By Charlie Elliott
The opening weekend of Champions Cup motion didn’t disappoint, with one of the best of Europe and South Africa providing loads of leisure for spectators.
Video games have been gained on group performances primarily, however some people nonetheless managed to above the remaining.
It was a high-scoring weekend as European video games often are and right here is The Rugby Paper’s Crew of the Week to not simply present those that contributed offensively, but in addition the all-round finest gamers.
Exterior Backs
15 – Louis Bielle-Biarrey (Bordeaux Bègles)
Bordeaux put a great Leicester Tiger aspect to the sword on Sunday, with the pacey future star Louis Bielle-Biarrey being central to their recreation.
A few tries is commonplace apply for Bielle-Biarrey, and he received simply that. Considered one of which was from inside his personal half, displaying an electrical flip of tempo to chase down a lengthy kick ahead.
14 – Gabin Villiere (Toulon)
Not solely did Villiere open the scoring for Toulon of their immense win away at Stormers, however he put within the sort out of the spherical.
He got here around the blindside of Manie Libbok and tackled with pure energy and method, inflicting the ball to be dropped and Baptiste Serin to interrupt free and rating.
READ MORE: Stormers don’t have any reply to Toulon chargers
13 – Jordie Barrett (Leinster)
BRISTOL, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 08: Jordie Barrett of Leinster in the course of the Investec Champions Cup match between Bristol Bears and Leinster Rugby at Ashton Gate on December 08, 2024 in Bristol, England. (Picture by Dan Mullan/Getty Pictures)
The All-Blacks legend marked his Leinster debut with a attempt, however his total impression within the second half is what will get him into this group.
He additionally received himself a beautiful attempt help and the partnership with Sam Prendergast seems like it will terrorise some URC and Champions Cup groups this season.
12 – Benhard Janse van Rensburg (Bristol Bears)
His efficiency didn’t warrant being on the shedding aspect. Being shifted early on to fly-half he put in an excellent shift.
Defensively BJvR was excellent, and with the ball in hand induced points for Leinster. Sadly, the Dublin aspect proved too robust for the Bears as a collective to deal with.
11 – Thaakir Abrahams (Munster)
Abrahams has had a tricky time of it not too long ago, with visa points affecting his and his households arrivals to Munster, however now he appears to have the whole lot sorted, the flying winger is displaying his high quality.
A participant of the match award and a attempt, Thaakir looks as if the best prototype for a South African winger. With tempo, energy and ability he could also be getting ever nearer to a primary Springboks cap.
Halfbacks
10 – Romain Ntamack (Toulouse)
Toulouse is completely stacked with high quality, and consequently, gamers can typically go beneath the radar.
Ntamack is one who might not get the plaudits of the Antoine Dupont’s of this world however has a big impact regardless.
Of their 61-21 win towards Ulster, he received himself a try to ran the present along with his companion Dupont, and each appear to get one of the best out of one another.
9 – George Horne (Glasgow Warriors)
There have been loads of names who did properly at 9, with Antoine Dupont and Grant Williams being two of them.
George Horne although will get the nod, along with his hat trick of tries within the first half securing the win for the Warriors with loads of time to go.
Sale simply couldn’t deal with him, and he was completely all over the place, additionally contributing with 5 tackles amongst his excellent attacking statistics.
55 passes and 55 metres are simply two of many causes as to why he’s on this group.
Again Row
8 – Tom Willis (Saracens)
One other who stood out amongst loads of robust performers in his place this weekend, Willis should be getting near getting common caps for England.
A strong eight who’s as cell as he’s robust, Willis led his group to a convincing win over Bulls.
Two key turnovers round half-hour set the tone for an enormous win.
7 – Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints)
A mean first half was fully forgotten with considered one of his most interesting ever second half’s.
Received a penalty early within the second half which led to a attempt, a few large turnovers and a attempt for himself after some class ball-carrying expertise.
READ MORE: Henry Pollock wins Phil Dowson’s backing
6 – Peter O’Mahony (Munster)
He gained 11 lineout balls and was a great ball service, in addition to the standard defensive work anticipated from a flanker being there.
Was properly concerned in a lot of the bodily side of the sport, and didn’t shrink back from the battle.
Instrumental of their large win over Stade Francais.
Second Row
5 – Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors)
Powered via for a attempt to successfully finish Sale’s hopes of a comeback.
Was typically good from the lineout and a stable participant all spherical, an outdoor shout for Lions competition ought to individuals cease underestimating him.
4 – Maro Itoje (Saracens)
Itoje is simply an absolute monster. A few first-half turnovers set the tone for a defensive masterclass, additionally stealing on the breakdown impressively after 60 minutes.
Captained an impressive group recreation in less-than-ideal situations that required the bodily battle to be gained.
Entrance Row
3 – Elliot Millar-Mills (Northampton Saints)
20 tackles in an hour sum up how large he was for Saints.
Additionally managed to face his floor within the scrum alongside Emmanuel Iyogun (who was a contender for this group) however the pure dominance of Millar Mills within the sort out edge it for him.
2 – Dan Frost (Exeter Chiefs)
Regardless of defeat in Durban, Dan Frost has a great recreation.
Took his two tries very properly to offer the Chiefs some hope going into the second half and was higher than the consequence suggests.
Stood up properly to a tough problem.
1 – Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears)
BRISTOL, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 08: Jack Conan of Leinster is tackled by Ellis Genge in the course of the Investec Champions Cup match between Bristol Bears and Leinster Rugby at Ashton Gate on December 08, 2024 in Bristol, England. (Picture by David Rogers/Getty Pictures)
Did the fundamentals {that a} prop ought to do tremendously. Received penalties repeatedly within the scrum, with some typical Genge carries so as to add to it.
Rabah Slimani had completely no likelihood, however the Leinster group proved too good for Bristol in the long run.
READ MORE: Time for Bristol to step as much as the plate
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Author : rugby365
Publish date : 2024-12-09 18:23:55
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