Team of the Week

Running a bit behind this week with all efforts going to towards our new podcast, but we’ve pieced together a decent side at last. There is a heavy South American slant with Canada going through their warm-up matches and the Eagles smashed by the Māori at home.

1 – Martín Brousson (CASI) His team are out of the playoffs but they stunned Semi Finalists Hindú in a totally dominant 56-17 win. CASI stalwart Brousson crossed for a try as the pack overwhelmed their opposites that included Pumas training squad prop Nicolás Leiva.

2 – Martín García Veiga (Barcelona) We can only deny him for so long. Has now scored a try in five consecutive games, putting him behind only winger Julen Goia on the Liga leaderboard. Agustín Costa Repetto also found the try-line for Colomiers.

3 – Benjamín Espinal (Belgrano) The scrum was, as ever, a source of strength for Belgrano. Espinal has dipped out of the Argentina XV group this season but looks to be returning to form. He scored one try against Lomas to make up for a yellow card in the first half.

4 – Tomas Borghi (Barcelona) The Argentine export is now plying his trade in Spain like so many of his countrymen. Didn’t get the win against a tough Ordizia side but was a standout in the Barça pack and crashed over for a try just on the stroke of halftime.

5 – Matías Cabrera (Alcobendas) One of three Chileans who make the side this week. Played all 80 minutes in the win over La Vila with his usual impact around the park. It’s been two years since he last played for his country.

6 – Tony Lamborn (USA) The stand-in Eagles captain after Nate Augspurger was a late scratch, then a makeshift center when Dylan Audsley went off. Led from the front and having led Southland in the Mitre 10 Cup now looks like a probable pack leader and top lieutenant for regular captain Blaine Scully.

7 – Facundo Bosch (Agen) Playing on the flank once again, he is consistently among Agen’s best regardless of the number on his back. He will head to greener pastures next season with La Rochelle and it’s not hard to see why he has been in heavy demand.

8 – Francisco Gorrissen (Belgrano) Inching ever closer to Jaguares contention, the Belgrano captain led from the front once again as his charges put Lomas to the sword. Gorrissen himself scored two tries to set up a Semi Final match-up with Hindú.

9 – Aldo Cornejo (Independiente) A close call with Uruguay’s Agustín Ormaechea also in top form for Mont-de-Marsan. Former Chile international Cornejo scored two crucial tries to lead his team to a narrow win over Cisneros.

10 – Valentín Cruz (Ordizia) The orchestrator of Ordizia’s success this season, the former Pumas Sevens starter has been a revelation since joining the club from Pucará in 2016. He grabbed another 19 points with his boot against Barça to put him on top of the Liga scoring sharts.

11 – Juan Imhoff (Racing 92) A call made a little difficult thanks to Ryan Matyas showing well against the Māori, but ultimately Imhoff was in a class of his own this past weekend. Two tries and three line breaks in the decisive win over Montpellier.

12 – Martín Verschae (Independiente) Another strong outing in the midfield. The Chilean influence continued as he barged his way over for a try. Will see see any of the growing overseas contingent playing for the Condores against the Māori or in the ARC?

13 – Juan Ignacio Brex (Benetton Treviso) The Lions from Treviso came up short against Ulster. Brex can hold his head high, however, after another strong outing in the midfield. Didn’t get a lot of purchase with ball in hand but distributed well and was typically solid in defense.

14 – Rafael Desanto (Alumni) It wasn’t easy but Alumni have squeezed into the Semi Finals thanks to their 33-all draw with Pucará. Much of the thanks can go to their outstanding winger Desanto, the 26-year-old scorching over for a hat-trick of tries.

15 – Will Magie (USA) A surprise choice, with many expecting him to play flyhalf against the Māori. Ended up putting in a very credible performance though Will Hooley’s selection at No10 suggests Magie may be bound for the bench on the upcoming tour.