Team of the Week

We’ve had to reach into amateur rugby for our select side this week, and yet none of the names look entirely out of place in a professional side. It’s another reminder of the talent waiting for a reliable professional competition to establish itself in North America. Perhaps the next great venture will enjoy greater longevity than the last. In the professional ranks there were precious few Americas options with European knockout rugby underway and those based in France largely disappointing. The Jaguares came close to defeating the Lions but somehow still left a little to be desired.

1 – Lucas Noguera Paz (Jaguares) Steady match for the youngster who now has an impressive resume for a front rower of only 23 who is still a couple years away from his prime. Could seek the help of old mentor Marcos Ayerza to learn a few more scrum tricks with the Leicester legend now hanging up the boots and due to return home.

2 – Agustín Creevy (Jaguares) Hard to fault the fearless leader for the narrow loss to the Lions. Huge presence in the loose as a carrier and scavenger at the breakdown and perfect with his set piece work. One does wonder how long he can keep it up given the enormous workload he is under.

3 – Chris Baumann (Austin Blacks) Provided a big boost to the front row as he pitched up against the Huns in the Battle of Austin. Notched a try but it wasn’t quite enough as a last-gasp conversion gave the Huns a one-point win. Neil Courtney went well for UBC in the loose but probably wouldn’t be pleased with the outcome in the scrum.

4 – Guido Petti (Jaguares) Under pressure from young Marcos Kremer for his position for both ‘club’ and country, Petti produced a very strong effort against the Lions. A force in the lineout and ran with purpose, even picking up a try while loitering on the wing.

5 – Robert Meeson (Seattle Saracens) You don’t get anything flash from the former Sacramento Express starter. What you do get is a huge workrate, an intelligent set piece operator, and consistency. That’s exactly what he brought in the big win over the Ravens on Saturday.

6 – Rodrigo Báez (Jaguares) Fine finish for his try as he reached out in traffic. Superb going forward and useful again in the lineout. An underrated player who should be first choice somewhere but sees his chances limited by Argentina’s one-team selection policy.

7 – Cecil Garber (Seattle Saracens) Another PRO export starring in the Seattle park after an eye-catching season with the San Diego Breakers. Showed his try-scoring exploits were no fluke with a fine finish up the middle and was ever-present around the pitch.

8 – Benjamín Macome (Jaguares) It’s not often you see a 31 year old making his Super Rugby debut. Macome made the most of his opportunity, making the hard yards and providing sturdy defense. Even came away with a couple turnovers. Well done.

9 – Phil Mack (James Bay) Not the flash-and-dash we expect but given the conditions an impossibility. Gave his all in a beaten side with some disruptive play and dedicated defense, though he had to do a bit more cover tackling than he would have liked.

10 – Nicolás Sánchez (Jaguares) Missed one penalty goal but converted all three tries. Excellent in defense and showed his class with ball in hand. Cut-out pass put Báez in for a score.

11 – Taylor Paris (Agen) A close call with Bautista Ezcurra showing his all-round talents for the Jaguares, but Paris is pure winger and he was in top form as Agen slaughtered Vannes. While George Tilsley got the glory with four tries it was Paris doing the ‘dirty work’, chasing kicks and coming in off his wing to slice up the middle and create overlaps out wide.

12 – Jerónimo de la Fuente (Jaguares) Continues his outstanding early season form. One of the best midfield runners in Super Rugby this season, he consistently makes or breaks the gain line and did so repeatedly against the Lions. Has he done enough to upgrade his status from bench player to test starter?

13 – Marcelo Bosch (Saracens) Has stepped up his game this season after perhaps slipping somewhat last year. Shut down the Munster attack in Dublin with sterling defense to help Sarries reach another European final.

14 – Sean Duke (UBC Thunderbirds) Two second half tries helped his side to a dominant 29-15 win over James Bay. No longer in the reckoning for international selection but still a very handy asset at club level. Chris Wyles had a try-scoring impact as a substitute for Saracens.

15 – Shalom Suniula (Seattle Saracens) Doesn’t seem to care what number is on his back, a feature that can be a blessing at domestic level but sometimes a curse for selectors. Put on a stepping clinic from the back with his international sevens experience shining through.