Lock: Charlie Ewels (Bath) – The skipper showed real class and leadership throughout. In the lineout he was solid as a rock for Bath and a terror to Sale on their throw.
Lock: Stephen Lewies (Harlequins): The second-row ran in an interception try from 60 metres out. He looked absolutely knackered and needed his inhaler, but we don’t blame him! Terrific performance from the Quins skipper.
Flanker: Tom Willis (Wasps) – Another faultless defensive display from the youngster, making 15 tackles and missing none. The 21-year-old also scored a third try in four games.
Flanker: Sam Underhill (Bath RFC) – The flanker rose to the occasion with some crunching tackles in defence and key turnovers as he got the better of his England teammate Tom Curry.
Number 8: Jake Polledri (Gloucester RFC) – The new number eight is a phenomenon and it comes as little wonder that George Skivington has moved him from flanker to the back of the pack. He made 42 metres from 13 carries, scoring his sides opening try.