#4. Val Rapava-Ruskin (Gloucester Rugby)
Val Rapava-Ruskin put in dominant performance, and was a definitive factor in Gloucester’s 17-26 away victory over Bordeaux-Begles. Unmatched up front, the tight-head prop combined with uncapped England call-up George McGuigan to control the scrum, and score from powerful set-pieces.
Big Val’s strength was on full display for Gloucester’s opening try. His shunting drive helped force the visitors’ rolling maul over the line, for hooker McGuigan to ground. Rapava-Ruskin outmatched his opposition throughout the contest in France, and supplied the scrummaging foundation for Albert Tuisue to pick from the back, and score Gloucester’s second try.
Rapava-Ruskin battered his way through a subsequent rolling maul, with McGuigan again in-tow. The hooker grounded Gloucester’s third score, yet the honor was taken away from him with the referee awarding a penalty try. Gloucester won crucial penalties at scrum-time, orchestrated by Rapava-Ruskin’s efforts. George Barton’s penalties kicked extra daylight between the two sides, for a significant away victory.