Team of the Week

With Los Jaguares taking a week off and not so many European players jumping up and down for selection, this week was a little trickier than anticipated. Thankfully a few players from within the Americas had good enough games to justify their inclusion.

1 – Hubert Buydens (San Diego) It’s hard to select players from a game few people have seen, but reports from those in attendance are that the Canadian prop was in fine fettle for the winners in San Francisco. At the very least Buydens scored a try in the second half. By our reckoning that’s his first in professional rugby, and with no priors on record in 43 test matches it could well be his first in any form of rugby in a long, long time.

2 – Ray Barkwill (Sacramento) Didn’t get the result he was looking for, but he was once again in the thick of things. Popped up as a scrumhalf, stepping centre, and even chucked in a lovely pass out the back door to keep the crowd entertained.

3 – Álvaro Rojas (Paraguay) Los Yakarés enjoyed their best performance of the South American Championship, thanks largely to a strong forward effort. Rojas anchored the scrum and scored a try early in the second half to give Paraguay an unlikely, though temporary, lead over Brazil. In doing so he becomes the first Paraguayan player to be named in an ARN Team of the Week.

4 – Cam Dolan (Cardiff Blues) A rare run-out with the senior team, the Eagles forward scored a try in the win over Edinburgh and put in a big shift on both sides of the ball. Has played well when given opportunities, but will it be enough to keep him in a Blues shirt next season?

5 – Sione Sina (Sacramento) His team were outclassed in the backs and outplayed in the back row, but the tight five were solid. Put in a few shuddering tackles which has quickly become his trademark over the past three games.

6 – Cecil Garber (San Diego) Wearing no7 but another good performance on the ball puts him in the side. Scored a try and is quietly establishing himself as an essential player in the San Diego pack.

7 – Matt Hughston (Ohio) Part of a totally dominant back row that assured quick ball and continuity to launch the outside backs. Scored two key turnovers and seemed to pop up everywhere. A real find for Team Obetz.

8 – David Tameilau (San Francisco) After a slow start to his PRO career, the big man returned with an improved performance against San Diego, albeit in a losing effort. Notched two tries to get his season back on track. Can he inspire his teammates to do the same?

9 – Tomás Cubelli (Brumbies) Another outstanding effort that landed him a spot in the official Super Rugby Team of the Week. Picked his spots to attack well and scored a try in the midst of a nearly flawless performance in the win over the Bulls.

10 – Martín Secco (Uruguay) A patient and controlled performance from the youngster, who contributed 14 points from six successful kicks at goal. Could soon leap-frog Manuel Blengio in Los Teros’ pecking order, if he hasn’t already.

11 – Mason Baum (Ohio) Not the most graceful of wingers but his finishing ability is not in question. Smashed his way through for his first try and used a deceiving turn of pace to skate down the sideline for his second.

12 – José Ignacio Larenas (Chile) Los Condores were well beaten by a prepared Uruguayan side, but Larenas was a point of strength in the midfield. Scored an early try to keep his team in the game before a late surge saw Los Teros run away with it.

13 – Joaquín Prada (Uruguay) Has returned to form almost immediately since coming back into the fold after missing the Americas Rugby Championship. Scored two second half tries himself and proved the danger man in the Uruguayan backline.

14 – Spike Davis (Ohio) Like his teammate Baum, the even bigger Davis has little time for subtlety. Made his presence felt with every carry, scored a try, and proved more than willing to get stuck in at the breakdown. A move to the back row in the future looks likely.

15 – Martín Bustos Moyano (Bayonne) One try and one conversion in his return from a six-week absence due to injury. Has been one of the most consistent performers for Bayonne over the past three seasons.