Sunday Top Performers
- 2900
We take a look at some of the standout performers from today's action in the 4 matches across the three European competitions.
Victor Vito - La Rochelle
Another standout performance from the former All Black who has been impressive for La Rochelle since making the move to France in 2016.
Neither side was able to work their way over the line before Vito showed some innovation to flicked the ball through his legs at the scrum catch the entire Perpignan defence off-guard.
Vito made metres with ease as La Rochelle racked up 37 points to beat the newly promoted side.
Dany Priso - La Rochelle
Another powerful showing from the 24-year-old loosehead. He dominated up front for the home side getting the better of both Sylvain Charlet and Gert Muller.
He was busy as ever around the pitch helping La Rochelle to their second win of the season.
Marcell Coetzee - Ulster Rugby
The lively flanker was been superb in his first two games back from injury and continued that form today in his home country.
Coetzee played a full 80 minutes after two 50-odd minute performances in the first two rounds.
The 27-year-old scored the visitors opening try of the match against the Southern Kings.
He made 22 carries and 13 tackles without missing one. It's just a matter of time before Coetzee is tipped for a test recall.
Massive performance from @marcell_coetzee to help @UlsterRugby to victory π
— PRO14 RUGBY (@PRO14Official) September 16, 2018
He's presented with the #GUINNESSPRO14 man of the match award by Themeka Links π pic.twitter.com/uFDmpcheCq
Henry Speight - Ulster Rugby
Arguably Speight's most impressive outing for Ulster despite the winger being unable to cross over for a try.
Speight produced Super Rugby numbers against the Kings making 140 running metres beating 6 defenders and made 2 clean breaks.
Bobby de Wee - Southern Kings
De Wee has built on a solid debut season in the PRO14 so far this season.
The Kings lock was one of the top tacklers in the competition last year and it's easy to see why with the 24-year-old making 22 tackles without missing one.
He was also a solid lineout option and disrupted Ulster's set piece.
Nathan Hughes - Wasps
The England International no.8 had a busy game on attack, putting his side onto the front foot making over 90 metres.
Another BIG shift by @NateWJHughes πͺ
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) September 16, 2018
1β£7β£ Carries π
0β£3β£ Defenders Beaten π¨
9β£7β£ Running Metres πβοΈ
And a try to top it off π₯π₯ pic.twitter.com/qli8SEda9t
Lima Sopoaga - Wasps
The former All Black was fantastic in his first start for Wasps today.
He controlled the Wasps attack well, keeping the opposition guessing throughout the match.
His kicking game was also on point and he could have had his first try for his new side but it was disallowed.
Gael Fickou - Stade Francais
Fickou was simply outstanding against his former side in the final Top 14 game of the weekend.
He run fantastic lines scoring two tries and tested the Toulon defensive line with every single one of his carries.
He also linked up well with his fellow outside backs and was solid on defence.
Malakai Fekitoa - RC Toulon
Fekitoa was the best player for Toulon today. Fekitoa, like Fickou, tested the Stade Francais defence with a mix of powerful carries and clever running lines.
He left a number of defenders in his wake but was one of the few Toulon players that really pitched up today.
The former All Black also did brilliantly to keep an overcooked Jonah Placid kick in to gift Josua Tuisova a try.