Team of the Week

With one of their all-time great victories on the weekend it comes as no surprise to see more than half the side come from Uruguay this week. Despite the immense disappointment a couple Canadians managed to squeeze in along with a few players from the Jaguares exhibition against the Argentina XV, with two players in England rounding out the side.

1 – Mateo Sanguinetti (Uruguay) Charged through the line to set up a try, doing just enough to hold on to the ball in the tackle to maintain possession. Made a couple big hits in defense and won his personal battle in the scrum. On track to win his 50th cap in the final game of the ARC, at only 25 years of age he could become the first Uruguayan centurion if he carries on at this rate.

2 – Julián Montoya (Jaguares) A try-scoring effort against the Argentina XV in a match that saw him packing down at loosehead prop for a spell to cover for injuries. With rumors of a move to Gloucester proving unfounded, it’s hoped that Mario Ledesma will give Montoya opportunities to challenge the world class but aging Agustín Creevy.

3 – Mario Sagario (Uruguay) It wasn’t the best week for tighthead props. Benjamin Espinal has his moments for the Argentina XV but we’ll take Sagario despite a couple hiccups in the scrum. To his credit he seemed to adjust as the match went on and his contributions in the tight-loose were meaningful.

4 – Ignacio Dotti (Uruguay) With tries scored in back-to-back matches for Los Teros, has he become a secret weapon on offense? The Uruguayan pack won a decisive battle over their opposites and the second row set the standard. At only 23 he still has room to mature physically but his commitment is unquestionable and he has a good rugby brain.

5 – Rodrigo Capó Ortega (Uruguay) Delivered everything that was expected of him and then some. A colossus in the tight-loose, he out-muscled the Canadians and bulldozed his way over the line for a crucial score. What a joy to see him in a Uruguayan jersey once again.

6 – Evan Olmstead (Canada) There wasn’t a lot of bright spots for Canada but their flanker pairing kept the team in the game with other players under-performing. Matt Heaton made numerous tackles while Olmstead was a nuisance. His well-taken try earns him a spot in the side. Another Canadian flanker, Justin Blanchet, had a very good game for Bedford against Bristol.

7 – Juan Manuel Gaminara (Uruguay) Celebrated his 50th test cap with one of his best games for his country. If Olmstead was a nuisance, Gaminara was utterly intolerable from a Canadian perspective. Abrasive, confrontational, and completely determined to drag his team to victory with every breath.

8 – Rodrigo Bruni (Argentina XV) Some big names were quiet on the weekend but not so Mr. Bruni. Played the second half against Los Jaguares and made a real statement, bashing his way over for a try and showing up the selectors for ignoring his outstanding form. Santiago Montagner also looked impressive. Expect both to make a big impact in the ARC starting on Saturday in LA.

9 – Santiago Arata (Uruguay) Underscored his class with another cracking performance and in doing so outplayed his far more experienced opposite. If the European talent agencies weren’t interested before they must be now. His try caught a disheveled Canadian defense completely unawares.

10 – Will Hooley (Bedford) Eagles fans will be pleased to hear that their new flyhalf had another quality outing for the Blues. Might have been rewarded with a victory over Bristol had his halfback partner, an England international, not had a poor match. Hooley made the right decisions and his execution both with hand and foot was on point.

11 – Nicolás Freitas (Uruguay) No tries scored and yet his selection was a formality ahead of several contenders. Hardly put a foot wrong and dominated every collision he entered. His tackle on DTH van der Merwe in the 76th minute was a statement that Los Teros will be ready and waiting in Montevideo.

12 – Juan Pablo Socino (Newcastle) If the whispers of a move to Bath are true it will be a hammer blow to the Falcons midfield where he has proved an inspired signing since joining from Rotherham in 2014. Newcastle were second best at the Rec on Saturday but Socino showed his class, creating what should have been a try with a nifty offload and keeping the Bath defense guessing throughout.

13 – Ben LeSage (Canada) A bit of a gamble heading into only his third test cap after looking a bit overwhelmed in prior outings. The UBC star had a terrific match, creating a try for van der Merwe with a classic outside break and performing admirably in defense. If he can maintain that form throughout the ARC he could have an international future after all.

14 – Bautista Delguy (Jaguares) Scoring two tries is usually enough to get a spot in the team but not so this week, as Juan Imhoff finds out. Delguy was at his mesmerizing best against the team he was originally set to play for on the weekend. Two tries in a performance that will have done his Super Rugby chances no harm whatsoever.

15 – Rodrigo Silva (Uruguay) After a terrific year in 2017 the gifted footballer has started 2018 in the best possible way. His try just a minute into the match sent Canada reeling and he was a key figure throughout. Another who should be on the radar of European scouts.