Team of the Week

With so many games over the past week it’s been difficult to check out all the action but we’ve just about made it in time for another crazy weekend. Major League Rugby, June tests, the Nations Cup, the u20 World Championship… there’s no time for rest when there’s so much to take in!

1 – Nicolás Solveyra (Argentina XV) Had two starts last week. The first was a try-scoring effort against Fiji and the second an impressive performance against Uruguay that saw him defeat Juan Echeverría in the scrum, earning the Teros tighthead a trip to the sin bin and a penalty try for Argentina.

2 – Joe Taufete’e (USA) At his rampaging best for the Eagles, grabbing a double in the dominant win over Russia. Will be a key player in the tougher contest coming up against Scotland. Dylan Fawsitt also impressed for Glendale and will be on the USA bench this weekend.

3 – Lucas Favre (Argentina XV) The stocky tighthead got the day off against Fiji and looked fresh for the battle against Uruguay. He gave Mateo Sanguinetti all he could handle in the scrum, eventually contributing to a penalty try. He then grabbed a score himself, powering over from close range.

4 – Samu Manoa (USA) Had no complaints about lining up at lock and his impact in the loose was as if he was in the back row. Several strong carries against the Russians and his usual presence in defense including one highlight reel hit that just slipped up into penalty territory.

5 – Ignacio Larrague (Argentina XV) Both his competitors Ignacio Dotti and Manuel Leindekar played well for the victorious Uruguay but we’ve opted for Argentina’s big man. Rested for the game against Fiji but came back with a vengeance against Los Teros, with numerous charges into the line. He sent players flying both in the tackle and with ball in hand.

6 – Eric Duechle (Seattle Seawolves) A one-man wrecking crew in the come-from-behind win over Austin. Showed an impressive turn of pace with two huge outside line breaks and was excellent in defense. After starting the season as a reserve player will now be hard to leave out of a full-strength side.

7 – Leandro Segredo (Uruguay) A tough call with John Quill in fine form with the Eagles but given the gravity of the match we’ve opted for Segredo. Making just his second senior appearance, the Old Christians flanker put his hand up for World Cup selection with an all-action performance, with his defensive work rate and commitment of particular note.

8 – Cam Dolan (USA) His strong form continued against Russia. Made ground with ball in hand, linked well, and a presence in the lineout. Broke a couple tackles to score late in the game. Looks to be playing his best rugby with a starting role in the World Cup now in his sights.

9 – Agustín Ormaechea (Uruguay) Handed back-to-back starts for Los Teros, a significant feat in itself having seemingly relinquished the first-choice spot to Santiago Arata. Ormaechea proved he’s not out of the fight yet with two assured performance and also reminded of his other skills with a well-struck conversion from a tough angle against Emerging Italy.

10 – Felipe Berchesi (Uruguay) Came off the bench to secure the win against Emerging Italy, and then put in a classy performance against Argentina with 16 points from the boot to lead Los Teros to their second consecutive Nations Cup title. Maximo de Achaval also impressed for Glendale as he filled in for Will Magie against the SaberCats.

11 – Leandro Leivas (Uruguay) A titanic presence on the wing against Argentina, blasting his way through backs and forwards alike with numerous charges down the line. Bumped off the formidable Rodrigo Bruni on one memorable gallop and was rewarded with a try in one of his best performances for his country.

12 – Marcel Brache (USA) Played on the wing but had to be in the side after his excellent two-try performance. Scored a wonderful solo effort and found success with each touch of the ball. His versatility makes him a highly valuable squad member heading towards the World Cup. Andres Vilaseca went well for Uruguay and Jerónimo de la Fuente was a rare bright spot for Los Pumas against Wales.

13 – Ryan Matyas (San Diego Legion) Clearly disappointed to be left out of the Eagles side against Russia, Matyas got his first start in the midfield with the Legion and proved his class with several scorching runs. Grabbed one try for himself and was in the middle of a couple others.

14 – Harley Davidson (Glendale Raptors) Three more tries to vault up to the top of the MLR leader board. One intercept and two finishes. Very nearly had another but retained possession for his team to score in the next phase. One of the finds of the season.

15 – Conor Kearns (San Diego Legion) It is perhaps no surprise that the Oxford University captain would thrive in this environment but it was nonetheless impressive to see how seamlessly he fit into the Legion’s lineup. If San Diego manage to sneak into the playoffs they will have some interesting selection choices, particularly in the backline.