Team of the Week: The best performers from around the world combine
Monday 23 October 2017 07:34, UK
The best performers from the Champions Cup including Chiefs, Tigers and Ospreys combine with Wallabies this week.
15. Israel Folau (Australia)
Leicester's Telusa Veainu was very good but Folau produced a magical performance as the Wallabies beat the All Blacks. Had a strong first half but then exploded in the second as every time he touched the ball he looked dangerous. Handled the All Blacks kicking game with aplomb, scored a great try and set up Marika Koroibete for his try as well.
14. Nemani Nadolo (Montpellier)
In defeat, Nadolo scored another double and the finish for his second try was a breathtaking feat of balletic brilliance. Would any other winger in the world have scored it?
13. Henry Slade (Exeter)
Slade did his England hopes no harm with another all-round performance. Carried the ball powerfully, showed the usual sleight of hand in attack, made his tackles and lit up the first half with a classy outside break.
12. Sonny Bill Williams (New Zealand)
On the losing side but was excellent for the All Blacks - some of his tackles were immense including one on Kurtley Beale. Produced some trademark offloads as well
11. Reece Hodge (Australia)
Plenty of pace to race away with the interception to score the Wallabies' first try. Ran very strongly with ball in hand and always looked for work. Also landed two massive penalties that helped secure the win.
10. Johnny Sexton (Leinster)
Rhys Priestland was excellent for Bath in terrible conditions but Sexton was back to his belligerent best with some lovely touches that saw him go over for a try. Backed his forwards with some right decisions to turn down a kick at posts in favour for the corner which paid off. His 1 iron conversion into the wind was a touch of class. His fist pump reaction showed how much he enjoyed it.
9. Kahn Fotuali'I (Bath)
The scrum-half set a busy, tidy tempo built on good decision making in the most testing of conditions. Bossed his forwards and along with his half-back partner Rhys Priestland, took control of the game.
1. Ellis Genge (Leicester)
A mention to Cian Healy, who just missed out, but Genge was sensational for Leicester against Castres. Did his work in the set-piece but it was his barnstorming runs that caught the eye.
2. Ashley Johnson (Wasps)
A strong performance from Johnson who got on the scoresheet as Wasps pummelled Harlequins 41-10. Hit all his arrows and made some big tackles as well.
3. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster)
Furlong was strong at the set-piece for Leinster and really targetted Glasgow's perceived weakness upfront. Busy and belligerent around the fringes, and showed his class with ball in hand.
4. Scott Fardy (Leinster)
Fardy was exceptional for Leinster. Not only was he doing the heavy lifting with some big carries and big tackles but he also produced a wonderful behind the body pass that totally caught out the Glasgow defence and allowed Sexton to go over for his try.
5. Jonny Hill (Exeter)
A mention to Sharks skipper Ruan Botha, who led them to the Currie Cup final. However, Jonny Hill gets the nod for his defensive and carrying abilities against Montpellier. Put in a huge shift around the paddock and tackled his heart out.
6. Don Armand (Exeter)
Levani Botia was superb for La Rochelle but Armand gets the nod this week. Like Hill, he led the defensive way for the Chiefs and carried well. Two good short-range finishes for his tries, but it was his muscular defence and constant presence in the loose that really caught the eye. If there's been a better performance by a 6 this weekend, then they must have been bloody good.
7. Sam Cross (Ospreys)
What a European debut from Cross! Made the most of his opportunity after Justin Tipuric and Dan Lydiate were ruled out through injury. Tackled his heart out for the Ospreys - including a massive hit on Owen Farrell and scored their fourth try to take them within two points of Sarries. Led the way for the Ospreys in carries and tackles.
Nathan Hughes (Wasps)
Plenty of competition for the No. 8 jersey with Sean McMahon and Fritz Lee producing remarkable performances. But Hughes gets the nod after his dominant display against Harlequins. Treated Quins backrowers Chris Robshaw and Dave Ward like ragdolls and was formidable with ball in hand.
