ARC Team of the Week

It wasn’t quite the explosive start to the Americas Rugby Championship we were hoping for, though for two teams it was very much happy days. Canada flopped in Montevideo, Brazil’s backline let themselves down at Neuquén, and Chile were thrashed by the Eagles. There was still competition in some spots and players from four teams managed to earn recognition this week.

1 – Mateo Sanguinetti (Uruguay) Despite being outweighed by a significant margin, the Teros scrum was dominant and Sanguinetti was a big part of that. Gave young Matt Tierney a lesson in technique and also contributed heavily around the pitch including a couple thumping tackles.

2 – Joe Taufete’e (USA) The ARC is blessed with many quality players at hooker. Uruguay’s German Kessler did well as did Gaspar Baldunciel for the Argentina XV. Big Joe stands above them all. His throwing was spot on, and finding a more impressive ball carrier in the front row is a difficult task. Taufete’e tied Keith Wood’s record for most test tries by a front row player in only his 20th cap and will eventually surpass the great Irishman as rugby’s greatest try-scoring hooker.

3 – Jardel Vettorato (Brazil) There was a lot to complain about in the performance of Os Tupis, but the scrum wasn’t one of them. Vettorato proved once again that he is among the very best in the set piece in South America, smashing Nicolás Solveyra at every opportunity. Another quality exponent of the dark arts, Mario Sagario, played well in his return to the Teros jersey.

4 – Diego Magno (Uruguay) Either one of the Teros lock could have been nominated for their efforts but Magno gets the nod over his try-scoring lock partner Ignacio Dotti this week. Uruguay’s most-capped player of all time continues to be a workhorse who does all the little things right.

5 – Franco Molina (Argentina XV) The 21-year-old will be disappointed to be released from the Jaguares camp but showed his undoubted potential once again on Saturday. Deceivingly fast with his long strides chewing up the ground and a banker in the linout. Nick Civetta also stood out for the USA.

6 – Cléber Dias (Brazil) Another who could not be blamed for the lop-sided scoreline, though Dias would have liked to hold on to a tricky pass from Josh Reeves that would have been a certain try. Often plays lock but back at his best position on the blindside flank he was a constant source of strength with ball in hand and in the tackle.

7 – Juan Manuel Gaminara (Uruguay) There was strong competition here with Hanco Germishuys on the rampage for the USA and both Francisco Gorrissen and Lautaro Bavaro playing well for the Argentina XV. Gaminara may lack in physical stature but his presence was enormous against Canada, scrapping at every breakdown and tackling with venom. The face of Uruguay’s determination against the odds.

8 – Cam Dolan (USA) Left the glamorous running to Germishuys. Dolan’s day was more of a support role as he chased kicks and linked on attack. The dominant figure in the lineout and he was even rewarded with a try on full-time on a simple break from the scrum.

9 – Felipe Ezcurra (Argentina XV) Has fallen out of favor with the Argentine selectors but remains a quality operator at ARC level. His running game is particularly effective and when the gaps started to open against Brazil he took full advantage. Tomás Inciarte was like an extra flanker in defense for the short-handed Teros.

10 – AJ MacGinty (USA) Scored his first career hat-trick and ended the game with 25 points, one short of an Eagles single-game record. Hardly put a foot wrong in his return from a shoulder injury. Say no more.

11 – Julián Domínguez (Argentina XV) The two wingers on display for the Argentines are of a different variety than the classic Pumas. Domínguez is an ideal blend of size and speed who is immensely difficult to tackle in one-on-one situations. Had one quality finish for a try and did all he could to impress the Jaguares selectors.

12 – Lucas Mensa (Argentina XV) Will be cursing himself out for dropping what would have been his third try while placing it down in-goal. Otherwise his angles of running gave Brazil heaps of trouble and his distribution was sharp. The two heavyweights at Maipú were both impactful – Paul Lasike for the USA and Chile’s Vicho Ayarza.

13 – Bryce Campbell (USA) Did his usual bit in rucking and defense. On offense he was terrific, taking out defenders and somehow getting an offload away almost every time. Others picked up tries and running meters but Campbell was the one creating the breaks.

14 – Matías Osadczuk (Argentina XV) Like Dominguez possesses a physique different to those in the current Jaguares squad. Tall and rangy but does not sacrifice speed. His running lines adapted from sevens make him very dangerous with even a hint of space.

15 – Santiago Carreras (Argentina XV) Like Molina had been with the Jaguares until a week ago. Yet another off the production line who looks to have a bright future ahead as a professional. Covered the ground well and his running from the back turned defense into attack.