Team of the Week

It was a weekend to remember for the Americas, one that might have been worth forgetting had it not been for the extraordinary Eagles victory over Scotland. Los Pumas fell in decisive fashion, Canada were embarrassed in Ottawa, and the Pumitas struggled in their tournament-ever against Australia. Three games in Major League Rugby gave us a couple candidates but for the most part our team rightfully emerges from the heroics in Houston.

1 – Eric Fry (USA) We are used to seeing the Eagles scrum go backwards but on Saturday that was not the case. Much-maligned for this aspect of his game in the past, Fry has improved significantly at the set piece in France and his work rate in the loose has never been questioned. A fine effort that removes any doubt as to his place on the plane to Japan next year.

2 – Joe Taufete’e (USA) What is there to be said? A marvel with ball in hand, blasting through tacklers en route to a pair of tries. His set piece was spot-on, making his contributions elsewhere even more impressive. That might well be the greatest-ever individual performance by an Eagles hooker.

3 – Paul Mullen (USA) Collecting just his second test cap and came off the pitch with a check-mark in bold. Rock solid in the scrum and did his share of the dirty work, leaving the fancy stuff to his teammates. A real find for the Eagles at what is traditionally a problem position.

4 – Guido Petti (Argentina) The Pumas are in a state of disarray with Daniel Hourcade now set to depart and no consensus on the selection of overseas players. Petti has ignored the off-field shenanigans and stuck to his game, with his excellent Jaguares form carrying over to the international game. Against Wales on Saturday he was a constant presence with ball in hand and remains a primary target in the lineout.

5 – Nick Civetta (USA) Will play in the RFU Championship next season but his performance on Saturday underlined his ability to perform on the big stage. Superb in the lineout and a tireless 80-minute performance in defense. An automatic selection for Gary Gold moving forwards.

6 – John Quill (USA) Handed an opportunity to start in the absence of Tony Lamborn and has made the most of it. For the second week in a row he was a complete nuisance, making numerous tackles and slowing down Scotland ball. Also carried well. It was a terrible shame to see him fall to injury at the end of the match.

7 – Hanco Germishuys (USA) The level of competition was higher than anything he has faced previously but he did not waver. Powerful with ball in hand and on the spot to score the winning try. Slightly less conspicuous in defense but can’t be faulted for his commitment.

8 – Cam Dolan (USA) The other half of a strong lineout combo with Civetta. Dolan wasn’t as prevalent with ball in hand but his work rate was outstanding, particularly in defense where he was one of the top tacklers on the pitch.

9 – Shaun Davies (USA) The Eagles have options at scrumhalf but there’s no doubt that the speed of service that Davies provides is unmatched by his peers. It allows his team to stay on the front foot. His try-saving tackle on Mark Bennett will be replayed for years to come.

10 – AJ MacGinty (USA) The greatest single-game flyhalf performance for the Eagles? It would be hard to argue otherwise. It might well have been MacGinty’s finest hour as well. Controlled the game superbly, both with his boot and by taking on the line, and his goal kicking was immaculate. The mid-season favorite for player of the year in the Americas.

11 – Mateo Carreras (Argentina u20) More was expected from a Pumitas side that was not shot on talent. Perhaps their most consistent player in the tournament was Carreras, whose stepping ability is reminiscent of Santiago Cordero. He scored a classic winger’s try against Australia and only adds to Argentina’s tremendous depth in the outside backs.

12 – JP Eloff (New Orleans Gold) Played flyhalf for NOLA but he wasn’t shifting MacGinty so we’ve slipped him into the midfield. Gave one of the top individual performances of the Major League Rugby season with a full house – one try, three conversions, four penalties, and a drop goal – becoming the first MLR player to achieve that in a single match. To think a player of his class isn’t even in the Eagles squad this month tells you how far American rugby has come in the past few years.

13 – Paul Lasike (USA) Formed an imposing midfield combination with Bryce Campbell. Lasike was at inside center but we needed Eloff in the side so we’ve shifted him out one spot. Anyone who has seen him play will have expected his impact going forward, which was significant. Perhaps a surprise was his contributions on defense. His tackle on Nick Grigg was something out of a video game.

14 – Bautista Delguy (Argentina) Like Petti, has taken his domestic form with him to the international stage. Delguy has been hyped since he was 18 and is completely delivering on his promise such that many senior players will find it hard to displace him. Few players have his ability to win the one-on-ones that separate decent finishers from great ones.

15 – Don Pati (Utah Warriors) The question on everyone’s mind is – why did Alf Daniels take him off the pitch? It’s a decision that will go down as one of the great head-scratchers of the season. Pati was in scintillating form, absolutely ripping the Gold to pieces with every touch with two tries to himself and hordes of yardage with every carry. Your guess is as good as ours.