Team of the Week

With last weekend’s matches scattered and dragging into the middle of the week we weren’t planning on putting out a team but we’ve had a last minute change of heart. Clouding things further was a lack of options at key positions – not least scrumhalf where there were none – but we’ve been in tricky spots before so as ever we’ll do the best we can.

1 – Carlos Muzzio (Mont-de-Marsan) His team wrapped up their calendar year with a dominant win over Massy Essonne to stay within five points of table-toppers Montauban. Combined with countryman Jerónimo Negrotto to steady the scrum with the pair earning a rest at the hour mark.

2 – Agustín Costa Repetto (Colomiers) With Otar Turashvili out injured, the 35-year-old Argentinean has been asked to shoulder the load for Colomiers and he has responded remarkably well. In December he played more than 70 minutes in four matches and scored two more tries in the win over Dax on Friday to bring his season’s total to six.

3 – Juan Figallo (Saracens) His team finally got a win on Sunday, and did so at Welford Road of all places. Figallo came off just as Owen Farrell was slotting a drop goal to make it an 11-point gap, with the Argentine firmly stuck into the heavy lifting for 50 minutes.

4 – Samu Manoa (Toulon) Came on at halftime with his team down by a point to Oyonnax and made a massive impact. Dominant in the contact area on both sides of the ball, and was rewarded with a late try for his efforts.

5 – Nick Civetta (Doncaster) Just a few days after playing for Newcastle in the Aviva ‘A’ league he was straight back at it for the Knights as they piled more misery on Rotherham, putting up 36 points on the board including four tries. The Eagles lock continues his strong form, the question now is whether he will be released for international duty in a month’s time?

6 – Juan Martín Fernandez Lobbe (Toulon) Played more of a support role rather than a starring one. The few carries he did have were effective and he stayed on long enough to ensure a slow start was turned around quickly in the second half.

7 – Martín Chiappesoni (Dax) Playing in a beaten side the dual international – capped in both 7s and XVs for Argentina – nonetheless put in a commendable performance under pressure. Played all 80 minutes in the loss to Colomiers.

8 – Martín Freytes (Lazio) A rare start in the back row for the combative lock from the Tala Rugby Club in Córdoba. His try early in the second half gave his team hope but two late tries ensured a win instead for visiting Fiamme Oro.

9 – Benjamín Urdapilleta (Castres) With no genuine scrumhalves available anywhere our only option was to rope in an emergency selection. Thankfully Urdapilleta played well and has the right stature and style to do the job. Kicked 11 points in the win over Stade Français and mixed his play to perfection.

10 – AJ MacGinty (Sale) A superb man-of-the-match performance saw the Sharks paste Bath at the AJ Bell Stadium. Scored 12 points with the boot and was in total command, attacking the gainline and also defending like an extra loose forward. If this form continues the second half of the season will be very interesting indeed.

11 – Chris Wyles (Saracens) A bit quiet by his standards but played his part in the win, directing traffic from the back and providing kick coverage. Couldn’t be faulted with a couple decent runs as he continues his ever-reliable form.

12 – Juan Pablo Socino (Newcastle) Up against Wales and Lions legend Jamie Roberts it was Socino instead who stood out. Smashed clean through the line twice and was rock solid in defense. With Maxime Mermoz still to make a Premiership start it’s the Argentine who has led the way in the Falcons midfield.

13 – Marcelo Bosch (Saracens) An excellent game particularly in defense where he totally shut down the heralded Manu Tuilagi. Also contributed strongly with ball in hand, finding one half break and getting one offload away. Remains an effective player at Premiership level.

14 – Jeff Hassler (Ospreys) Finally took the field on Tuesday as the Guinness Pro Championship split its games up. Played well once again in shabby conditions but must be wondering where the rest of his team was as they conceded a last-gasp try to Scarlets, blowing what should have been a certain win after Steff Evans was sent off in the first half.

15 – Sebastián Poet (Colomiers) Played flyhalf against Dax but we need a fullback and he’s played there before in a pinch. Controlled the game despite playing shorthanded for 20 minutes of the second half. Four conversions, one penalty goal, and one try scored.