This week’s Rugby Championship Team of the Week highlights the impressive performances following narrow victories for Argentina against South Africa and New Zealand over Australia.
Front Row:
- Ox Nche (RSA)
- Codie Taylor (NZL)
- Thomas du Toit (RSA)
Ox Nche was the standout player for the Springboks during their defeat in South America, making significant carries and excelling at scrum time. His tighthead partner, Thomas du Toit, delivered a solid performance in a rare start. Codie Taylor continued his impressive form in Sydney, further solidifying his position.
Second Row:
- Scott Barrett (NZL)
- Tupou Vaa’i (NZL)
The Kiwi duo earns their spot this week, with captain Scott Barrett delivering a disciplined performance that included a turnover and strong defensive efforts. Tupou Vaa’i, the rising star at just 24, consistently posed a threat with his carries.
Back Row:
- Wallace Sititi (NZL)
- Fraser McReight (AUS)
- Pablo Matera (ARG)
While it’s a slight adjustment to place Matera at No. 8, it’s tough to overlook any of these athletes. Matera’s crucial try for Los Pumas stood out during an impressive showing in Santiago del Estero. The physical Wallace Sititi was a force for the All Blacks, and Fraser McReight made a strong comeback with a try and an impressive 50/22 kick for the Wallabies.
Halfbacks:
- Cortez Ratima (NZL)
- Tomas Albornoz (ARG)
Cortez Ratima consistently threatened the Australian defense, while Tomas Albornoz contributed 14 points, including a try, in a pivotal role for Argentina.
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Midfield:
- Santiago Chocobares (ARG)
- Lucio Cinti (ARG)
The Argentine center duo was exceptional against the Boks, with both contributing to defense—Cinti making 16 tackles and Chocobares 12—while running rampant in the first half.
Back Three:
- Mateo Carreras (ARG)
- Sevu Reece (NZL)
- Tom Wright (AUS)
Mateo Carreras scored a try and made seven tackles at the Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades. Sevu Reece had a crucial assist for Ardie Savea’s try and performed well in both attack and defense. Tom Wright effectively ignited several Wallaby attacks from the back.
Round 5 Team of the Week:
- Ox Nche (RSA)
- Codie Taylor (NZL)
- Thomas du Toit (RSA)
- Scott Barrett (NZL)
- Tupou Vaa’i (NZL)
- Wallace Sititi (NZL)
- Fraser McReight (AUS)
- Pablo Matera (ARG)
- Cortez Ratima (NZL)
- Tomas Albornoz (ARG)
- Mateo Carreras (ARG)
- Santiago Chocobares (ARG)
- Lucio Cinti (ARG)
- Sevu Reece (NZL)
- Tom Wright (AUS)
Stay tuned for more highlights and analysis from the Rugby Championship!
