It was a busy few days of European rugby, but which 15 players make our team
of the weekend?
Fullback: Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues)
He was calmness personified and brought a sharp dimension to their attacking game as they overcame Lyon 30-21 on their travels. The 27-year-old scored a wonderful solo try and was also confident off the tee.
Winger: Maxime Medard (Toulouse)
He scored a great try before saving his side from certain defeat...
Centre: Will Addison (Ulster)
The former England U20 and Ireland hopeful really looked the business. Likely to be part of Joe Schmidt's plans this Autumn.
Centre: Robbie Henshaw (Leinster )
Seems to have bulked up over the summer. Showed good gas in the 36th minute but he couldn’t quite get past the wily Willie Le Roux, who guided him to the outside. Try in the 74th minute, doing brilliantly to slide in the corner.
Winger: James Lowe (Leinster)
The speedster backed up his huge game against Munster with another voracious, two-try, 80-minute effort which did earn the official man-of-the-match award in Friday’s dissection of Wasps.
Fly-half: Joel Hodgson (Newcastle Falcons)
In the end it was a penalty from in front of the posts from Hodgson – who was sublime throughout – that secured the Falcons historic victory against Toulon. He was in superb form from the tee throughout, scoring 16 points made up of two conversions and four penalties.
Scrum-half: Ruan Pienaar (Montpellier)
The experienced Pienaar’s excellent game management was on full display against Edinburgh as he set up two of his team’s tries and converted all three of his conversion attempts.
Prop: Ben Moon (Exeter Chiefs)
A fantastic scrummaging display by the Exeter man against Munster following his recent England call-up.
Hooker: Kyle Cooper (Newcastle Falcons)
The 29-year-old hooker scored a historic try for the Falcons against Toulon and was reliable with his lineout throwing all afternoon.
Prop: Tadhg Furlong (Leinster)
A brilliant 51st minute break included a step, followed by a composed offload to James Lowe as Lima Sopoaga tackled him, which led to McGrath’s second try. Tightheads are different nowadays and expected to contribute more in open play and he’s a fine exponent of that – James Lowe called him a “special human” after the game.
Lock: Donncha Ryan (Racing 92)
Lock: Devin Toner (Leinster)
Flanker: Tadgh Beirne (Munster)
Flanker: Gary Graham (Newcastle Falcons)
England and Scotland will be wanting him for their Autumn Internationals after this imperious display. His 13 tackles were at the heart of Newcastle's fantastic defensive effort.
Number 8: Jack Conan (Leinster)
Industrious as ever, 14 carries for 50 metres, one, in particular, helped open some space for Luke McGrath’s opening try in first-half injury time. Also Leinster’s top tackler with 10.
