Team of the Week

There were a slew of European club pre-season matches over the weekend as well as the URBA Top 12, and of course Sunday’s Canadian Rugby Championship fixtures. The World Cup doesn’t come around often however, and with two games inside a week we’ve opted for an all-women’s team for this selection.

Of those unlucky special mention must go to Santiago Medrano, the young Argentine prop scoring two tries for Regatas against CASI. A number of Ontario Blues also stood out on Sunday, not least four-try hero Kainoa Lloyd and dominant halfback pair Andrew Ferguson and Shawn Windsor.

1 – Catie Benson (USA) Didn’t enter the tournament with the same ‘hype’ as Hope Rogers or the captain Tiffany Faaee but has delivered in all respects and then some. A major presence with ball in hand while performing her core roles with no hiccups.

2 – Laura Russell (Canada) Perhaps not as ‘noisy’ as one might have hoped but still a key cog in the wheel. Has carried strongly and been nearly perfect at the set piece across two games. Will play a big role if Canada are to upset New Zealand.

3 – DaLeaka Menin (Canada) The Maple Leafs are blessed with two of the world’s very best tighthead props along with Olivia DeMerchant. In Menin they might have the best. Her scrummaging prowess continues to rise while her impressions in the loose are unrivaled by any other front row forward.

4 – Jordan Gray (USA) She won’t like getting bumped up to ‘the row’ but we had to find a spot for her. The Canadian-born powerhouse has been the dominant ball carrier for the Eagles in their two matches, scoring once against Spain and sucking in defenders like a magnet.

5 – Latoya Blackwood (Canada) A fearsome loose forward, her country needs her at lock for now and so do we. Probably a couple missed tackles she would like to have back but her presence going forward simply cannot be overlooked.

6 – Sara Parsons (USA) The Eagles’ best forward over the first two games. A tackle machine while also racking up numbers with ball in hand. Looks to be in the form of her life at the moment.

7 – Karen Paquin (Canada) One of the world’s best in whatever code she plays, Paquin just seems to play the game at a different speed setting than the rest. Canada’s best tackler so far and near the top in virtually every category worth scrutinizing.

8 – Kelly Russell (Canada) Absolutely immense through the opening two fixtures as one might expect from a 50-cap veteran and captain of the side. Has more carries than any other player in the tournament thus far by a wide margin and tied with Menin for gain line success. Arguably the best forward in the tournament thus far.

9 – Lori Josephson (Canada) Not one of the star names in the Canadian lineup but has proved one of their best players. Always a threat to run and scored a vital try against Wales. Will test herself against the world’s best scrumhalf in Kendra Cocksedge on Thursday.

10 – Kimber Rozier (USA) There is no clear winner between Rozier and her Canadian counterpart Emily Belchos, with both showing faults at times. Rozier has been largely tasked with distributing to a deadly backline and in that regard she has succeeded so takes the decision victory.

11 – Magali Harvey (Canada) A massive performance in the win over Hong Kong and then followed up strongly against Wales but all-too-rarely got the ball in space. Must take every opportunity if Canada are to have a shot at upsetting the Black Ferns.

12 – Andrea Burk (Canada) Has split game time with Amanda Thornborough but made the most of her 80 minutes. Never fails to hit the gainline going forward and like an extra flanker at the breakdown. Unlucky not to nick another one against Wales with interpretation and a split-second in timing earning her a penalty instead.

13 – Alev Kelter (USA) Looks to be carrying a slight injury and didn’t get the start against Italy but sure made an impact when she was unleashed. Outstanding against Spain at inside center, we’ll take the USA’s best midfield attacker at outside center in our team.

14 – Naya Tapper (USA) Only the imperious Portia Woodman has racked up more meters, and the New Zealander has her ridiculous 8-try performance against Hong Kong to thank for that. As it is Tapper is only one behind Woodman in defenders beaten and has herself looked nearly unstoppable in one-on-one situations. England will be well advised to keep this one under close guard.

15 – Elissa Alarie (Canada) The vice-captain had a glory day against Hong Kong and also looked sharp against Wales on the wing. Will move back to fullback against New Zealand where her vision and defensive leadership are most valuable.