Team of the Week

Almost a full slate of European action on offer, the British & Irish Cup, and the last international of the year gives us some options at a number of positions. Unsurprisingly it’s Argentina who dominate the side after an exciting match against the Barbarians.

1 – Marcos Ayerza (Leicester) Solid as a rock in sloppy conditions as Tigers slammed Treviso, single-handedly won a penalty try at the scrum in the first half. Probably wished he was prancing around a dry Twickenham with his mates.

2 – Julián Montoya (Argentina) Filled in for his captain and showed once again that he is the heir apparent. Impressive mobility and link play, and accurate at the set piece.

3 – Ramiro Herrera (Argentina) His usual boisterous self, and managed to stay out of the bin. Caused giant-sized problems for the Barbarians in the scrum.

4 – Jamie Cudmore (Clermont) Kicked off his 13th season of European Cup rugby in style as he helped the Cybervulcans topple the Ospreys. Strong in the trenches and a number of powerful carries over the gainline, including a try that was called back.

5 – Matías Alemanno (Argentina) Stretched his legs a little more than usual, including one huge line break. Strong in the lineout and constant in support.

6 – Jebb Sinclair (London Irish) Carried, tackled, jumped, scored a try, and even got back to save a certain try on a kick ahead. Had to watch in horror as his side threw away the game on the final play.

7 – Pablo Matera (Argentina) Terrific game from an absolute specimen. Big in defense and a battering ram with ball in hand. Set for a massive 2016.

8 – Aaron Carpenter (Cornish Pirates) Wore the skipper’s armband and stepped up to the plate with aplomb. Made the hard yards and led his team to a solid win over Nottingham

9 – Martín Landajo (Argentina) Handed the captaincy and had a beauty day. Orchestrated the attack, threatened the fringes, and got a score for his efforts.

10 – Nicolás Sánchez (Argentina) Someone forgot to tell him it was a friendly when he chopped down Nemani Nadolo. Perfect with the boot and a lovely step to finish his try.

11 – Chris Wyles (Saracens) Another fine performance for the no3 ranked team in Europe. Well-taken try in the first half got his team back on the track to victory at Ravenhill.

12 – Thretton Palamo (London Welsh) Slow start but once he got the ball he did damage. Important part of an incredible comeback win as Welsh overcame a 29-7 deficit with 20 minutes to play to beat the Cardiff ‘A’ side by four.

13 – Jerónimo de la Fuente (Argentina) Finished off his try with strength and a good step. Won a nice turnover at the breakdown and never came off second best.

14 – Santiago Cordero (Argentina) Started on the left wing but popped up all over the park. Scored two tries and came an inch away from a hat trick.

15 – Ramiro Moyano (Argentina) Some scintillating runs from the back, including polishing off a classic score thanks to a lovely pass from Cordero.