Team of the Week

Another week of mixed fortunes in Europe where Americas players haven’t quite had the impact that we would have liked thus far. A significant part of this week’s team again comes from the URBA Top 14, where the final round of the regular season was played, while the World XV win over Japan kicked off the end-of-year international season that steps up another gear this coming weekend.

1 – Facundo Gigena (World XV) It was only a half-hour, but what an honor for uncapped 23-year-old from Córdoba. A chance to play with the likes of Adriaan Strauss, Geoff Parling, and Barrick Barnes will stay with him for a lifetime. To top it off his team soundly beat a disappointing Japan. Pumas honors look a strong bet for the future.

2 – Augusto Faraone (Hindú) An ageless legend who has had more than a decade in the first team, the 35-year-old had a brilliant match against Alumni. Two tries scored and several jarring tackles as he seemed to appear all over the pitch.

3 – Francisco Gómez Kodela (Lyon) A terrible start to the match against Oyonnax saw his team finally wake up at the quarter mark and explode for more than 50 points. The final barrage came after an hour of softening up during which the Argentine anchored the scrum and contributed heavily in the tight-loose.

4 – Pablo Huete (Bayonne) Shut down a certain try early when he wrapped up a maul. Excellent in the set piece, ensuring his team had clean possession en route to their dominant win over Charente at Stade Jean Dauger. Rodrigo Capó Ortega went well for Castres against Agen.

5 – Brett Beukeboom (Cornish Pirates) In just his second game back after a long injury layoff, the Canadian lock captained the Pirates to a decisive win over Doncaster at Castle Park. Carried well, a strong lineout target, and a committed tackler. Just pips his opposite Nick Civetta who also had a positive performance in a losing effort for the Knights.

6 – Martín Chiappesoni (Dax) An early second-half replacement who had a decisive impact in the win over Aurillac. Dynamic in defense and carried twice in a span of seconds to force his way over the line for a late try that sealed the victory.

7 – Tomás da la Vega (CUBA) For the second week in a row one of the outstanding loose forwards on offer. This time it came with a win, a stunning 84-10 thrashing of Atlético del Rosario. de la Vega only scored one try but was a commanding presence throughout.

8 – Santiago Montagner (Alumni) Another powerful carrier who has pushed himself to the brink of Jaguares and Pumas selection. Returned to his club side and produced another notable performance with two tries against Hindú albeit in a losing effort.

9 – Felipe Ezcurra (Hindú) Feeling the heat from rising stars Gonzalo Bertranou and Sebastián Cancelliere, the 24-year-old has been in top form of late. Ezcurra was man-of-the-match in the high-scoring battle against Alumni that saw him score twice and dominate the match both as a general and attacking threat.

10 – Benjamín Urdapilleta (Castres) It was another great week for the left-footer who controlled the match beautifully in the win over Agen. A 16-point haul saw him land four conversions and one penalty goal to go with one try of his own. Looks to be hitting top form after some rough patches. Felipe Berchesi also had a strong game for Dax.

11 – Manuel Montero (Pucará) It’s been a difficult year for the strapping finisher, who has fallen down the pecking order with the likes of Boffelli, Moyano, and Cordero leading the way for Pumas honors. Montero took a step towards returning to form with a hat-trick in an entertaining battle against Belgrano.

12 – Javier Rojas (Viadana) His side ultimately came up just short on the road at Rovigo, but the Argentine Olympian has wasted no time in making an impression in his first competitive outing. Four penalty goals, one conversion, and some creative attacking play. Rojas will be a significant figure moving forward.

13 – Santiago Álvarez (CASI) Another international who showed his class in the final round of the URBA Top 14 regular season. Tore through the midfield to score once and completely shut down the midfield in the win over La Plata.

14 – Chris Wyles (Saracens) At this rate the Eagles will be demanding his return from international retirement in 2019. Sprinted in to score from the 22m line for his own try before an incisive break in the midfield that put Nathan Earle over the line.

15 – Sebastián Poet (Colomiers) Another lefty who had a brilliant match playing flyhalf against Montauban. Five penalty goals and two conversions, he also pull Randall Kamea into the corner just before halftime. Not normally a fullback but did play a few games there with Rosario, so he draws the short straw this week with Urdapilleta at the preferred No 10 spot.