Team of the Week

Not the greatest starting weekend for the Americas teams, it has to be said, though Argentina did close it out with a full-blooded performance against the All Blacks. Suitably the Pumas are rewarded in this week’s selection, with very few exceptions.

1 – Marcos Ayerza (ARG) Smashed Owen Franks at the scrum and never creaked despite being asked to put in a full 80 minute performance. Terrific start to his World Cup.

2 – Agustín Creevy (ARG) A captain’s performance as usual. Tackled, carried, and inspired his team to put the world’s best side under serious pressure.

3 – Doug Wooldridge (CAN) Respectable showing in the scrum and some strong defense from the lumpy prop. Not a bad effort considering the opposition.

4 – Mariano Galarza (ARG) Came on for Guido Petti early and made his presence known, both at the lineout and especially in defense. Made a strong case to start next time out.

5 – Tomás Lavanini (ARG) A force at the breakdown and carried strongly. Already one of the most important players for the Pumas.

6 – Pablo Matera (ARG) Muscular effort that made up for his early yellow card. Part of an excellent back row unit that gave the All Blacks all sorts of problems.

7 – Juan Fernández Lobbe (ARG) The workhorse who just keeps soldiering on. Never more than a step or two away from the ball.

8 – Leonardo Senatore (ARG) Excellent game full of running and also strong defensively. Unfortunately came off injured and looks certain to miss the Georgia match.

9 – Tomás Cubelli (ARG) Put the All Blacks on notice with his darting runs and quick thinking. Outshone the world’s best scrumhalf for large parts of the game.

10 – Felipe Berchesi (URU) Outstanding match in all respects. Ran well, never shirked a tackle, and even won a great turnover. Los Teros’ best on show.

11 – DTH van der Merwe (CAN) Superb effort from Canada’s best player by a considerable distance. His try against the run of play was just rewards for his immense carrying performance.

12 – Juan Martín Hernández (ARG) Aggressive in defense, put in a couple solid runs, but his handling was of the highest order. El Mago lived up to his name.

13 – Marcelo Bosch (ARG) Good match on both sides of the ball, had numerous carries to put his team on the front foot. Still more to come from a class player.

14 – Takudzwa Ngwenya (USA) A couple clean breaks and solid enough on defense. Not the best week for right wingers.

15 – Joaquín Tuculet (ARG) A little shaky at times in defense, going forward he was excellent. Beat several defenders with his step and had a couple nifty offloads.