Team of the Week

Los Pumas were back in the spotlight after a second win in the Rugby Championship, the first time they have won more than once since joining in 2012. The form of numerous overseas players, however, means that Argentina’s selections are limited to just four. Others are named from the Mitre 10 Cup, English Premiership, Guinness Pro 14, Top 14, and a Major League Rugby friendly in Toronto.

1 – Rob Brouwer (Ontario Arrows) The Arrows showed their class with a decisive win over the Glendale Raptors at York Lions Stadium. It all started up front for Ontario, where the forwards out-muscled their opposites. Brouwer was totally dominant in the scrum and showed up well in the loose.

2 – Mike Sosene-Feagai (Auckland) Came off the bench early in the second have and made a significant impact. Had three strong carries and made numerous tackles in the win over Canterbury. Must be a target for MLR sides given his form and the chance to earn a World Cup spot.

3 – Ramiro Herrera (Stade Français) In good form for the Parisian side who thumped Toulon at Jean Bouin. Won the scrum battle and had a couple bruising carries. His efforts of late have seen him rewarded with a recall to Los Pumas and he now looks odds-on to make the trip to Japan next year.

4 – Evan Olmstead (Auckland) Played on the blindside flank – where he is preferred by Auckland – and had a fine game as they handed defending champions Canterbury their second loss of the season. Had a handful of positive carries and one line break to go with a good game defensively.

5 – Tomás Lavanini (Argentina) Didn’t have nearly the impact going forward as he did against the Springboks, but Lavanini was once again excellent in defense. Put in some thumping tackles and won two turnovers to go with his usual venom in the clear-out.

6 – Pablo Matera (Argentina) Seemed to be absolutely everywhere regardless of who had the ball. One line break and offload ended with a marvelous try for Bautista Delguy. Defensively he made the most tackles of anyone on the field and was a menace at the breakdown.

7 – Tony Lamborn (Southland) The toughest position among the forwards to choose this week. Facundo Bosch was again excellent on the flank for Agen while Andrew Durutalo was at his storming best for Ealing. Lamborn was his team’s best carrier up front and was prominent in defense in the loss to Otago.

8 – Javier Ortega Desio (Argentina) One of his best games for Los Pumas. Very effective at getting over the gainline and he had a big shift in defense. Came within inches of stopping Israel Folau from scoring in the corner. Also the primary lineout taker for Argentina.

9 – Andrew Ferguson (Ontario Arrows) Can thank his forwards for setting the platform, and behind a winning scrum is where all scrumhalves thrive. Ferguson kept the Raptors guessing with a blend of passing, running, and several raking kicks over the top into space. He also slotted three conversions.

10 – Benjamín Urdapilleta (Castres) His countryman Nicolás Sánchez was good again for Los Pumas but Urdapilleta was in complete control against Grenoble. Challenged the line on numerous occasions and stepped a handful of defenders. His defense was perfect and he landed four shots on goal.

11 – Juan Imhoff (Racing 92) His team were well beaten by Toulouse but Imhoff was arguably the best player on the pitch. Carved up the defense and repeatedly came inside looking for work. Scored one try and had multiple line breaks. Ramiro Moyano also played well for Los Pumas.

12 – Paul Lasike (Harlequins) Came on just after halftime for his longest Premiership shift to date. Had a huge amount of carries into traffic and gave Quins plenty of go-forward as they came back from a 15-point deficit to earn two bonus points in the close loss to Bath.

13 – DTH van der Merwe (Glasgow Warriors) Started on the wing but there were too many to choose from so we’ve pulled him to the midfield again this week. Played his first senior rugby game on South African soil and made it count. Superb with ball in hand, making an absolute mess of the defense and finding the try-line early in the second half.

14 – Bautista Delguy (Argentina) Another spectacular performance out wide. Seems to have an innate ability to know exactly where the defense is going and where they won’t be, with the step and speed to take advantage of it. His try took some finishing and he made it look easy.

15 – Santiago Cordero (Exeter Chiefs) With so many outstanding wingers this week a couple had to be shifted. Cordero didn’t crank out as many ‘meters’ as some of the others but he was electric in the win over Sale and earned a rest not long into the second half. Scored his second try of the new season and has been arguably the form winger in the Premiership.