Top 5 performers of the day

Morne Steyn – South Africa

Steyn was brought back into the starting 10 jersey for the game against Australia and fully justified his selection with a magnificent performance. The out-half slotted two drop goals as he led his side to an eight point victory. He scored the entirety of his sides eighteen points in a game which for large periods, was dominated by their opponents. South Africa most definitely could not have ground this one out without their talismanic stand-off.

Darren Sweetnam – Munster

The Cork native was outstanding in Limerick today scoring his side’s first try in a resounding victory over Italian side Zebre. The former hurling star showed his pace to go over almost immediately after the kick-off. He got his side off to a fantastic start as he went over following a break from scrum-half Conor Murray. He also forced a penalty try later in the game as he kicked through and was impeded on his way to touch down. A fantastic performance by the winger, who is now looking like a real prospect for an Ireland cap in the future.

Will Addison – Sale Sharks

The outside-centre led his side two a crucial victory over a visiting Leicester Tigers side with a personal haul of fourteen points. The Englishman left the park with an unblemished kicking performance which included two penalties and four conversions. He also ran well with ball in hand committing defenders leaving space for his outside backs and midfield partner Johnny Leota who got over for a score himself.

Louis Ludik – Ulster

In a game that was pretty dull in terms of moments of brilliance the winger was the shining light. Although he did not get over for any scores for his side, he defended superbly. In the first half he was on hand to cover a Dan Evans grubber, putting the ball out of play and preventing a score in the process. In the second half he made a massive hit on Tom Habberfield mere metres from his own line, stopping the winger dead in his tracks and stopping a certain try which may have killed the game. He carried well with ball in hand as well and is proving to the Ulster fans that their club hav made a sound investment in him.

Gareth Anscombe – Cardiff

Despite the result, Anscombe was fantastic for the home side in this one as he ran the game well from the stand-off position. He scored all of his side’s thirteen points as their winning streak ended with a loss to a strong Leinster side. He scored two penalties and a try and conversion following a majestic run in the first half.  They were unlucky not to come away with a win as a result as they failed to score in the second half. A bonus for Anscombe will be that he will definitely be considered as a contender for the Welsh ten shirt for the November internationals.