Team of the Week

We’re one week post-World Cup but that doesn’t mean the rugby stops! It’s not easy to sift through all the pro rugby on offer every week, but we’ll do our best. Here’s our first shot at a form XV for those kicking around the European leagues this past weekend.

1 – Nahuel Lobo (Carcassonne) Came on early in the second half to boost the scrum and play a big role in his team’s crucial win over Bourgoin. Close to his best after a couple years struggling with injuries.

2 – Martín Garcia Veiga (Jersey) The former Pumas hooker played a starring role in his team’s comprehensive victory over London Scottish.

3 – Mario Sagario (Munster) Enjoyed his debut for the Irish province, coming off the bench to make an immediate impact in the scrum as his side edged Edinburgh.

4 – Samu Manoa (Toulon) Scored his first try in his second start for his new club. Part of the pack that steamrolled Montpellier in a totally dominant victory.

5 – Rodrigo Capo Ortega (Castres) Captained his team to a convincing victory over heavily favoured Racing 92. Will that revive their season after a poor start?

6 – Aaron Flagg (Moseley) Started his 8th game of the season and added his physicality to a win over Cornish Pirates and country-men Brett Beukeboom and Matt Evans.

7 – Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe (Toulon) A step down from the heroics of the World Cup, but still an important factor in RCT’s thumping win over Montpellier.

8 – Martín Chiappesoni (Dax) Couldn’t pull Les Dacquoise out of the fire but has started the season for his new club in fine form.

9 – Agustín Ormaechea (Mont-de-Marsan) Slim pickings here, the Uruguayan star gets the nod for a decent second half in a losing effort against Narbonne.

10 – Felipe Berchesi (Carcassonne) Five penalty goals including the match winner in his USC debut. He scored all 15 points in the big win against rivals Bourgoin.

11 – Chris Wyles (Saracens) Returned to the starting lineup just in time to hold off Saints and keep Sarries at the top of the Premiership table.

12 – Santiago Fernández (Pau) Set up tries for Sireli Bobo and Julien Fumat as Section squeaked past Agen in a thriller at Stade du Hameau.

13 – Juan Mangione (Montauban) The former Argentina u19 star is climbing his way up the professional ladder. A big presence in the win over Perpignan.

14 – Takudzwa Ngwenya (Biarritz) Didn’t get the win, largely thanks to the guy below, but held his own defensively against a very game Julien Jane.

15 – Martín Bustos Moyano (Bayonne) Huge performance in the Basque derby. Four penalty goals, two conversions, and set up a try with an 80 metre line break – all before the half – before coming off injured very early on after the break.