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It was a bad week for the North Americans in the Americas Rugby Championship. Both sides offered up performances that will go down among their very worst ever in the competition. If we were grading them solely based on the team result neither would come close to having any players in our side, but individually we’ve somehow managed to find one from each for the team of Round 2.
The game in Montevideo was slightly different. It also won’t go down as an all-time classic but Chile were much better value than the week before and one player demanded inclusion. Uruguay took the win but were unconvincing aside from a couple dependable veterans.
1 – Lucas Abud (Brazil) An easy choice after the demolition job in Sao Jose dos Campos. There seemed to be nothing that Matt Tierney could do to stop the Brazilian front row from sending him reeling backwards. Abud’s 80-minute effort earned plaudits from around the world in the aftermath.
2 – Wilton Rebolo (Brazil) It’s not every day you see a front row player of his girth last the entire game, but when half of it is spent on the smart end of a meat grinder it’s easy to understand the motivation. Rebolo’s future likely remains at tighthead but for the time being he is doing a job as a makeshift hooker.
3 – Jardel Vettorato (Brazil) Has proved time and again that he is one of the premier scrummagers in South America. Perhaps it’s his occupation as a lawyer that keeps him from going pro. DJ Sears-Duru may need therapy to erase the horrific mauling received from Vettorato on Saturday.
4 – Diego Magno (Uruguay) Los Teros were not at their best against Chile but their most experienced player did not let his standards drop. This time he was rewarded with a try, fighting his way over the line mid-way through the second half to secure the win.
5 – Franco Molina (Argentina XV) A dominant figure on the pitch until he was replaced after his team’s sixth try. Stole an early lineout throw and was the primary target for the Argentines. Showed a soft pair of hands and awareness with his perfect pass that put Gaspar Baldunciel in for a try.
6 – Kyle Baillie (Canada) His team was monstered but the Atlantic Canadian refused to wave the white flag. While others were thinking in circles before making a decision, Baillie was doing his job. Made his tackles, hit rucks, and won almost every lineout for Canada while disrupting Brazil’s throw-ins.
7 – Lautaro Bavaro (Argentina XV) The captain enjoyed one of his finest matches for his country. His lineout take off the top set up the try for Lucas Favre. It took a desperation tackle to prevent him from scoring himself in the first half but he made certain of his second opportunity to score.
8 – Ignacio Silva (Chile) Gave absolutely everything for the Cóndores. Carried until his legs had enough in the 78th minute and tackled everything in a blue jersey. Cam Dolan was easily the best of the USA forwards and can consider himself unlucky on this occasion.
9 – Felipe Ezcurra (Argentina XV) Perhaps it’s the demotion from the Jaguares squad that has inspired him, or possibly the time spent with Leicester showed him a new level of intensity. Whatever the reason Ezcurra has lifted his game and was again the fulcrum of the Argentine attack. Scored one try himself and played a part in many others.
10 – Josh Reeves (Brazil) Will be internally frustrated with his two missed kicks at goal but that came after six successful shots. Has scored all 21 of Brazil’s points in the ARC, 18 of them against Canada. His kicking from hand was just as instrumental in another famous victory.
11 – Julián Domínguez (Argentina XV) An absolute menace with ball in hand, he carved a pathway of destruction with almost every carry. For a winger who weighs under 100kg (220lbs) he has exceptional strength and balance in the contact area. Broke the gainline repeatedly and eventually got himself a try.
12 – Andrés Vilaseca (Uruguay) Half of an experienced midfield combination along with Joaquin Prada that were the central figures in Uruguay’s win. Vilaseca also took over the goal-kicking duties and was four-from-four. Austin might want to enlist his services in that department upon his return.
13 – Agustín Segura (Argentina XV) His offload to Bavaro put the captain over though it was ultimately held up. A strong overall game which included a brilliant cover-tackle that prevented a certain try on Dolan’s breakaway.
14 – Marcel Brache (USA) It was a bad week for right wingers so we’ve pulled over the USA captain from the left. A frustrating match from his perspective with a number of breaks coming on the far side of the pitch. He came infield looking for work as much as possible and did what he could to stem the tide.
15 – Santiago Carreras (Argentina XV) Two tries and another classy display from the 20-year-old. Seems to have time on the ball and glides past opponents while running intelligent support lines. Pressing hard for a recall to the Jaguares squad though the outside back stocks are already overflowing with talent.
