RUCK's team of the week: Exeter and Scarlets dominate after final triumphs
Rugby News

RUCK’s team of the week: Exeter and Scarlets dominate after final triumphs

29 May 2017
Rugby Rucker
Exeter Chiefs lifted their first ever Aviva Premiership title on Saturday while Welsh region Scarlets claimed their first trophy since 2004, but there was plenty of quality on show elsewhere.

Here’s our XV.

Fullback: Alex Goode (Barbarians)

The England exile was simply brilliant. He was a threat all afternoon and his pass to Adam Ashley-Cooper was perfectly timed for the Wallaby to dot down after the break.
Honourable mentions: Johnny McNicholl (Scarlets)
Wing: Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs)

Picked up a knock to his ankle early on, but hit back in style as he scored the opening try of the match, running a smart supporting line to beat Willie Le Roux and Dan Robson to score. Even in extra-time, he was still a bubbling ball of energy that tried to create something out of nothing. Probably the in-form Lions winger as they head to New Zealand today.
Honourable mention: Nathan Earle (England), Steff Evans (Scarlets)
Centre: Jonathan Davies (Scarlets)

Davies looked in fantastic nick just in time for the Lions, producing an eye-catching display as Scarlets lifted the Pro 12 title.
Honourable mention: Sam James (England), Elliot Daly (Wasps)
Centre: Jimmy Gopperth (Wasps)

On hand to finish Wasps’ first try on the stroke of half-time, but his most telling contribution came in chasing back to hold off Nowell when the ball was loose in the Wasps half with no one at home. He was unlucky to be on the losing side.
Honourable mentions: Ollie Devoto (Exeter Chiefs)
Wing: Liam Williams (Scarlets)

Fly-half: Rhys Patchell (Scarlets)

It was certainly a surprise to see Patchell hauled off in the 54th minute because he had been terrific at outside-half for the Scarlets but the job was already done with them leading 32-10. He’s now been deservedly called up for the Welsh national side’s summer tour.
Honourable mentions: George Ford (England), Gareth Steenson (Exeter Chiefs)
Scrum-half: Gareth Davies (Scarlets)

The playmaker had a super game, out-playing Lions tourist Conor Murray from start to finish. The Wales international has improved his kicking and his support play resulted in a trade-mark try. He could have even had a second if it hadn’t been for a knock-on.
Prop: Ellis Genge (England) 

Hooker: Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs)

Smart running to come around the corner off his lineout throw set-up Nowell’s score and made his presence felt in defence. A good outing from the England international.
Prop: Harry Williams (Exeter Chiefs)
Made a strong run early on to get Exeter rolling in the right direction.
Lock: Geoff Parling (Exeter Chiefs)

Disrupted the Wasps lineout twice in the first 40 minutes, but it was his powerful running that really stood out in the second half and he gave his side a strong platform to play off. He’ll be missed when he departs for Japan this summer.
Honourable mentions: Joe Launchbury (Wasps)
Lock: Nick Isiekwe (England)

Some had dubbed him the new Maro Itoje and he showed the great potential he has here. The Saracens man also grabbed a try! 
Honourable mentions: Tadhg Beirne (Scarlets), Courtney Lawes (Northampton)
Flanker: Don Armand (Exeter Chiefs)

The abrasive back-rower put in a huge shift and was one of those who stood out in extra-time as Exeter threw everything at Wasps.
Honourable mentions: Chris Robshaw (England), James Haskell (Wasps), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets)
Flanker: James Davies (Scarlets)

Munster coach Rassie Erasmus described the Olympic Games sevens silver medallist as “world-class” – and that was before this final. It continues to amaze almost everybody that the Wales management don’t seem to see him in the same light.
Honourable mentions: Tom Curry (England)
Number 8: Nathan Hughes (Wasps)

A brilliant performance from the No 8 whose only bad point was ultimately giving away the penalty that took the game to extra time. He deserved to have a winners’ medal around his neck.
Honourable mentions: Thomas Waldrom (Exeter Chiefs)