Team of the Week

It’s another first for Americas Rugby News. This is the first time a weekly selection has included both men and women in the team. With the Women’s Rugby World Cup wrapping up but also the beginning of the French domestic season, it seemed best to recognize the best of each.

Of note is that Canada have the largest number of players included. While the USA finished one spot above in the final standings, it was Canada’s week with two dominant wins closing out their World Cup campaign. Meanwhile Argentina have only one player named after a disappointing match against the Springboks. This coming week we welcome the return of the Aviva Premiership, the Greene King IPA Championship, and the new-look Guinness Pro 14.

1 – Hope Rogers (USA) Surprisingly used as a reserve for most of the tournament, she finally got her chance against France and was the USA’s best forward. At just 24 she now has two World Cups under her belt and could have a couple more ahead if she chooses.

2 – Facundo Bosch (Agen) It wasn’t a happy welcoming for Agen in their return to the Top 14 but it was a decent showing from Bosch in his French debut. Performed well in the set piece and even picked up a try, smartly touching down at the bottom of the uprights in the first half against Montpellier.

3 – Francisco Gómez Kodela (Lyon) Tabbed to start ahead of high profile signing Clement Ric, the Argentine produced another fine performance as Lyon scored a superb win on the road at Stade Jean Bouin. Rock solid in the scrum and managed to hit double digits in tackles before being swapped for Ric for the final half-hour.

4 – Cindy Nelles (Canada) Handed a starting role against both Wales and Australia and was superb in each. Scored a try in the first match and the leading tackler in the second. Hampered by injuries in 2016, she now looks ready to take on the world.

5 – Pablo Huete (Bayonne) His team was nearly embarrassed at home by Béziers but managed to pull out a win at the end. The big Chilean played a significant role as usual, lasting all 80 minutes and acting as the primary target at the lineout.

6 – Facundo Isa (Toulon) A barnstorming performance in his first official match for his new team. His absence from the Pumas based on the ill-thought UAR policy makes a mockery of Argentine rugby.

7 – Karen Paquin (Canada) Produced two sensational tries and created more with her world class linking ability. One of the most exciting players in the game at the top of her powers. A return to the HSBC Sevens Series looks on the cards for the upcoming season.

8 – Kelly Russell (Canada) Another who is arguably the best in the world at her position, though England’s Sarah Hunter is justifiably in that conversation as well. Russell’s leadership, strength with ball in hand, and ability to read what is in front of her makes her an ideal choice as captain and No 8.

9 – Brianna Miller (Canada) Stepped in for the injured Lori Josephson and responded with two class displays. 15 points in a starring role against Wales and a supporting but integral piece of the match against Australia.

10 – Benjamín Urdapilleta (Castres) Not a winning performance but certainly one worthy of recognition. Excellent on both sides of the ball, his 11 points from the boot helped Castres grab an important bonus point on the road against a powerhouse Racing 92 side.

11 – Emiliano Boffelli (Argentina) One of very few in a Pumas jersey to come away with stock up from Saturday. Outstanding with ball in hand and two long-range penalty goals underscoring his value to the team. Juan Imhoff and Taylor Paris were also excellent for their respective teams at Stade Yves-du-Manoir.

12 – Alev Kelter (USA) Two excellent performances in the space of a week. Try-scorer against New Zealand and creator against France. Solid goal kicking, running, and tackling. A bona fide star in the women’s game.

13 – Amanda Thornborough (Canada) Split her time with Andrea Burk at inside centre for much of the tournament, but got a run at outside centre against Australia and one has to say it might be her best position. Scored once and distributed for another, her strength in the tackle makes her a potent weapon in the outside channel.

14 – Elissa Alarie (Canada) Two tries apiece against Wales and Australia, not a bad week on the job. Moved to the wing to make room for Zussman and showed no ill-effects, instead providing Canada with complete coverage and counter-attacking potential at the back. Hardly put a foot wrong in Ireland.

15 – Julianne Zussman (Canada) Only Zussman could have pushed Alarie to the wing, and the World Cup Dream Team selection showed why with her stunning play against both Wales and Australia. One of her country’s best performers in the tournament, if not the best.