Team of the Week

Lots of European action on the go again this week, with both the Challenge and Champions Cup to comb over as well as the French Pro D2 and the British & Irish Cup. Some big names were absent but still a few familiar faces in the lineup along with a couple new ones.

1 – Ignacio Sáenz Lancuba (Jersey) A big cog in the pack that obliterated Connacht Eagles in the British & Irish Cup. At only 24 years old he still has plenty of upside.

2 – Agustín Costa Repetto (Tarbes) Trampled over Takudzwa Ngwenya on one line break, and a big hand-off on Bertrand Guiry put him over for a well-earned try.

3 – Jerónimo Negrotto (Tarbes) A rock on the right side of the Pyrénées scrum. Got stuck into the dirty work and his clear-out set up Costa Repetto’s score.

4 – Jamie Cudmore (Clermont) Heavyweight performance that pummeled Exeter into submission. Well into double digits in tackles and very prominent in the tight-loose.

5 – Mariano Galarza (Gloucester) Strong defensively and a constant source of possession at the lineout. Glos fans are happy to finally see their man in action.

6 – Aaron Flagg (Moseley) Put his body on the line for 80 minutes in a tense battle against Rotherham as his team came out on top by a single point.

7 – Martín Chiappesoni (Dax) All action display included a critical charge-down of a certain drop goal. Strong support play in the come-from-behind win against Bourgoin.

8 – Cameron Dolan (Cardiff Blues Select) Skippered the Blues reserve side to a hard fought win over Cornish Pirates and landed a try off the back of a driving maul.

9 – Agustín Figuerola (Lyon) In top form once again against an overwhelmed Colomiers side. Lovely give-and-go and an inside step put him over for the first try.

10 – Felipe Berchesi (Carcassonne) Reinstated to the starting lineup and led the team to victory once again. Created two tries and kicked eight points with the boot.

11 – Juan Imhoff (Racing 92) Didn’t see much action but made it count when he did, making metres every time he got the ball. Not really a great week for wingers anywhere.

12 – Gonzalo García (Zebre) Strong presence on both sides of the ball as the Zebras embarrassed La Rochelle at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.

13 – Belisario Agulla (Newcastle) Given a shot in the midfield and didn’t disappoint. Rewarded with a try in the corner as Falcons stuffed Connacht at Kingston Park.

14 – Jeff Hassler (Ospreys) Enjoyed his return to European rugby even though his side lost to Bordeaux. Carried strongly and put Justin Tipuric away with a quality pass.

15 – Sebastián Poet (Tarbes) Played at flyhalf but with no good fullback options he fills in. Kicked the winning points with his left boot and defended strongly.