Top 5 Performers of the Evening
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Guy Thompson
The number 8 received the MOTM award for his exploits on the field today. He was a key contributor to Wasps BP win over Saints at Franklin’s Gardens. The back rower had a number of big carries that got his team over the gainline and his barnstorming run down the right wing put Wasps in pole position to score their second through Ashley Johnson. The Englishman made a total of 78m and beat 5 defenders off of 11 carries. He was also an unstoppable force in defence as he made 8 tackles and turned over the ball 2 times for his side.
Willie Le Roux
The former springbok came out with a point to prove today after an abysmal start to the season. He has received a lot of criticism in recent weeks for his performances and those critics were definitely silenced today as he ran the Saints defence ragged. He looked to be back to the form that got him nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year in 2014., as he stood in at 1st receiver and looked for the ball again and again. He made 33m off his 1 clean break and assisted Ashley Johnson with a beautiful cutout pass to the wing. He also managed to win a crucial turnover for his side which stopped Northampton in their tracks as they looked to get back in the game.
Luke McGrath
Despite only playing a half an hour tonight the scrum-half was deservedly awarded the MOTM award for his performance. His introduction completely changed the tempo of the game as he caused the Ulster defence serious problems with his dangerous sniping. He managed to get over for two tries. For the first he ran a great support line off of O’Brien to collect the ball and finish beautifully in the corner. The second finished the game, as he picked from the base of the ruck and darted to score under the posts.
Jordan Larmour
A new star was born tonight at Ravenhill as the young outside back was introduced to the game early on after an injury to Noel Reid. Despite a shaky start and playing out of position, conceding a penalty for offside, he grew into the game, and looked a threat every time he got on the ball. His try left the crowd speechless as he collected the ball on the short-side and stepped Henderson and Cairns to put Leinster ahead. He gained a total 72m in attack and will be one to watch in the future. He may even get a start in November when the bulk of the starting XV are on Irish duty.
Steff Evans
The winger keeps up his fine form this season with another immense performance. He was both finisher and provider tonight as he helped his team to a BP victory. He scored a fantastic try a after he ran a superb line from Hadleigh Parkes pass. He also put a clever grubber in behind for Jonathan Evans try which really killed the game off as a contest. The winger will surely be in Gatland’s plans for the November internationals and may be in with a shout for a start in the Six Nations.
