Team of the Week

It’s quite a mix of players this week as we’ve scoured the globe for standouts with Americas connections. In the end we’ve compiled a team selected from the Champions Cup, Pro D2, Fédérale 1, Greene King IPA Championship, and a trio from a game in Houston between a CDI Premier League side and a new Major League Rugby franchise. Next week it will be more of the same, but with an international twist as Uruguay takes on the SaberCats on Saturday.

1 – Djustice Sears-Duru (Ealing Trailfinders) The Canadian hasn’t seen a lot of game time this season, and we certainly share his frustrations. A 25-minute run-out against Connacht wasn’t ideal but you can only act on what you’re given, and he did that well enough. At least he’ll be fresh for the internationals!

2 – Agustín Costa Repetto (Colomiers) Continues his tremendous run of form with another try-scoring performance, this time against Narbonne. Signed a new two-year deal this past week that will see him keep on trucking past his 37th birthday.

3 – Mario Ottoño (Independiente) A nod to Matt Tierney who had a strong second half for Pau against Zebre. It won’t get him in the side this week, however, as Ottoño had a two-try game in the high-scoring win over Getxo Artea. The match saw Argentine players contribute all 46 points to his team.

4 – Jon Phelan (UBCOB Ravens) Not a bad day at the office for the towering Canadian international. Would have enjoyed the professional feel once again as he touched down in the corner in a memorable win over the Houston SaberCats. Will we see him in MLR some day?

5 – Pablo Huete (Bayonne) An 80-minute contribution to the big win at home over the division’s best team Montauban. It’s a real shame we won’t see the Chilean represent his country in the Americas Rugby Championship. Los Cóndores deserve to have access to their best players.

6 – Juan Pablo Guido (Independiente) Played in the second row this week but is more than capable on the blindside. The former Hindú player scored a try and captained his side to a convincing win that cements their spot in the top four.

7 – Justin Blanchet (Bedford Blues) Returned from a broken arm to play a key role in the road win over Ospreys Selects. Always a standout on defense, his carrying was also on display at Port Talbot. When will the Canadian selectors take notice?

8 – Leandro Pérez Galeone (Strasbourg) Back in action after the holiday break, his team scrapped to a win over Tarbes. The former Pumitas captain is now approaching the twilight of his career but remains a consistent performer in Fédérale 1.

9 – Mariano García (Independiente) A former Pumitas representative who has since been capped by Spain, the 28-year-old came on early in the second half and lifted the tempo. Scored one try and contributed heavily to a couple others.

10 – Benjamín Urdapilleta (Castres) Led his team to a rampant 39-0 humiliation of Leicester Tigers at Pierre Fabre. Bizarrely denied man-of-the-match honors despite scoring a fine individual score and putting on a kicking masterclass with 17 points all told.

11 – Sean Ferguson (UBCOB Ravens) It doesn’t seem to matter what number is on his back, the Brentwood College export always makes his mark. Looked for work and found holes in the SaberCats defense. Having represented Canada at every level outside of senior XVs, his experience and utility value makes him ideal for a future MLR franchise.

12 – Adam McQueen (UBCOB Ravens) Was this a coming-of-age party for the 23-year-old? We haven’t seen much of him since making his Canada ‘A’ debut at the age of 19 in 2013, but a man-of-the-match effort at Constellation Field might peak the interest of selectors once again. At the very least his kicking performance in Houston was top class.

13 – Francisco Guerrero (Independiente) While the rest were scoring tries, another Argentine was setting them up. Arriving from Banco Nación this season, the 22-year-old is an interesting prospect with powerful physique and strong attacking skills.

14 – Jeff Hassler (Ospreys) It’s not every day that a Canadian player lines up opposite a British & Irish Lion, and a test starter at that. Hassler shut down Liam Williams and was again his team’s most effective carrier as they held the defending European champions to a draw.

15 – Will Hooley (Bedford Blues) The soon-to-be Eagles flyhalf came on early when Harry Sheppard went off injured and led the Blues to a solid win over a scrappy Ospreys Select side. Bedford coach Mike Rayer will be desperate for a quick recovery from Sheppard with Hooley set for a starring role in the ARC.