Team of the Week

The domestic leagues are slowing down as we move deeper into December but there’s still just enough Americas players going around to keep things interesting. This week we lean heavily on the domestic scene in Spain with of course the European Cup competitions going on as well as the RFU Championship Cup and the French Pro D2.

1 – Emiliano Racca (Bergerac) He’s never been the biggest tighthead around so we’ll draft him over to the loosehead side this week. Earned an early rest with the win over Saint-Médard all but secured very quickly after the intermission.

2 – Martín García Veiga (Barcelona) The form hooker in Spain’s Liga Heineken. At 32 years old he isn’t going to be returning to Pumas contention but remains a quality professional and played all 80 minutes in the win over La Vila. Benoît Pifféro also showed well in Blagnac’s crushing victory against Stade Rodez.

3 – Joël Sclavi (Charente) A mountain of a man and still only young at 24. He had the attention of the Jaguares brass a year ago and might be worth a second look considering their scrum woes. Somehow made it through more than 70 minutes against Nevers, a mighty feat for someone who circles the scales at around 300lbs (136kg).

4 – Matías Cabrera (Alcobendas) Another highly consistent performer in the Liga Heineken. The Chilean has been nothing but dependable in his three seasons with Alcobendas and gave them another 80 minutes of quality in the win over Gernika on Sunday.

5 – Guido Albertario (VRAC) The younger and lesser-known of two Argentine lock brothers who come from Pucará. Guido won’t follow Gerónimo into Los Pumas but is now making his mark in Europe. He was a standout in the lineout against Ordizia.

6 – Tomás Borghi (Barcelona) A former Argentina XV lock who has split his time between the second and back rows for his new club. He has earned highly positive reviews, playing every minute of the season thus far. On Sunday he was dominant from the back of the scrum against La Vila, but we’ve got someone else in mind there so it’s the blindside on our team.

7 – Justin Blanchet (Bedford Blues) More of a blindside himself but occasionally packs down at openside so we’ll cheat again a little here. The tough Canadian tackler is back from injury and played an important role against Cornish Pirates with some strong carrying and support play going forward.

8 – Samu Manoa (Cardiff Blues) His team were overwhelmed by Saracens but the Eagles giant was not to be blamed. He carried strongly when given opportunities and put in several big hits to try to stem the tide.

9 – Aldo Cornejo (Independiente) Another Chilean who is thriving in Spain. The veteran scrumhalf was on the losing side against Santboiana but put in a commendable effort. He has been in strong form this season would have to be given consideration in a truly full-strength Cóndores side.

10 – Will Hooley (Bedford Blues) Beats out Felipe Berchesi of Dax for the honors. Hooley was in sublime form for the Blues against the Pirates, with his slick passing game creating all four tries in the 27-17 win. He also kicked one penalty and two conversions.

11 – Juan Imhoff (Racing 92) Celebrated his 100th career try as a professional against Leicester. Week in, week out he is among the best wingers in Europe. Let’s hope he is restored to the world stage at the first opportunity in 2019.

12 – Bryce Campbell (London Irish) Came on as a replacement early in the second half against Hartpury and got himself on the score sheet within just a couple minutes. His Eagles midfield partner Paul Lasike also made an impact as a second half sub for Harlequins.

13 – DTH van der Merwe (Glasgow Warriors) With four outstanding wingers this week we decided it was best to just pick them all. van der Merwe has been excellent at every opportunity for Canada in the midfield so he’s hardly out of place in this team. He had another fine game for the Warriors against Lyon.

14 – Blaine Scully (Cardiff Blues) Just as a week ago it was the two Americans who were determined to keep the Blues afloat. Scully scored a try and did his all in the loss to a powerhouse Saracens side.

15 – Santiago Cordero (Exeter Chiefs) Arguably the best performer of the bunch. Cordero set a new Champions Cup record for defenders beaten in a single match against Gloucester with an astonishing number – 17! He may have deficiencies in defense but with a hint of space there are few better.