes a managed to grab a try off the back of a driving maul. His lineout throwing was top notch and despite the loss his strong form will be very good news for Eagles fans as we inch towards the June internationals.

3 – Gastón Cortes (Bristol) With relegation all but certain his club nevertheless put in a heroic effort against Exeter, making an unbelievable 277 tackles only to fall short by four points. Cortes was one of five of his teammates to reach 20 or more tackles, showing incredible commitment in tight to prevent the Chiefs from running away with the game despite an overwhelming advantage in possession.

4 – Evan Olmstead (Newcastle) A close decision over Brett Beukeboom who also had a strong game for Cornish Pirates including one score in the defeat to Richmond. Olmstead takes the honors this time for a full match in the heart of the Falcons pack that saw them come away with a win over Gloucester thanks to a last minute penalty goal.

5 – Mariano Galarza (Gloucester) Could only watch as Joel Hodgson’s kick sailed over the crossbar but the lineout king will know that he gave his all in defeat. Once again the top tackler for Gloucester, his contributions all season have been outstanding.

6 – Jebb Sinclair (London Irish) Started in the second row but switched to flanker for the final 15 minutes and relished the freedom, with one picturesque line break and offload creating a late score in the record win over Rotherham. Will be very pleased to get through a full 80 minutes for the first time this season.

7 – Tomás Lezana (Jaguares) The best of the Jaguares forwards in an otherwise lackluster performance against the Sharks. Covered a heap of ground defensively and though his carries weren’t great in number they were all effective.

8 – Facundo Isa (Lyon) A storming match from the Argentine powerhouse who finally got to start in his favored position with Carl Fearns a reserve this week. Isa was the dominant player on the pitch as LOU squeaked out a one-point road win over Castres.

9 – Gonzalo Bertranou (Jaguares) Buoyed by the absence of competition at scrumhalf but still put in a reasonable effort. Played well enough to retain his spot ahead of Felipe Ezcurra, though he will be mindful that his competition is not far behind.

10 – AJ MacGinty (Sale) Looks more at home in the Sale team with every opportunity and led the Sharks to a decisive win over Worcester. MacGinty landed five kicks at goal and orchestrated the attack with a good mix of running and kicking, including one brilliant offload from the deck. Patricio Fernández returned for Clermont and put in a few strong runs though his team ultimately fell short.

11 – Juan Imhoff (Racing 92) Lovely inside-out step to finish off a pass from Ben Tameifuna for a vital first half score in the two-point win over Pau. Soft hands put Henry Chavancy into the corner in the second half. All in a day’s work for the Rosario star.

12 – Connor Braid (Cavaliers) Admittedly the toughest selection of the week with Ronnie McLean scoring in Richmond’s win over the Pirates, Jerónimo de la Fuente going well for Jaguares in defeat, and Juan Pablo Socino in fine form for Newcastle. Braid actually played at flyhalf for Worcester Cavaliers in their Aviva ‘A’ win over Leicester and won universal praise for his 19 points including two tries. His top performance demanded selection in the side.

13 – Juan Pablo Estelles (Wanderers) Another who stood out in Aviva ‘A’ League action as he ripped over for a pair of tries and created havoc with every touch. Has earned an extended deal with Saints but it’s a mystery why he hasn’t seen more action for the first team this season.

14 – DTH van der Merwe (Scarlets) Slipped up briefly in defense but more than made up for it with three tries against Benetton Treviso. The classy operator certainly cannot be accused of letting up now that his future lies in England.

15 – Martín Bustos Moyano (Bayonne) Stood out in a defeated side as his club capitulated to Stade Français at home. Kicked 11 points and countered superbly. Remains Top 14 quality though his side is now destined for Pro D2 next season.