Champions Cup Round 6: Team of the Weekend

As the pool stages of the Champions Cup come to a conclusion. We have chosen our team of the weekend for Round 6.

1. Cyril Baille

The Toulouse loose-head put in a large shift in a pivotal Pool 2 clash. The 23-year-old displayed his all round action approach as he carried 10 times in a bruising encounter at Stade Ernest Wallon.

The French outfit dominated up front winning 6 out of their 7 scrums and held out to secure their passage into the knock-out phases of the tournament. The youngster was named in the France 6 Nations squad and will be looking to add to his 2 caps to date.

2. Tommy Taylor

Taylor was a constant danger with ball in hand, gaining 32 metres from just 3 carries and set his side on the front foot with a rounded display.

The Wasps hooker made 8 tackles in defence and secured 3 turnovers for his side as Wasps secured all 5 points in Italy.

3. Jannie Du Plessis

The Montpellier tight-head was solid up front and provided a strong base for the Montpellier attack.

Jannie created a large impact in the loose and drove his side on with some powerful work at set-piece. 

4. Richie Gray

The Scotland second-row put in an enormous shift helping Toulouse to a playoff spot, Gray led from the front making 9 carries, astute in defence making 5 tackles.

Gray was just as effective in the air and highlighted his dominance in the air securing 3 line-outs for his side that ensured front foot ball throughout the contest.

5. Jonny Gray

Similiar to his older brother, the 22-year-old spearheaded a dominant Warriors display at Welford Road.

The consistent lock has played his way into arguably a Lions starting role, with a brilliant team performance - it was Gray who once again stood out. Gray scored a try, carried 14 times, made 4 tackles and had a 100% success rate at the lineout.

6. CJ Stander

Another heroic European performance from the Munster back-rower, Stander drove his side forward and guided Munster to a home quarter-final with a MOTM effort.

His bullish carries and physicality caused the Racing 92 defence constant problems. Stander was quite simply unplayable, with 18 carries for a gain of 66m and a tackle count of 13. 

7. Ashley Johnson

Johnson led the Wasps surge to the summit of Pool 2. The Wasps flanker scored twice in a six-try triumph over Zebre.

Johnson used his size to great effect at the break down and made life very difficult for the Italians. He ended the game with 11 carries for 28 metres with a further 6 tackles made.

8. Jackson Wray 

The dynamic back-rower performed admirably in a highly anticipated fixture at Allianz Park. Wray really rose to the big occasion.

Carried a remarkable 18 times, making 83m in the process. Additionally, he did very well to keep his opposite number, Vermeulen, quiet all game. In the absence of Billy Vunipola, Wray did the jersey justice in the tight win over Toulon.

9. Antoine Dupont

The young scrum half brought great energy to Castres' passionate display against Leinster providing quick go forward ball for his forwards throughout.

He got his side on the score board early on showing great incentive to snipe around the fringes and with some brilliant footwork he danced his way to the line. A fine prospect in store for the French national team.

10. Finn Russell

The Glasgow Warriors playmaker helped to demolish Leicester Tigers at Welford Road. Russell slotted a series of pinpoint kicks as well as playing a key role in two of the six tries.

Russell has really put his hand up for Lions selection following a series of excellent performances in the group stages.

11. Nemani Nadolo

Nadolo put in the best performance of the weekend. He scored twice and caused havoc with ball in hand, his first moment of brilliance came when he pulled in three defenders before offloading magically in a tight channel to set Galletier away for a try.

His first try was something truly special, receiving a pass down the left wing, Nadolo brushed aside 5 Saints defenders before finishing emphatically in the corner. The 130 kg Fijian helped himself to another late try to secure the victory.

"What a finish from the big man!" Nadolo bulldozed his way past Saints defence in Montpellier's win. #ChampionsCup https://t.co/A3SfIEjxPC

— BT Sport Rugby (@btsportrugby) January 21, 2017

12. Robbie Henshaw

The Leinster centre put in his best performance of the season for the Irish province in Castres on Friday, scoring his first two tries for Leinster and making 107 metres with 17 carries.

He raced away from half way to score his sides first try of the night and crashed over in the second half to notch a brace. Henshaw was very physical throughout and made his presence known on the French side making 14 tackles for his side.

13. Remi Lamerat