Team of the Week

It was a better week on the whole for Americas players in Europe, but the focus was elsewhere over the weekend. In fact it was the Estadio Charrúa once again that contributes more than a third of this week’s team as Old Christians defeated Old Boys to claim the Uruguayan club crown. Argentina had moments of quality against the Wallabies and Saracens played Newcastle in Philadelphia in what was a bit of a stinker but nevertheless provides one player to our selection.

1 – Eric Fry (Vannes) An excellent contribution from the Eagles prop as he put in more than 70 minutes of effort in the stunning win over Bayonne, only months removed from the Top 14. Now firmly established as his club’s first choice loosehead.

2 – Agustín Costa Repetto (Colomiers) Carried strongly throughout in the win over Charente, sliding under two defenders to score from close range in the first half. Still a fearsome competitor approaching his 35th birthday.

3 – Francisco Gómez Kodela (Lyon) His excellent form to start the season continues. Dominant in the scrum and outstanding in defense, leading his team in tackles as they pulverised Bordeaux at Matmut Stadium. Would not look out of place in a Pumas jersey at the moment.

4 – Jorge Zerbino (Old Christians) After a long absence from the sport due to a back injury following RWC 2015 the powerful combatant is at last back to his best. Produced an eye-catching performance including a try in the final that should propel him back into contention for Los Teros.

5 – Matías Alemanno (Argentina) Not the greatest week, yet again, for his side but he held up his side of the bargain. Handled his share of the heavy lifting with a committed defensive performance.

6 – Tyler Ardron (Bay of Plenty) Another whose side struggled as they came second best to Taranaki, but the Canadian export put in a commendable defensive effort at the back of the scrum that earns him a spot in our team on the blindside flank. Starting to adjust to the lightning-fast style of New Zealand rugby.

7 – Leandro Segredo (Old Christians) As of yet uncapped, it will be a surprise if the 22-year-old does not appear in the upcoming Americas Pacific Challenge. The former Teritos star was in terrific form against Old Boys, combining with Federico Favaro to create a fantastic length-of-the-field score.

8 – Tomás Lezana (Argentina) Started a match in the No 8 shirt for the first time and made a great impression with several powerful carries to fill the role that was asked of him. While his team has largely floundered, Lezana has reached new heights in 2017 and has surely found a permanent spot in the Pumas back row moving forward.

9 – Santiago Arata (Old Christians) Continues his rise in Uruguayan rugby as he was again one of the most influential players on the field. At only 21 years of age his full potential is still to be reached.

10 – Andrés De León (Old Christians) Three penalty goals and two conversions for 13 points in all in a fine performance for the winning team. His quick hands also created the overlap for Zerbino to race across the line. Will he get the call for the Americas Pacific Challenge?

11 – Chris Wyles (Saracens) A dream start for the Pennsylvania native playing withing driving distance of his home town. Didn’t stop with the early try as he made the most of every touch of the ball and looked very sharp in an otherwise dreary win over Newcastle at Talen Energy Stadium.

12 – AJ MacGinty (Sale Sharks) His commanding performance in the rout of London Irish demanded selection, so he’ll slot into the midfield for our team. Controlled the pace and direction of the Sharks attack and added 11 points with the boot.

13 – Juan Manuel Cat (Old Boys) Scored all 13 of his team’s points against Old Christians with an intercept try and conversion adding to two penalty goals. Looks to have made his move to the midfield from flyhalf a permanent one, with his attacking skills most effective at outside centre.

14 – Matías Moroni (Argentina) Scored a wonderful individual try in a losing cause against the Wallabies. His talent has never been in question but consistency and confidence have not always been there. Perhaps this can spark a return to progress.

15 – Federico Favaro (Old Christians) A thrilling player to watch at all times, the wildman was at his best in the final, dancing past defenders with panache. Finished off the try of the week in tandem with Segredo, a brilliant give-and-go that stretched past 70 metres from start to finish.