Rugby Championship: Team Of The Week

After the Springboks saw off the All Blacks in Cape Town, one might have expected this team to be dominated by the Boks, but Los Pumas had other plans, demolishing the Wallabies in Santa Fe. Bet Central brings you the best XV of the round.

15: Juan Cruz Mallia (Argentina)

Juan Cruz Mallia was superb at fullback in the win over the Wallabies. He was even better when moved to the wing, where he scored a brilliant try.

Honourable mention: Willie le Roux (South Africa)

14: Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa)

Cheslin Kolbe’s technical aptitude is simply remarkable. His tackle technique and proficiency under the high ball set him apart. Add his dynamism, and Kolbe becomes a standout player.

Honourable mention: Bautista Delguy (Argentina)

13: Lucio Cinti (Argentina)

Lucio Cinti was a superb attacking presence alongside Santiago Chocobares. He deservedly scored the final try in Argentina’s rout of the Wallabies.

Honourable mention: Len Ikitau (Australia)

12: Damian de Allende (South Africa)

Damian de Allende was an unstoppable force this weekend. His offensive physicality was too much for the All Blacks, and he dominated in every aspect.

Honourable mention: Santiago Chocobares (Argentina)

11: Matteo Carreras (Argentina)

Every time Matteo Carreras touches the ball, something happens for Argentina. His dynamic running makes him difficult to contain.

Honourable mention: Marika Koroibete (Australia)

10: Tomas Albornoz (Argentina) – Player of the Week

The mistakes will inevitably be a part of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s game owing to how expansive it is and the age/experience factor, but the young flyhalf continues to show significantly more good touches than bad ones. He was absolutely brilliant against the All Blacks.In a rare start for the Benetton flyhalf, Tomas Albornoz may have overtaken Santiago Carreras in the pecking order with his performance against the Wallabies. He controlled the game beautifully, mixing up his play and getting his backline involved effectively.

Honourable mention: Handre Pollard (South Africa)

9: Gonzalo Bertranou (Argentina)

Gonzalo Bertranou was a brilliant game manager alongside Albornoz. The scrumhalf displayed great tactical awareness and directed play as Los Pumas dominated the Wallabies.

Honourable mention: Grant Williams (South Africa)

8: Joaquin Oviedo (Argentina)

It’s rare for someone who comes off the bench to earn a spot in this team, but Joaquin Oviedo was so good in the second half that he couldn’t be left out. His ball carrying was brilliant, and he scored two well-taken tries. The Perpignan No. 8 was sensational.

Honourable mention: Juan Martin Gonzalez (Argentina)

7: Pablo Matera (Argentina)

Pablo Matera came close to being the player of the week after another outstanding performance. Known for his hard running, he’s now added slick passing to his game, making him even more dangerous.

Honourable mention: Siya Kolisi (South Africa)

6: Wallace Sititi (New Zealand)

Wallace Sititi had an excellent starting debut for the Chiefs. He was a huge physical presence against the Springboks, carrying with great intent. The son of former Samoan international Semo Sititi may be the answer to New Zealand’s blindside flanker problem.

Honourable mention: Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)

5: Tupou Vaa’i (New Zealand)

Tupou Vaa’i has been the most impressive All Black forward during this year’s Rugby Championship. The Chief’s lock was a nightmare for the Boks, excelling in the lineout, tackling, and breakdown work. It was a massive performance from the 24-year-old.

Honourable mention: Ruan Nortje (South Africa)

4: Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)

Despite tiring later in the game, Eben Etzebeth was colossal throughout the match. He was heavily involved on defense as the Springboks kept the All Blacks at bay and carried hard as usual.

Honourable mention: Nick Frost (Australia)

3: Tyrel Lomax (New Zealand)

Although he made a few mistakes towards the end, likely due to fatigue, Tyrel Lomax put in a huge shift. He was New Zealand’s top tackler, scrummed well, and was active around the park.

Honourable mention: Joel Sclavi (Argentina)

2: Codie Taylor (New Zealand)

Codie Taylor rolled back the years in Cape Town with a sensational performance. He was dynamic around the park and showed his prowess in the set piece. This was Taylor’s best display in an All-Black jersey in years.

Honourable mention: Julian Montoya (Argentina)

1: Thomas Gallo (Argentina)

Thomas Gallo had a tough few weeks, but he returned to form this past week. He carried the ball well and gave both Wallabies tighthead props a hard time in the scrum. It was a much-improved performance from the young loosehead.

Honourable mention: Ox Nche (South Africa)

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