Team of the Week

It was another great week for Americas rugby, which made us pause for thought on several positions. PRO Rugby gave us two exciting games, Los Jaguares romped to a first-ever home win, and a few others in Europe did not go unnoticed.

1 – Marcos Ayerza (Leicester) Played a supporting role but a key one for Tigers as they blew past Worcester at Welford Road. Especially busy in defense and inch-perfect in the scrum.

2 – Zach Fenoglio (Denver) Another impressive outing keeps Agustín Creevy out of the side. Fenoglio notched his second try of the campaign and was part of a dominant Denver front row.

3 – Ben Tarr (Denver) Gave Hubert Buydens a tough time in the scrum and fronted up against the big San Diego runners in defense. What a great spot for Denver to be in with both Tarr and Chris Baumann challenging for Eagles honours at tighthead.

4 – Greg Peterson (Glasgow) Excellent game for the big man as the Warriors decimated a hapless Zebre side at Scotstoun. Scored a try, created another, and put in a heap of work around the park.

5 – Matías Alemanno (Jaguares) A fine showing in the engine room, one of his best performances in a top class game. Well taken try off Ramiro Herrera’s hip, defended well and carried strongly throughout.

6 – Sebastián Kalm (Ohio) Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe was quality for Toulon, but we’ve moved Kalm to the flank for our team. Rampaged around the pitch, breaking tackles at will and scoring two tries. Senior international honours with Chile are there for the taking.

7 – Gonzalo Campomar (Uruguay) It’s not easy for a flanker to improve on a high quality two-try effort from the week before, but that’s what Campomar did. Another great match in hot pursuit of the ball that was rewarded with a hat trick. Can he make it four this week?

8 – Leonardo Senatore (Jaguares) Three tries and countless effective carries in a wonderful performance at the back of the the scrum. Rewarded with Player of the Week honours in the official SANZAAR team.

9 – Shaun Davies (Ohio) The lynchpin of the high tempo Ohio attack, he provided his team with snappy service that kept San Francisco on the back foot. Scored seven points with his boot and nearly had a try with a cheeky chip-and-chase.

10 – Nicolás Sanchez (Jaguares) There are great options with Benjamín Urdapilleta playing well for Castres and both JP Eloff and Will Magie impressing stateside, but there can be only one. Sanchez was outstanding for Los Jaguares, scoring 23 points and orchestrating the historic victory.

11 – Manuel Montero (Jaguares) Welcome back to the big time. Played his second match of the campaign and scored his first Super Rugby try. A threat with every touch, it’s great to see him thriving on the pitch once again.

12 – Phil Mackenzie (San Diego) Scored his team’s only try and nearly got a second before the death. Ran hard all day and did his best to repel the Denver attack.

13 – Chad London (Denver) Honourable mention to Ohio’s Ahmad Harajly, but the gong goes to London. Finished a brilliant cross-kick and tap-back try and played a hand in virtually every dangerous attack by his team. Looks in top form at the moment.

14 – Spike Davis (Ohio) Gets the nod over a completely different animal, the quick-witted Santiago Cordero. Built like a loose forward – a position he might have played on another team – the bruising Davis bashed his way over for two tries and came in off his wing looking for work.

15 – Mike Te’o (San Diego) Hard to leave out Emiliano Boffelli who was excellent for Los Jaguares, one poor pass aside. Te’o thrilled with some dazzling footwork and almost single-handedly willed his team back into the game, creating one try and nearly sparking another.