After a long absence, it’s that time of the week again when we put together our dream XV from the week’s action, here is RUCK's Gallagher Premiership Team of the Week:
Fullback: Stuart Hogg (Exeter Chiefs) - Charged about like a man possessed against Sale as he sought to lead by example, making a match high 81 metres from his eight carries. Also scored a wonderful second-half try.
Winger: Tom Collins (Northampton Saints) - With the match against London Irish level 3-3 at the break, a moment of class by Collins finally brought a try 10 minutes into the second-half. The winger made the most of the space created along the line by Grayson's incisive pass.
Centre: Semi Radradra (Bristol Bears) - The centre had a subdued debut against Saracens last weekend, but the centre showed his class as Bristol tore through the Gloucester defence to secure a bonus point within the first half hour.
Centre: Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks) - The powerhouse ran rampant over arguably the most physical side in the Gallagher Premiership over the last five years in Exeter Chiefs. Faded as the game went on but there were some positive signs.
Winger: Ruaridh McConnochie (Bath Rugby) - The speedster, as he had promised in the build-up, was clearly determined to show the England coaching contingent he has not lost the X-factor which earned him World Cup squad selection in Japan last year.
Fly-half: Owen Farrell (Saracens) - The England fly-half was coolness personified as they overcame Harlequins 38-24. Farrell, making his 200th appearance for the north London club, managed the game to perfection while also scoring 18 points with his boot.
Scrum-half: Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby) - He's really shone since joining Bath, and this weekend his tactical kicking and passing were particularly excellent against Leicester Tigers.
Prop: Sam Crean (Saracens) - The loosehead had 5 carries for 33 metres and made an significant impact in the scrum against Quins. He also made some important tackles.
Hooker: Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs) - Precice line-out throwing, relentless scrummaging and a try to put the icing on the cake at the AJ Bell Stadium on Friday night. Almost a perfect performance from the England hooker.
Prop: Will Stuart (Bath Rugby) - One of a number of Bath’s big ball-carriers who made some real dents, making 32 metres from his eight carries. Also opened the try-scoring for the visitors. Hobbled off after another massive shift.
Lock: Nick Isiekwe (Northampton Saints) - The powerful second-row, who signed on loan from Saracens, was named man of the match against London Irish as England attack coach Simon Amor watched on. Consistently stole the Exiles ball at the lineout and also topped the tackle charts with 15.
Lock: Maro Itoje (Saracens) - The lock scored from short range in the opening 40, his fourth try in four games for Sarries, before providing the scoring pass for Alex Lewington to score late on. He also made 13 tackles.
Flanker: Steve Luatua (Bristol Bears) - A superb extra option at line-outs, carried relentlessly, did tonnes of work all over the pitch as Pat Lam's side dominated Gloucester.
Flanker: Gabriel Oghre (Wasps) - Made some eye-catching, physical carries and solid in defence too on his first start against Worcester. The 22-year-old was an impressive tail gunner in the lineout also.
Number 8: Billy Vunipola (Saracens) - Much more purposeful with his carrying, especially early on and stuck at it throughout. His best performance in a Saracens shirt for a while.
