There were plenty thrills and spills on the opening rounds of European Cups this weekend.
Back-to-back Champions Cup winners Saracens showed their impressive title credentials, once more, as they smashed Northampton at Franklin’s Gardens.
Elsewhere, Racing 92 edged past Leicester Tigers and Bath smashed Treviso at the Rec.
But which individuals put in the finest shift of the lot for their team?
Fullback: Charles Piutau (Ulster)
Great work from @UlsterRugby duo @CPiutau and @JacobStockdale who combined to make over 180 metres on Friday night #ChampionsCup 👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/99joI2ptIg
— Esportif (@Esportif) October 16, 2017
The former All Black provided the X-factor and Jacob Stockdale provided the cutting edge as Ulster got their European campaign off to the perfect start with a 19-9 win against Wasps at the Kingspan. Bar one comically bad pass, Piutau was imperious and at the heart of the Irish provinces cutting-edge attack.
Honourable Mentions: Joey Carbery (Leinster), Simon Hammersley (Newcastle Falcons)
Wing: Liam Williams (Saracens)
The defending champions put 57 points on Northampton at Franklins Gardens on Sunday. That’s fifty-seven. The British and Irish Lions full-back scored two tries, created another and made 125 metres from his 17 carries – a hugely impressive showing.
HM: Josua Tuisova (Toulon), Johnny McNicholl (Scarlets)
Centre: Robbie Henshaw (Leinster)
The work rate from Robbie Henshaw to make the tackle and then get the turnover for Leinster is superb.
🎥BT Sport pic.twitter.com/6256lhhaUy— EatSleepRugby (@eatsleeprugby) October 15, 2017
Only recently returning from injury, Henshaw was the official man of the match as Leinster overcame Montpellier 24-17, scoring a try from his 17 powerful carries that included three clean breaks. He was busy on defence too as he made 11 tackles.
HM: Garwyn Smith (Cardiff Blues), Maama Vaipulu (Castres)
Centre: Geoffrey Doumayrou (La Rochelle)
This score from @StadeRochelais‘ Geoffrey Doumayrou is our third nominee for #TryOfTheRound.
Voting open: https://t.co/xZzBcUJRDr pic.twitter.com/hqDub8wM3b
— Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) October 16, 2017
The star of the show at the Stoop. Among the multitude of impressive La Rochelle displays, Doumayrou was sensational as the French side overcame Quins 34-27. He made three clean breaks, gained 98 metres and scored two tries, and the first is one of the best you will see in the Champions Cup this season