Team of the Week

The slow start to the season continued with several European-based professionals from the Americas performing well below their best this week, and others not even seeing the field. Newcastle were very much an exception, however, with their near-historic road win over Bath followed up with a crushing victory by their Development side over Sale Jets in Aviva ‘A’ League action. We had to scour the globe for other contenders, roping in talent from the Mitre 10 Cup, the CDI Premier League, and even the USA where the Glendale Raptors disguised as the Merlins romped over Mystic River at Infinity park.

1 – Eric Fry (Vannes) It was another excellent week for the California native, who slogged through the trenches for more than an hour as Vannes defeated Biarritz. Also named in the Pro D2 Team of the Week, his form demands consideration for the upcoming Eagles tour in November.

2 – Santiago Socino (Newcastle Falcons) You couldn’t have asked for any more of the ‘other’ Socino in his first ever Premiership start. His set piece work was on point and the subtle passing game along with his carrying and a huge effort in defense also earned him a spot in multiple Premiership XVs from the weekend. His impressive effort means fine games from Agen’s Facundo Bosch and Glendale’s Zach Fenoglio, each try-scorers, earn only honorable mention this week.

3 – Juan Figallo (Saracens) A professional performance against an overwhelmed Sale team at Allianz Park. You know what you are going to get from ‘Chipi’ every time he runs on the pitch. Glendale’s Kelepi Fifita also impressed against Mystic River. His next challenge will be in the Americas Pacific Challenge.

4 – Casey Rock (Glendale Merlins) Just a couple years ago the big man was leaning towards retirement with his body struggling to cope with the day-to-day strain, but he seems to be managing his workload well and certainly looked in good nick on the weekend. Soft hands put Luke White into space and Rock was on hand to take the return offload in for the try.

5 – Evan Olmstead (Newcastle Development) It wasn’t with the senior side but the Canadian lock certainly put forth his best effort for a recall with a strong time in the Aviva ‘A’ League win over Sale Jets. A banker in the lineout and his characteristic carrying game in the loose.

6 – Tony Lamborn (Hawke’s Bay) The Magpies were shown up by Taranaki and the Eagles flanker must be getting frustrated. He put in countless tackles in the heavy defeat. Remains one of Hawke’s Bay’s best.

7 – Andrew Durutalo (Ealing Trailfinders) If he keeps up this kind of form he might not be a Championship player for much longer. Crashed through the line with almost disturbing ease to score under the posts. Ealing are a different side with him on the pitch.

8 – Facundo Isa (Toulon) What more is there to be said? Played flanker but looked like a No 8. Wreaked havoc all over the pitch. The best Argentine rugby player in the world at the moment.

9 – Shaun Davies (Glendale Merlins) A bit of an armchair ride from the forwards as Glendale blasted Mystic River but you can only judge the players on performance. Controlled his forwards, distributed well, and even snuck in for a try of his own. Jorden Sandover-Best had a good week getting named to the Canada ‘A’ side and scoring a try as a replacement for the UBCOB Ravens.

10 – Will Magie (Glendale Merlins) Like his halfback partner wasn’t under heaps of pressure but maintained his high standards. Quality passing game opened space for his outside backs and a lovely cross-kick found Peter Dahl wide open to score in the corner. UBCOB conductor Harjun Gill won plaudits for his outing this weekend as did Sean White, who stepped up after Patrick Parfrey was a late withdrawal to guide James Bay past Burnaby Lake.

11 – Sean Duke (UBC Thunderbirds) The T-Birds took first blood in the Wightman Boot series and also claimed a spot in the Canadian University Rugby Championship by defeating UVic 44-24 at Wallace Field. Duke claimed two scores for the winners, using his pace and smooth footwork to finish both.

12 – Juan Pablo Socino (Newcastle Falcons) Overshadowed by his brother’s breakthrough performance and happily so, but the elder Socino earns his place in his own right. A couple slip-ups in defense but his go-forward was crucial as Falcons just edged Bath by a single point in a great match at The Rec.

13 – Belisario Agulla (Newcastle Development) Another on Aviva ‘A’ League duty who did his chances no harm. Sold an audacious dummy to score in the first half and grabbed something of a forward’s try from close range early in the second.

14 – DTH van der Merwe (Newcastle Falcons) Didn’t see the ball as much as he would have liked but did what was asked in his Falcons debut. First to the ball from a Craig Willis grubber to claim a try in the thrilling win over Bath.

15 – Theo Sauder (UBC Thunderbirds) Another standout from the victory over the Vikes was the Canada u20 graduate, whose presence in a senior Canadian representative side is surely just a matter of accepting an invitation at this point. Cruised past defenders at will creating scores for his teammates while contributing three conversions and a penalty goal.