Team of the Week

Some weeks you’re left scrambling to put a team on the field, and others you’re spoilt for choice. This time we had matches in Europe, Super Rugby, the CDI Premier League Semi Finals, and a road trip to New York to scour over. We’ve cast our net wide to come up with a slightly creative selection.

1 – Anthony Luca (Burnaby Lake) Led his side from the front as BLRC defeated Seattle Saracens to earn a shot at the Rounsefell Cup. Won a turnover early to set the tone and was absolutely rock solid in the scrum against USA international Olive Kilifi.

2 – Agustín Creevy (Jaguares) Another big game from El Capitano, how long can he keep it up? Strong with ball in hand, good in the set piece, and outstanding in defense with four turnovers the highlight of his game against the Sharks.

3 – Jake Ilnicki (Wanderers) Sure, it was only the Aviva ‘A’ League, but it was a Cup Final on Monday and there was a fair share of Premiership regulars running around the park. Any day a tighthead prop can get in 74 minutes of effort and win the scrum battle throughout is a good day at the office.

4 – Rodrigo Capó Ortega (Castres) At his very best against Toulouse as the great leader tore though traffic on several strong carries and paved the way to victory. Playing as well as ever and could certainly do a job for Los Teros if he opted to return to test rugby.

5 – Pablo Huete (Bayonne) An excellent all-around game from the Chilean lighthouse against Grenoble as Bayonne earned a win to give them a smile at the end of a tough season. Los Cóndores will be ecstatic to have their star second row in the engine room during the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

6 – Jamie Cudmore (Oyonnax) Yes, that’s correct, the grizzled veteran started on the blindside flank against Perpignan, his first run-out in the back row since 2012. The added muscle helped in the rain as Oyonnax used the big men up front to great effect to secure the win and with it guaranteed promotion to the Top 14 next season.

7 – Pablo Matera (Jaguares) Another who continues to shoulder a heavy load for the Jaguares. Carrying more than ever this season and did once more against the Sharks. An imperious tackler as well, he is clocking up the minutes and might do for a couple games of rest sooner than later.

8 – Facundo Isa (Lyon) A losing effort from his side but the Argentine bulldozer can hold his head high. Smashed his way up the field with numerous carries and consistently put his team on the front foot, alas Clermont was just too much.

9 – Andrew Ferguson (Ontario Blues) Three tries in the first half against Old Blue is a good start to the season for the Canadian international. Two came from supporting runs which is also highlights his pace. It’s a shame we have to wait until the end of May to see the Blues play again!

10 – Benjamín Urdapilleta (Castres) A marvelous game against Toulouse, scoring 27 points in all including a superb individual try up the middle. Continues to show his class in the Top 14 and underscores the immense talent available to Argentina.

11 – Kainoa Lloyd (Ontario Blues) Two strong finishes in the first half in New York, one a lovely in-and-out step that left his opposite for dead. His his hands full to get into the Canadian team this June with plenty of talent available on the wing, but these kinds of efforts certainly don’t hurt.

12 – AJ MacGinty (Sale Sharks) Lined up at 10 but switched to 12 for a period in the second half and didn’t look at all out of place with a few threatening attacks against Leicester. Don’t be surprised to see him in the midfield against Canada this June.

13 – Patricio Fernández (Clermont Auvergne) Had to find a place for him after his sterling running performance at flyhalf in the win over Lyon. He has the talent to play almost anywhere in the backline and it will be nothing short of criminal if he is left out of the World Cup in 2019.

14 – Theo Sauder (UBC Thunderbirds) Another week, another UBC winger makes the grade. This time it’s a Canada u20 graduate who danced his way over for a hat-trick in the Semi Final win over Castaway Wanderers. Won a yellow card for a slightly cynical knock-on, but more than made up for it with his attacking flair.

15 – Joaquín Tuculet (Jaguares) The best game of the season for Tuculet, and probably the best we’ve seen from him in several months. Ripped through the Sharks defense on several occasions scoring one try and creating another directly by himself.