Team of the Week

This past week we saw more international action with mixed fortunes for the Americas teams. Canada and the USA each performed very well and the entire XV could have justifiably been split between those two sides. Argentina’s scoreline wasn’t too bad but their second half showing was dreadful, while Uruguay suffered an embarrassing defeat to Fiji. We did manage to squeeze in four South American players – three from the match in Asunción and one who stood up at Hartpury.

1 – Titi Lamositele (USA) We’re not used to seeing the Eagles intentionally call for a scrum against Romania, but that’s what was happening on Saturday. Lamositele went to work with the forwards and they beat the Oaks at the set piece and around the park. Hubert Buydens also went well for Canada against Germany.

2 – Ray Barkwill (Canada) There’s no denying the grizzled veteran. One overthrow aside he was in the wars against Germany and went almost 80 minutes once again. At 38 years old his every move is met with scrutiny but he continues to defy the odds with a second World Cup now potentially on the horizon.

3 – Matt Tierney (Canada) Got the nod ahead of Jake Ilnicki this week and made the most of his opportunity. The German scrum was a discussion point during the week. Tierney certainly got the better of Julius Nostadt there, and while he lost the ball in contact a couple times his numerous carries into heavy traffic put Canada on the front foot. Paul Mullen and his replacement Dino Waldren were both positives for the Eagles.

4 – Evan Olmstead (Canada) Brought his ‘A’ game with an outstanding all-round effort, winning a couple key turnovers at the breakdown and carrying with purpose. His second row partner Mike Sheppard was also excellent in his first test start. His thunderous tackle on German hooker Kurt Haupt effectively knocked one of their best ball carriers out of the game.

5 – Nick Civetta (USA) The Eagles second row was at the heart of their win, and like Canada it was hard to choose which one to include. Greg Peterson had one of his best games for the USA putting in a huge shift. Civetta dominated the lineout and carried well with his offload setting Ruben de Haas up for try.

6 – Kyle Baillie (Canada) Arguably the team’s best player since returning from shoulder surgery. His impact on both sides of the ball was tremendous with big tackles and big carries. We’ll forgive him for one ill-advised penalty on the deck. New Orleans fans are in for a treat.

7 – Lucas Rumball (Canada) Like Tierney, Rumball was handed the start ahead of Matt Heaton and he took his chance with both hands. Powered his way over for a try in the first half and gave every last ounce of energy until being replaced by Heaton at the hour mark. Their battle for the No7 shirt is set to continue in the months ahead.

8 – Tyler Ardron (Canada) His best performance in a Maple Leaf for some time. Carried two defenders with him over the line to score what would prove the winning try just after halftime. A banker in the lineout and an imposing figure throughout.

9 – Santiago Arata (Uruguay) A nod to the USA’s Ruben de Haas, who made a statement before coming off injured late in the game. Arata is our choice, however, after showing bravery and determination for Los Teros against insurmountable odds. Possibly the only man on his team to leave the game with his reputation enhanced.

10 – Domingo Miotti (Sudamérica XV) Left out of the Pumas tour in favor of Joaquin Diaz Bonilla, there will be a real contest between the two for the No10 shirt at the Jaguares this coming season. Miotti kicked 10 out of 11 conversions and was in complete control for the select side against Paraguay.

11 – Jhon Arley Urrutia (Sudamérica XV) The lightning-fast Colombian got a rare opportunity to play alongside some of his Argentine opponents in a friendly against Paraguay. He would grab two scores himself and as usual caused fits with ball in hand.

12 – Bryce Campbell (USA) Played at outside center for the Eagles but we’ve shifted him inside one spot to the position he regularly plays for London Irish. Romania struggled to contain the two midfield titans, the other Paul Lasike, with Campbell tearing away for two tries.

13 – Ben LeSage (Canada) Didn’t get his name on the score sheet but proved a real handful for the German defense who simply weren’t capable of playing to the standards of the Canadians. LeSage isn’t the fastest or most powerful but he is committed and intelligent. He won’t jump to MLR in 2019 but professional rugby will come calling when his studies are up at UBC.

14 – Marcelo Matiauda (Paraguay) One his country’s brightest young talents, the 19-year-old scored two tries in the heavy defeat to the Sudamérica XV. Matiauda is just 19 years old and plays in the Brazilian Super 16 where he was the 4th-leading points scorer in the competition for Curitiba.

15 – Will Magie (USA) Actually lined up at flyhalf – a late replacement for Will Hooley – and he delivered a composed match. Distributed well and nailed the cross-kick to Tim Maupin for a late try. Did enough to earn selection so we’ll take him at fullback, the position he played against the Māori.