Team of the week: Best of both hemispheres combine
Monday 9 April 2018 16:47, UK
From four-try individual performances to jaw-dropping try-saving tackles, the members of our team of the week delivered it all. Take a look at who makes the cut.
15. Danielle Waterman (Wasps FC Ladies)
The opening round of the inaugural semi-finals in the Tyrrells Premier 15s were held at the weekend with Saracens Women and Harlequins Ladies both taking an advantage into the second legs.
In the game at Twyford Avenue between Wasps and Saracens, one moment has swept across the rugby world and it came from the home side's experienced full-back, Danielle Waterman.
Waterman's try-saving tackle on Fiona Pocock is sensational. The determination and commitment, not the mention the pace, that she showed to reel Pocock in are elements of her game that we see week in, and week out.
A card did follow from the breakdown however that doesn't take away from the fact that she's an exceptional full-back.
14. Madosh Tambwe (Lions)
Madosh Tambwe played with 11 on his back for the Lions but, as the 20-year-old roamed so freely about the park, his jersey number matters little when it comes to our team of the week!
Tambwe scored four tries, his first before the first minute was up, and his 13-minute hat-trick was one of the fastest in Super Rugby history.
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The Stormers just didn't know what to do with him and his fly-half put a couple of excellent kick-passes on a plate for the winger to finish.
Pace, aerial skills and footwork were all there in abundance as Tambwe had a game to remember.
13. Alex Lozowski (Saracens)
This season Saracens and Northampton Saints have met four times and it's fair to say that the north London side certainly have their opponents' number with a cumulative score of 237-64 across the matches.
Lozowski's distribution was first class, he was his side's top carrier and made a delightful clean break for Chris Wyles' 61st-minute try.
It was an assured performance and one that might just have caught Eddie Jones' eye with England's tour to South Africa on the horizon.
12. Michael Little (Sunwolves)
At the Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, the Sunwolves were on the wrong end of the result against the Waratahs however that didn't stop their inside centre putting in a handsome showing.
His own five-pointer was finished in determined fashion. He went route one and refused to be held by three defenders however it was his try-assist that will make his highlights reel.
The centre broke from close to his own line and then ripped up the field. He almost finished the job and as he was halted gave a pinpoint pass to Sam Wykes.
11. Taqele Naiyaravoro (Waratahs)
Also in Tokyo, the Northampton Saints-bound winger showed exactly what he's all about!
Naiyaravoro's afternoon's work started early with an impressive tone-setting break after five minutes. He brushed off one defender, stepped another, rode two tackling him and then delivered a try-creating offload.
In all, Naiyaravoro made 176 metres and beat 10 defenders, twice as many as any other player on his team.
10. Dan Biggar (Ospeys)
At the Liberty Stadium, Ospreys made it four Guinness PRO14 wins in a row - their best run for over 12 months - and their fly-half was hugely influential.
He started his personal tally two minutes in - a 48-metre penalty that soared through the middle of the uprights and it went from there.
Biggar's distribution throughout was excellent. He set up Dan Evans in the first half and had the presence of mind to tap-and-go to set up Scott Otten.
In short, he played a blinder on his last home game at the Liberty Stadium.
9. Sam Harrison (Leicester Tigers)
Ben Youngs' absence, after that awful injury sustained playing for England, opened a window of opportunity for Sam Harrison and he has taken it with both hands.
At Twickenham Stadium the scrum-half delivered precise service to his backs and his try, a perfectly timed snipe for the line, was an excellent birthday present for the Leicester Tiger.
1. Alec Hepburn (Exeter Chiefs)
This was a hotly contested position this week as a number of props put their hands firmly in the air to take our jersey.
At Parc y Scarlets, Rob Evans delivered a man of the match performance while Ellis Genge caused Bath's scrum all manner of issues.
However, Exeter Chiefs' loosehead gets the nod for his significant work at Sandy Park.
Hepburn was at the heart of the Chiefs' dominance over the Cherry and Whites. He made 23 carries, beat five defenders and scored a try during his prolific 58-minute performance.
2. Schalk Brits (Saracens)
Another Saracen that impressed during their all-conquering performance was the man that's enjoying his last season before retirement. Next term it won't quite be the same without Schalk Brits so we must make the most of seeing him tear up fields now.
Brits' try came from a textbook drive, he delivered 100 per cent accuracy at the lineout (as did his replacement Jamie George) and put his excellent footwork to great use.
A nod to Bismarck du Plessis too as he scored twice to help Montpellier to a 40-24 victory over La Rochelle.
3. Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs)
Exeter Chiefs booked their place in the Premiership semi-finals in style and their pack's work laid the foundations for their 46-10 victory.
The home side's superior scrum was driven by Hepburn and Francis. Rob Baxter's side dominated the game and kept their opponents down to just 14 minutes and 20 seconds of ball in play time.
4. Rory Arnold (Brumbies)
Back to Super Rugby and the Brumbies turned around an 18-point deficit to take a derby win over the Reds. Arnold is the first of two Brumbies in our team of the week.
The 27-year-old, as you'd expect, was their go-to man at the lineout winning almost half of all of their throws. His try was an excellent score - he picked his line off Scott Sio's shoulder brilliantly - and then evaded three backs to score.
5. Tyler Ardron (Chiefs)
The Canadian international featured in our team of the week a short time ago and he's back.
Ardron is looking right at home in the world of Super Rugby and delighting Chiefs' fans with his performances.
At the Waikato Stadium, the lock and his second-row partner turned heads, as the home side came from behind to take a tight 21-19 victory.
6. Jean-Luc du Preez (Sharks)
In South Africa their blindsides perform with seven on their backs so one of the Sharks' standout performers is taking our six jersey.
The 22-year old has been in fine form of late and during a thrilling 38-37 clash with the Hurricanes he stood out. The flanker was side's top tackler, making 15 and missing none, plus he was their joint top carrier with 12.
7. David Pocock (Brumbies)
Our openside also comes from Super Rugby and it goes to the man of the match in Canberra, David Pocock.
In only his second match back after a sabbatical, and surgery on his knee, the flanker looked like he has never been away.
He was his usual prolific and powerful self at the breakdown and constantly threatened around the park. His 77th-minute try sealed the game for his side and his 19 tackles showcased his considerable work in defence.
8. Sione Kalamafoni (Leicester)
Sione Kalamafoni certainly made his mark as Leicester continued their annual end of season surge towards the play-offs.
The No. 8's shift consisted of a two tries plus considerable work around the park as he accumulated 26 carries - eight more than any other player.
Kalamafoni's first try showcased his power from close range. His second highlighted footwork that any member of his backline would have tipped their hat at.
