Team of the Week

Despite the lopsided final score against the All Blacks, the Pumas gave a good account of themselves for nearly an hour before running out of steam. A few European pros put themselves in the frame with good form, and there was room for one American from the Mitre 10 Cup in this week’s selection.

1 – Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro (Argentina) One of his best matches for the Pumas. Constantly offered himself as a ball carrier and scrummed well against Owen Franks.

2 – Agustín Creevy (Argentina) Came off to appreciative applause just after the hour mark. Terrific on both sides of the ball, carrying and tackling with complete commitment.

3 – Chris Baumann (Wellington) Less conspicuous in the loose but played in important role as the Lions defeated Counties Manukau in the inaugural Jonah Tali Lomu Trophy match. Consistent form will be pleasing for Eagles coach John Mitchell.

4 – Guido Petti (Argentina) Came off injured at the break and his loss was keenly felt. Very prevalent in the loose during his time on the pitch with several strong carries into traffic.

5 – Samu Manoa (Toulon) In top form against Toulouse with some ferocious work both in the tackle and at the breakdown. American fingers firmly crossed that he will be available to the Eagles in November.

6 – Evan Olmstead (Newcastle) It might seem odd to include a forward where his team lost by more than 50 points, but Olmstead cannot be faulted. Damaging running down the wide spaces with ball in hand and some thumping tackles. Hopefully the rest of his team shows up next week.

7 – Pablo Matera (Argentina) The pick of the Pumas back row this week, his work rate was massive particularly with ball in hand. At the age of just 23 he should be considered among the best flankers in world rugby.

8 – Tyler Ardron (Ospreys) Another excellent match for Captain Canada as Ospreys raced past Connacht at the Sportsground. Dominant carrying from the back of the scrum created one try for Rhys Webb and another for himself to seal the victory.

9 – Martín Landajo (Argentina) Slim pickings this week but Landajo was good enough in his hour’s work to merit selection. Quick service kept the attack rolling and a handful of snipes on the fringes held the defense on the post.

10 – Benjamín Urdapilleta (Castres) Disappointed to come out on the losing side in a close game against Stade Français but the Argentine pivot cannot be faulted. Kicked 20 points including six penalty goals and kept his team in the game to the end.

11 – Tommy Seymour (Glasgow) Usually overlooked in favor of Americas-eligible players, a tip of the cap is due the Nashville native for his stunning four-try performance against Leinster. Fends off strong challenges from Axel Müller, Santiago Cordero, and Matt Evans.

12 – Marcelo Bosch (Saracens) Wore 13 against Exeter but slides in one to accommodate his country-mate Orlando. Quick hands put Sean Maitland into the corner to underline a strong performance that included numerous tackles in the big win.

13 – Matías Orlando (Argentina) A very good first half, his line break and pass put Cordero in for a wonderful opening try. Defensive positioning could use some work but he made several strong tackles facing up against a black wave.

14 – Jeff Hassler (Ospreys) Another Canadian who impressed for a second straight week in the Pro 12. A threat with every touch and capped his day with a 30 metre run-away try.

15 – Joaquín Tuculet (Argentina) Offload from the deck to Orlando created Cordero’s try. Covered the back well and countered effectively when given space.