Tuesday 5 December 2017 06:10, UK
The best performers from the PRO14, TOP 14 and Premiership combine in our team of the week.
15. Danielle Waterman (Wasps Ladies)
Chris Ashton had a field day at 15 for Toulon but Danielle Waterman was outstanding for Wasps in their 44-point win over Richmond. She scored a superb try and showed some slick hands to put Abby Dow into space to score as well. Always an attacking threat with ball in hand and she 'bagged' a giant packet of crisps for her efforts as well!
14. Craig Barry (Cheetahs)
Scored a quite exceptional solo try as he showed his raw space and great balance to slice through the Scarlets defence. Scored his second to give the Cheetahs a well-deserved win over the defending champions.
13. Damian Penaud (Clermont)
A good day at the office for Penaud who was full of running against Agen. Took a lovely inside pass from full-back Isaia Toeava in their 22 to scorch downfield which resulted in Clermont's first try.
12. Rory Scannell (Munster)
Josh Matevasi was outstanding for Newcastle and Hadleigh Parkes had a dream debut for Wales but Scannell gets the nod ahead of them this week. The influential Scannell impressed new coach Johann van Graan with his quick thinking and calmness against the Ospreys.
11. Sinoti Sinoti (Newcastle)
He is on fire at the moment and was absolutely electric against Saints. Scored a superb try and then set up Josh Matevasi for an even better one.
10. Billy Burns (Gloucester)
Edges out Munster's Ian Keatley after an eye-catching game for Gloucester. Scored two tries but it was his game management that really caught the eye.
9. Danny Care (Harlequins)
Where Robshaw & co provided the brawn, Care brought some beautifully weighted and delicate touches to the game. His quick thinking and awareness not only got Quins back into the game but gave them the win as well.
1. Alec Hepburn (Exeter)
A huge performance from Alec Hepburn who pummelled the Bath defence with some big carries.
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter)
Springbok No 2 Malcolm Marx was the best forward on the pitch in Cardiff but we are excited to see Luke Cowan Dickie back in action and he marked his return with a typical try off a rolling maul. Carried strongly, tackled well and was 100 per cent with his arrows.
3. Uini Atonio (La Rochelle)
La Rochelle lead the way in the TOP14 after their win against Montpellier. It was a titanic battle upfront with 20 energy-sapping scrums that certainly took their toll. Atonio was impressive in the set-pieces and also played his part at the breakdown. Also put in an impressive 12 tackles - the most on the day.
4. Mitch Lees (Exeter)
A massive display from Lees who along with the likes of Thomas Waldrom and Alec Hepburn, brought plenty of ferocity and aggression to blast through Bath's forwards to get the Chiefs on the front foot.
5. Sebastien Vahaamahina (Clermont)
Scored the opening try after a flowing move from the kick-off but it was his defensive efforts that get him the nod. An incredible 23 tackles made!
6. Chris Robshaw (Harlequins)
Robshaw played in the No 7 jersey and was everywhere. Harlequins knew they had to bring some physicality and aggression against Sarries and Robshaw produced that in bucket loads. Led from the front with 18 carries, 15 tackles and competed hard on the ground.
7. Chris Cloete (Munster)
A phenomenal carrier for Munster against Ospreys and caused havoc at the breakdown as well. Showed his rugby brain by scoring a clever try as well when he released the ball when tackled only to regather it and power over.
8. Nizaam Carr (Wasps)
A nod to Exeter's Thomas Waldrom, but Carr has really settled well at Wasps and produced another barnstorming performance for them as they beat Leicester 32-25. He was there go to man with ball in hand as he made 15 carries and also put in 15 tackles. Scored a try - his third in four games - and was named man of the match.
