Our Gallagher Premiership Team of the Week - Matchday One

Our Gallagher Premiership Team of the Week – Matchday One

Fly-half: Danny Cipriani (Gloucester)

The fly-half put his off-field problems behind him as he played a crucial role in helping his new Gloucester side to an opening round 27-16 victory at Kingsholm, also receiving the man of the match award from BT Sport.

Cipriani brilliantly orchestrated Gloucester’s attacks and showcased his sublime talent with a flick of those golden wrists for a sumptuous long pass that set up Charlie Sharples a try.

An honourable mention to Harlequins Marcus Smith for his 26 points against Sale Sharks.


Scrum-half: Danny Care (Harlequins)

Back to his best. He had magic in his hands all afternoon but his pass to Marcus Smith for his try particularly stood out for us.


Prop: Val Rapava-Ruskin (Gloucester) – 

While Cipriani took the headlines, Rapava-Ruskin was also deserving of the plaudits after his storming display.

He also came out on top in his enthralling head-to-head battle – against two-time New Zealand World Cup winner Ben Franks no less – as the Georgian-born loose-head exerted his authority in the scrum.


Hooker: Jamie George (Saracens)

The England hooker was in fine form, scoring a great try in the first half before making the crucial break for the match-winning try for the reigning champions in the closing stages at Kingston Park.

Bristol’s Harry Thacker was a close second after his superb debut against Bath on Friday night.


Prop: Will Stuart (Wasps)

Wasps academy product Stuart enjoyed a meteoric breakthrough season last campaign, making his Premiership debut and scoring against La Rochelle on his Champions Cup debut.

The tighthead stepped up once again on Saturday against Worcester in the scrum and was exceptional around the pitch, putting himself about.

New signing and England international Kieran Brookes will have a difficult time displacing him in this sort of form.

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