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Three one-sided results in the final round of the Sudamericano 6 Naciones gave us plenty of options to pick from but we were also handed another great performance from the Jaguares and a cracking game of rugby in Seattle on Sunday. There are lots of players who didn’t make the team this week who would have walked into the side on another. It’s a great problem to have and here’s hoping the tough decisions continue in the weeks ahead!
1 – Nicolás Solveyra (Argentina XV) The Argentine front row had the best of the Uruguayans and Solveyra looked rock solid against a typically awkward opponent in Juan Echeverría. Solveyra also made his made in the loose with a handful of strong carries into heavy traffic.
2 – Yan Rosetti (Brazil) A captain who leads by example and is often asked to play for 80 minutes. He did so again on Saturday and when his team were forced to play down a man for the last hour his work rate only went up. As much as the old guard are celebrated on a special day for the Tupis, it was also a great moment for their new leader. Jaguares talisman Agustín Creevy just misses out this week.
3 – Lucas Favre (Argentina XV) Continues to impress in the set piece above all else. His relatively short stature makes it very difficult for taller props to get under him. Like Solveyra he can also contribute in the loose and was part of a dominant pack that set the platform for the backs to dance at Club Newman.
4 – Tyler Ardron (Chiefs) His team came up just short to the Sharks but the Canadian had another strong match in the Chiefs second row. Carried well, scored a try, and the primary target in the lineout. Brazil’s Gabriel Paganini enjoyed one of his best international performances against Colombia.
5 – Mario Mayol (Chile) Formed an impressive second row pairing with Pablo Huete. Together they dominated the lineout and were very prominent in the loose. Mayol in particular was outstanding in the loose with several strong carries and a couple line breaks.
6 – Marcos Kremer (Jaguares) It’s hard to believe he’s still only 20 years old. Against the Bulls on Saturday he looked a grizzled veteran, bashing his way through the opposition en route to one try scored and three line breaks. Hugely physical in the tackle, he looks to have found his home on the blindside flank.
7 – Vili Toluta’u (Seattle Seawolves) A tip of the cap to Arthur Bergo of Brazil and Chile’s Alfonso Escobar. Our selection must be Toluta’u after another earth-shattering performance for the Seawolves. His tackle count was extraordinary and as usual proved a complete nuisance over the ball. On top of that he scored two tries and had several surges with ball in hand. The breakthrough player of the MLR season thus far and it’s not close.
8 – Rodrigo Bruni (Argentina XV) Actually played on the flank but all four loose forwards for the Argentines are usually No8s and played like it. The battering ram approach worked and Bruni grabbed two tries. Has yes to make his Jaguares debut but surely it’s just a matter of time.
9 – Phil Mack (Seattle Seawolves) Enjoyed his best match in a long while on Sunday. Always seems to be thinking a step ahead and his team was on the same page, following up his quick tap penalties to devastating effect. Also did the little things well, moved the ball quickly and pinned Utah in their own end with a raking kick to the corner. Gonzalo Bertranou might have been a shoe-in any other week after his excellent distribution for the Jaguares.
10 – Nicolás Sánchez (Jaguares) We did have room for one Jaguares halfback. Sánchez seems to be playing with more freedom under Mario Ledesma and is in vintage form once again. Against the Bulls he controlled the attack beautifully – taking on the line and distributing equally well. Scored one try and finished with 24 points all told. A hat-trick by Chile’s Santiago Videla and 22 points from the boot of Brazil’s Josh Reeves can only earn them honorable mention this week.
11 – Peter Tiberio (Seattle Seawolves) A superb effort against the Warriors. It’s unusual for wingers who don’t score to get in our side but there was no debate required this time. His relentless pressure in defense and on restarts was illustrated by the yards of tape required to hold a gash above his eye together. Lucas Tranquez also caught our attention with a big game for Brazil.
12 – Moisés Duque (Brazil) He and brother Lucas shared in the spoils of victory on Saturday, each winning their 48th test cap for their country. Moisés continues to be the fulcrum of the Tupis attack. His vision and wide array of skills opens doors for those outside him but he still managed to touch down twice against Colombia. Jerónimo de la Fuente was in contention after another fine effort for the Jaguares.
13 – Paul Lasike (Utah Warriors) The best midfielders this week were all wearing 12 so we drafted the two battering rams to the outside. Lasike was a force of nature once again in the Warriors midfield, bashing through defenders with terrifying power. If the European scouts are watching he should be on the top of their list. Vicente Ayarza proved a real handful for Chile, scoring once and creating a few line breaks.
14 – Bautista Delguy (Jaguares) Argentina are spoiled for choice on the wing at the moment and it will be interesting to see who gets the nod. Delguy has been a shining light in his debut Super Rugby season and on Saturday weaved his way to a pair of tries. Seems to break the line more often than he doesn’t.
15 – Tomás Ianiszewski (Chile) It’s a tough week when you score three tries and can’t get into the team like Argentina’s Gastón Arias, but that’s just how it goes sometimes. Regardless of opposition we just can’t leave out Ianiszewski after he scored 32 points including two tries against Paraguay. After a disappointing opening match against Brazil he lifted his game in the last two. A talented player who just needs to find greater consistency.
