Team of the Week

It wasn’t the greatest weekend for Americas players in Europe with relatively few putting up their hand in the Challenge and Champions Cup, but we were treated to some high quality domestic games to help bolster our selection.

The Brantford Harlequins wrapped up an undefeated season to claim the McCormick Cup, and there was a whole selection of games in the URBA Top 14 featuring a number of Argentine internationals. A pair of Colombians also found their way into the side after claiming the South American ‘B’ Championship.

1 – Francisco Piccinini (SIC) Started at hooker but switched to loosehead and was an instrumental part of his club’s comeback at El Clásico. Smashed the CASI scrum late in the game to earn a second penalty try en route to victory.

2 – Eric Howard (Brantford Harlequins) Two tries for a front rower is always a special day, made one better as the Canadian rake did it in the McCormick Cup Final. His first was something special as he simply willed himself through a half-dozen tacklers as if running through a gauntlet. Next stop Europe, then on to New Orleans.

3 – Graeme Mahar (Brantford Harlequins) The former Canada u20 representative was a wrecking ball in the scrum, pulverising both of his opposites to set the stage for the big win. Uncommonly trim for a tighthead, the 26-year-old is not short on strength and bashed his way over for the first try of the game in an inspired Cup Final performance.

4 – Tom van Horne (Brantford Harlequins) One half of a twin turbo engine room for the Harlequins that steamrolled the Beach scrum in Markham. He and brother Josh put in a mountain of piano moving and it was Tom who snuck away into the corner for an opportune try early in the second half.

5 – Manuel Leindekar (Oyonnax) It wasn’t a great outcome for his team, but it was a milestone for the young Uruguayan. His first appearance in first grade club rugby lasted over an hour and saw him make several tackles. There’s a long way to go yet but the 20-year-old has plenty of time on his side.

6 – Robert Barbieri (Benetton Treviso) What a turn of fortunes for the Italian Pro 14 sides this season. The former York Yeomen star was in fine form against French giants Toulon on Saturday, part of a sterling back row effort that nearly earned an historic upset. Barbieri bashed his way forward with ball in hand and earned a key turnover in defense.

7 – Lautaro Bavaro (Hindú) His team bounced CUBA by 34-14 with the star-studded back division running circles around their opposite. The battle had to be won up front first, however, and the Argentina XV skipper was prominent as ever securing possession and shutting down one-off runners.

8 – Sebastián Mejía (Colombia) Another try-scoring effort for El Capitán as Colombia ran rampant over Venezuela to claim the South American ‘B’ title. The driving force behind the Tucanes progress in recent years that will see them elevated to the new Sudamérica 6 Naciones ‘A’ Championship from next year.

9 – Agustín Figuerola (CASI) Lost out on the win at the death in El Clásico but can hold his head up high. Making his return to Argentine rugby after six years in France, the former Pumas halfback was outstanding, controlling the tempo of the game and nearly led his team to a famous win despite playing more than half the game with only 14 men.

10 – Shane O’Leary (Ealing Trailfinders) Couldn’t have asked for a better day at his old stomping ground as the Trailfinders put the Connacht Eagles to the sword by 71-14 in British & Irish Cup action. Eight conversions and an excellent overall performance that included a cross-kick for a try in O’Learys maiden start for Ealing since joining the club earlier this month.

11 – Chris Wyles (Saracens) The ageless marvel was at it again on Saturday, leading his team past a resilient Ospreys team in Champions Cup action at Allianz Park. A virtually flawless performance that saw him score one try and cause problems throughout, and his defense is always up to par.

12 – Ronnie McLean (Richmond) Didn’t get on the scoresheet but the US Eagles cap played a major role in the one-sided win over Rotherham. Tore up the midfield to create a couple scores and completely shut down the gainline in defense.

13 – Juan Ignacio Brex (Benetton Treviso) After a delayed start to his season the powerful Argentine is hitting his stride and having a significant impact for his new club. Brex had a memorable game against Toulon, sliding into the corner just minutes into the game. Rangy and strong, the 25-year-old is just now starting to reach his potential.

14 – Enrique García (Colombia) While the likes of Mejía and Gerson Ortiz were winning the war up front, García & Co. were deciding by how much. Two tries for the right winger as the Tucanes closed the door on their ‘B’ Championship days in style at Medellín.

15 – Jon West (Balmy Beach) Opposite a Canadian international in Rory McDonell but it was the age-grade cap who had the highlight reel for the day. A stunning 80-metre sprint through the Harlequins defense made things interesting in the Cup Final but ultimately the Beach fell short at Fletcher’s Fields.