Team of the Week

What a weekend for the Americas! Six games in all, five of them wins! It’s certainly the best single day of November results in Americas history, and might well be the best single day period. Only Chile were defeated and that was largely due to fielding a reserve side against Russia with fatigue also a factor. As such there were plenty of candidates and we didn’t even need to look at Europe to fill any gaps. We did have to go back for some re-watches though!

1 – Mateo Sanguinetti (Uruguay) The Teros front row was significantly outweighed by their opposites but gave the Namibians a torrid time in the scrum. Sanguinetti also had a strong game in the loose with several carries over the advantage line and even scored a try in the opening minutes.

2 – Joe Taufete’e (USA) Another front row unit that fared well was the Eagles, with the props unlucky not to earn selection after performing very well against a robust German pack. Big Joe led the way in both the tight and loose, scoring one try and making another.

3 – Juan Echeverría (Uruguay) A close call ahead of Dino Waldren who was noticeable in the loose, the Uruguayan anchor gets the nod for his outstanding scrum work. On one occasion he put in so much pressure his opposite bailed out entirely and just started walking backwards.

4 – Tomás Lavanini (Argentina) Another week out of the penalty box means another productive game from the Hindú giant. Didn’t make a lot of yardage but carried a lot into traffic and acted like a magnet. Also very physical in the contact area.

5 – Evan Olmstead (Canada) Has been frustrated with a lack of game time at Newcastle this season and is making up for it in Canadian colors. Even better than his solid game against Georgia, Olmstead was outstanding against Spain. In the middle of everything, he played like an extra loose forward.

6 – Cléber Dias (Brazil) Stuck in the second row for the Tupis but he’s really a blindside flanker and certainly played like one against Belgium. Put in a couple thunderous tackles and was Brazil’s most effective ball carrier among the forwards. His support play was rewarded with a crucial try that led to the historic result.

7 – Pablo Matera (Argentina) Another week, another great performance from one of the world’s best flankers. Brutal and relentless. Expect to see him up nominated for more than one of our year end awards next month. Matt Heaton was excellent for Canada and is worthy of honorable mention.

8 – Alejandro Nieto (Uruguay) Under pressure from youngster Manuel Diana for the driving seat in the scrum, Nieto was in vintage form against Namibia. Two tries in the first half and one in the second for his first career hat trick.

9 – Shaun Davies (USA) Up against the respectable challenges of Canada’s Phil Mack and Uruguayan sensation Santiago Arata, the winner might have been the latter had he not been substituted at the break. Davies was very good for the Eagles, controlled and accurate. Scored one try himself and set another up for Taufete’e.

10 – AJ MacGinty (USA) The other half of an effective combination with Davies. MacGinty was relaxed and directed play superbly, seamlessly mixing between kick, pass, and run. Glided through the line for a try of his own en route to 21 points in all.

11 – Taylor Paris (Canada) Plays the game with conspicuous intensity. There is no cruise control in his gear box. Scored two tries in the memorable win and his energy kept spirits up when the team was two scores down.

12 – Moisés Duque (Brazil) The Tupis look like a different team when he’s missing. Thankfully he wasn’t on Saturday, back in the run-on side against Belgium and back to being an inspirational leader. Quick hands put his wingers in space, and his deft chip over the line created the winning try for Felipe Sancery. Canada’s Ciaran Hearn was also in the discussion.

13 – DTH van der Merwe (Canada) Like his teammate Paris, the Newcastle star seems to be playing on another level when it comes to attack. Impossibly difficult to stop when given any kind of space. Two tries and an absolute menace every time he touched the ball.

14 – Federico Favaro (Uruguay) A tough call with a couple others like Sebastian Cancelliere of Argentina and Eagles standout Ryan Matyas lighting it up with ball in hand. Favaro wasn’t quite as prevalent in the loose but was magnificent from the kicking tee, a perfect 8-for-8 with his boot proving the difference in a wild game in Windhoek.

15 – Gastón Mieres (Uruguay) Was it his 50th cap? According to our records it was his 51st. Either way it was cause to celebrate as he started at his preferred fullback position and had a fine game with his counter-attacking preventing Namibia from gaining ground with their kicking game.