The last round of the Pacific Challenge is in the books, but before we pick a best of there needs to be a proper selection from the fourth and final round.
1 – Tom Dolezel (Canada) Massive performance to cap a terrific tournament for the Ontario stalwart. Smashed the Samoan scrum to bits and put his team on the front foot.
2 – Andrew Williams (Samoa) Didn’t get much help at scrum time but the standout performer in the tight-loose. Two tries and a huge amount of carries to lead the pack.
3 – Matías Diaz (Argentina) Recovered from injury to put in a very respectable showing against an improving Fijian scrum. Strong contribution in the loose to put him back in test contention.
4 – Savenaca Tabakanalagi (Fiji) An impressive 80 minute performance from the biggest lock in the tournament. Carried well and helped steady the scrum.
5 – Matías Alemanno (Argentina) Strong in the lineout and effective at the breakdown. Kept the Pampas in the game and delivered when they needed it.
6 – Javier Ortega Desio (Argentina) Another big effort from an important part of the impressive Pampas back row. Sure in the lineout and a high work rate.
7 – Alistair Clark (Canada) His finest match at international level by some distance. Put in a huge effort on both attack and defense, and scored the winning try to cap his day.
8 – Seb Pearson (Canada) Saved his best for last. Smashing performance with ball in hand, and held up his opposite to save what looked a certain try.
9 – Gordon McRorie (Canada) Coin toss decision over Serupepeli Vularika. Controlled field position and knocked over 13 points with the boot.
10 – Patrick Fa’apale (Samoa) The captain led his troops by example. Kept the scoreboard ticking over and put his team in the places to win, even if they came up just short.
11 – Faleniu Iosi (Samoa) Not much subtlety to his game but that didn’t stop him from making an impact. A bowling ball on the charge who drags in defenders with each touch.
12 – Jerónimo de la Fuente (Argentina) The glue in the Pampas midfield, kept his side moving forward and defended strongly. Scored the tournament winning try with a strong run up the guts.
13 – Josua Kerevi (Fiji) A nod to Ciaran Hearn who had a big game for Canada, but the powerful Fijian gets the nod. Never seems to lose the contact situation on either side of the ball.
14 – Seiya Ozaki (Japan) Finished his team’s opening try well with some nice footwork. Determined running throughout and kept his opposite off the score sheet.
15 – Santiago Cordero (Argentina) Another top class try that brought his team out of the darkness. Eyes let up every time he gets the ball in space.
