Premiership Rugby - Your Look At The MOTM's From Round 16
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Another end to a fantastic week of Premiership Rugby. Plenty of highlight moments and key performances. We take a look at the Man of the Match for each game of Round 16.
Bath Rugby vs Saracens - Elliot Stooke
In a game that did not see any tries scored it was the 25 year old who was the star on Friday evening. The tall English Lock who is yet to receive an international call up played an important role in keep the Saracens out. Stooke ran an impressiv 39-metres and made 7 tackles on the evening. He also made 2 crucial turnovers disrupting the opposition attack. While squeezed back in their own 22 it was Stooke who led from the front saving his side numerous times. Rhys Priestland was also another worthy candidate as he scored all his sides points in an 18 - 9 victory.
Sale Sharks vs Leicester Tigers - Valery Morozov
At the beginning of the season not many would of heard of this Russian International. But one game at a time he is making his presence felt in the Premiership. Scoring his side's third try he would of silenced a couple who would've doubted his signing at the beginning of the season. His dynamic scrummaging caused plenty of problem for Leicester as they were always on the back foot when it came to Sale attacking.
Wasps vs Newcastle Falcons - Simon Hammersley
Playing in his 100th game for the Falcons, the 25 year old would have got the perfect early birthday present as he won the man of the match in this nail biting game. 20-19 the Falcons managed to claim the one point victory over Wasps and it was Hammersley who was at the front of this fine display. While his 50% tackle success rate will be a worry going on further, it was his attacking figures that were the all important difference. With 175 metres gained and 6 defenders beaten there is not much more to explain. Takulua's try was also assisted by Hammersley in what was potentially the try of the match.
Worcester Warriors vs Exeter Chiefs - Santiago Cordero
Suprisingly the third man of the match born in 1993 this weekend. Having beaten 9 defenders and racking up 90 metres the Argentine International would have already put up his hand for man of the match. But it was his finishing that sealed the deal as he went on to score his seventh and eighth try of the 2018/2019 campaign. 33 - 30 was the final score as his side, Exeter Chiefs, claimed an important away victory.
Northhampton Saints vs Bristol Bears - Piers O'Conor
The man of the match for this game could have easily gone to Taqele Naiyaravoro as beat 12 defenders, carried 14 times making 195 running metres. But in the end it was the new kid on the block Piers O'Conor. Having only joined the Bristol Bears at the beginning of the season he would've had a point to prove. And in 14 appearances for the Bears the 105KG centre has scored 4 tries. However it was his performance this afternoon that won the hearts of the Bristol faithful. He made 63 metres on six carries in total and beat three defenders, as well as completing 11 tackles, but it was his last minute efforts that won him the man of the match award.
Harlequins vs Gloucester Rugby - Willi Heinz
The 32 year old Christchurch born scrumhalf made his presence felt this afternoon as he helped his side Gloucester with a crucial away victory. 7 - 29 was the final score between these two sides and Willi Heinz would have had game to remember. 66 passes made in the 72 minute he spent on the field, the New Zealander allowed his side some valuable quick ball. Together with his try assist the scrumhalf almost put on a flawless performance, bar his three missed tackles. He will certainly have many thinking of his 2017 year that earned him a call up to Eddie Jones' England squad.