Aviva Premiership - Team of the Weekend
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Aviva Premiership - Team of the Weekend
1. Mark Lambert
The Harlequins prop was one of the standout performers in the forward pack in his side's clash with Northampton this weekend. He was impressive at scrum time, consistently piling the pressure on his opposite number. He was very strong in the loose; making 9 carries and 12 tackles, some of which coming at pivotal moments of the game.
2. Dave Ward
The veteran English hooker put in a truly incredible performance in the Harlequins number 2 jersey this weekend. He was a rock in defence, making 15 tackles including some remarkable covering tackles. He posed a constant threat with ball in hand, making 7 carries and getting over the line for a try. He was also a dog at the breakdown securing four vital turnovers for his side.
3. Jon Welsh
The Scottish loosehead prop forward played a key role in his side's victory over London Irish this weekend. He was very solid at scrum time, piling pressure on his opposite number throughout and forcing several scrum penalties. Defensively he was a rock, making 8 tackles and consistently disrupting the fluidity of the opposition's play with good breakdown work.
4. Bryn Evans
The Kiwi second row was excellent in everything that he did in Sale's impressive victory this weekend. He provided an excellent lineout option throughout which gave Sale a great attacking platform on many occasions. He looked dangerous with ball in hand, making 32 metres as he consistently got over the gain line.
5. Dominic Barrow
The Leicester Tigers lock put in yet another stellar performance for his club this weekend. He lead by example from start to finish; making 18 tackles, many of which coming at really crucial moments in the game. He also looked really dangerous with ball in hand, making strong carries and showing some deft offloading skills.
6. Courtney Lawes
The Northampton Saints and England flanker was absolutely sensational in his side's victory over Harlequins. He made an incredible 16 tackles, recording a tackle success rate of 100%. He got through a remarkable amount of work at the breakdown, consistently disrupting the speed of the opposition play and occasionally forcing penalties. He showed great determination with ball in hand, carrying 12 times and played a key role in Haywood's try just before half time.
7. Calum Clark
The Saracens openside flanker was one of the key men in his side's comprehensive victory over Worcester this weekend. He was impeccable in defence, making 19 tackles and recording a tackle success rate of 100%. He also looked really impressive with ball in hand as he consistently barged his way over the gain line, sucking in the opposition defenders and creating space for his teammates.
8. Josh Strauss
The Scottish giant was immense at number 8 for his side this weekend in their 57-10 demolition of Gloucester. He looked very strong with ball in hand, carrying 9 times for a total of 72 metres gained. He showed great awareness and soft hands to set teammates into key attacking spaces throughout the game. As always, he was rock solid in defence, making 15 big tackles and forcing a couple of knock ons.
9. Faf de Klerk
Performed exceptionally in Sale's impressive win over Gloucester. Controlled the tempo of the game well, setting up a score and getting on the scoresheet himself. Kicked from hand well with 6 kicks.
10. Harry Mallinder
Man of the match in Northampton's well ground out win at home to Harlewuins. Kicking off the tee wasn't great but his all round play was outstanding, took the ball to the line and always looked to play. Won't be far off Eddie Jones squad with performances like that.
11. Byron McGuigan
Some performance from the Namibian/Scottish winger. 156 metres made on the left hand side with a hat-trick to his name. Not a bad night!
12. Juan Pablo Socino
Good performance from the centre, 82 metres gained beating 6 defenders in the process. Picked a lovely line to score the first try of the game.
13. Sam James
Great defensive effort from the centre, making 18 tackles out of a possible 20 (90%). Made 119 metres going forward, making 3 clean breaks, beating 2 defenders and even got himself on the scoresheet.
14. Denny Solomona
Awesome stuff from Solomona who is the 4th back to feature from Sale in our TOTW. Scored 2 tries including a phenomenal chip to score a great solo try. Playing his way into the England setup once more with 103 metres going forward, also beating 4 defenders and making 4 clean breaks.
15. Anthony Watson
Watson played a crucial for Bath, operating from the back in their victory against Wasps. The full back provided a cool head when Gopperth and his back line attempted to put him under pressure with their kicking in behind, and managed some much needed clearances for his side. While he was not asked to carry much, when Watson was in possession he showed what a threat he was, beating 3 defenders and making 44 metres from within his 22
