Leicester Tigers strengthened their grip on top spot as Round 5 of the Gallagher PREM delivered another weekend of big performances, dramatic comebacks and England selection talking points.
Tigers battled past Bristol Bears, while Northampton Saints recovered from 14-0 down to beat Gloucester.
Bath returned to winning ways against Sale, Harlequins edged Exeter, and Saracens fought back to beat Newcastle.
With England's November Tests approaching, several players gave Steve Borthwick plenty to think about.
There were some difficult calls this week, particularly on the wings and across the back row.
Here is RUCK's Gallagher PREM Team of the Week for Round 5.
RUCK's Gallagher PREM Team of the Week – Backs
15. Tom de Glanville – Bath
A try, an assist and another excellent afternoon for the Bath full-back.
De Glanville was at the heart of his side's attacking display as they bounced back from defeat at Gloucester to beat Sale 36-28.
His ability to join the line and create space caused Sale problems throughout.
14. Joe Cokanasiga – Bath
Two tries and another reminder of what Cokanasiga can offer England.
The powerful winger was a nightmare for Sale's defence, using his size and finishing ability to help Bath return to winning ways.
Having recently become eligible for Fiji, Cokanasiga has an interesting decision ahead of him.
Performances like this certainly won't hurt his chances of an England recall.
13. Will Joseph – Gloucester
Gloucester might have lost at Northampton, but Joseph was one of their standout performers.
The England centre ran a lovely attacking line to score as the visitors raced into a 14-0 lead.
His pace and movement continue to make him a dangerous option in midfield.
Steve Borthwick will be keeping a close eye on his progress.
12. Sione Va'enuku – Saracens
What a turnaround from Saracens.
They trailed Newcastle 17-7 at half-time before producing five second-half tries to secure a dramatic 39-31 victory.
Va'enuku gets the midfield shirt after playing his part in that comeback.
Saracens needed their backs to respond after a difficult opening 40 minutes. They certainly did.
11. Louis Rees-Zammit – Bristol Bears
Even in defeat, Rees-Zammit remains a player opposition defences cannot afford to ignore.
The Wales international struck early against Leicester, showing the finishing instincts that have made him such a dangerous attacking weapon.
Bristol eventually lost 22-16, but Rees-Zammit continues to look threatening following his return to rugby union.
10. Billy Searle – Leicester Tigers
Leicester's winning run continued with a hard-fought victory at Ashton Gate.
Tigers were pushed all the way by Bristol but came through 22-16 to strengthen their position at the top of the table.
Searle gets the fly-half shirt after helping Leicester navigate another difficult away assignment.
It wasn't always pretty, but Leicester continue to find ways to win.
9. Will Porter – Harlequins
Harlequins are starting to build some momentum.
Porter helped keep their attack moving during a thrilling 31-28 victory away at Exeter.
The scrum-half played his part as Quins scored five tries to secure their second successive league victory.
An important result for a side beginning to rediscover its confidence.
RUCK's Gallagher PREM Team of the Week – Forwards
1. Ellis Genge – Bristol Bears
Bristol might have lost to Leicester, but Genge remains a huge presence in their pack.
The England loosehead was involved in a fiercely contested battle up front as the Bears pushed the league leaders all the way.
His physicality and experience continue to make him one of Bristol's most important players.
2. Curtis Langdon – Northampton Saints
Northampton were staring at a difficult afternoon when Gloucester raced into a 14-0 lead.
Langdon helped turn things around.
The hooker powered over from a driving maul as Saints drew level before half-time.
Northampton eventually scored 28 unanswered points to secure a remarkable comeback victory.
3. Joe Heyes – Leicester Tigers
Another week, another important performance from the Leicester tighthead.
Heyes has been one of Tigers' most reliable players this season and helped them secure another hard-fought victory at Bristol.
He continues to make a strong case for a major role with England during the November Tests.
4. Alex Coles – Northampton Saints
Northampton needed their forwards to stand up after a disastrous opening against Gloucester.
Coles was part of the pack that helped turn the match around.
Saints recovered from 14-0 down to win 28-14, keeping Gloucester scoreless for the remainder of the contest.
Another valuable performance from the England international.
5. Ollie Chessum – Leicester Tigers
Leicester's captain continues to lead from the front.
Tigers were made to work for every point at Bristol, eventually securing a six-point victory to maintain their advantage at the top.
Chessum has become a central figure in Leicester's pack, bringing physicality and leadership to their impressive start.
Another deserved selection for the England forward.
6. Miles Reid – Bath
Three turnovers. That tells you plenty about Reid's afternoon.
The Bath back-rower was excellent against Sale, repeatedly disrupting possession and making life difficult around the breakdown.
While Bath's backs grabbed the headlines with their tries, Reid did much of the less glamorous work.
One of the easiest back-row selections this week.
7. Tom Pearson – Northampton Saints
Pearson played a major role in Northampton's remarkable comeback against Gloucester.
With Saints trailing 14-0, the back-rower crossed for the try that brought them back into the contest.
His score helped change the momentum before Northampton went on to claim a 28-14 victory.
A big contribution when his team needed it most.
8. Lucas Schmid – Harlequins
Two tries from the Harlequins number eight in a thrilling victory at Exeter.
Schmid was one of the standout performers as Quins ran in five tries to edge the Chiefs 31-28.
His finishing helped secure a second successive league victory for the London club.
A deserved place in our back row.
Honourable mentions
Several players were unlucky to miss out on this week's XV.
- Noah Caluori (Saracens): Came off the bench at half-time and scored as Saracens completed their comeback against Newcastle.
- George Hendy (Northampton): Crossed during Saints' impressive victory over Gloucester.
- Rory Hutchinson (Northampton): Scored the final try as Northampton completed their recovery.
- Finn Russell (Bath): Helped Bath rediscover their attacking rhythm against Sale.
- Olly Woodburn (Exeter): Scored late against Harlequins to help Exeter secure two bonus points.
Gallagher PREM Round 5 results
- Bristol Bears 16-22 Leicester Tigers
- Bath 36-28 Sale Sharks
- Saracens 39-31 Newcastle Red Bulls
- Exeter Chiefs 28-31 Harlequins
- Northampton Saints 28-14 Gloucester
Previous Gallagher PREM Teams of the Week
Round 4 – Marcus Smith leads surprise selections
Backs: 15. George Barton, 14. Christian Wade, 13. Luke Northmore, 12. Max Llewellyn, 11. Gabriel Ibitoye, 10. Marcus Smith, 9. Harry Randall.
Forwards: 1. Archie van der Flier, 2. George McGuigan, 3. Joe Heyes, 4. Cameron Henderson, 5. Ollie Chessum, 6. Max Hicks, 7. Jac Morgan, 8. Greg Fisilau.
Round 3 – Northampton stars dominate
Backs: 15. James Pater, 14. Christian Wade, 13. Rory Hutchinson, 12. Fraser Dingwall, 11. Ollie Sleightholme, 10. Fin Smith, 9. Alex Mitchell.
Forwards: 1. Archie van der Flier, 2. Sam Riley, 3. Joe Heyes, 4. Alex Coles, 5. Finn Carnduff, 6. Maro Itoje, 7. Ross Vintcent, 8. Elia Canakaivata.
Round 2 – Four Gloucester stars make the XV
Backs: 15. Freddie Steward, 14. Louis Rees-Zammit, 13. Will Joseph, 12. Cam Redpath, 11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 10. Charlie Atkinson, 9. Harry Randall.
Forwards: 1. Beno Obano, 2. Nathan Jibulu, 3. George Kloska, 4. Arthur Clark, 5. Pedro Rubiolo, 6. Guy Pepper, 7. Tommy Reffell, 8. Jac Morgan.
Round 1 – Northampton dominate opening weekend
Backs: 15. James Pater, 14. Tommy Freeman, 13. Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 12. Max Ojomoh, 11. Louis Rees-Zammit, 10. Charlie Atkinson, 9. Tomos Williams.
Forwards: 1. Emmanuel Iyogun, 2. Dewi Lake, 3. Asher Opoku-Fordjour, 4. Alex Coles, 5. Ted Hill, 6. Jac Morgan, 7. Henry Pollock, 8. Fitz Harding.
