Aviva Premiership - Team of the Weekend
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Aviva Premiership - Team of the Weekend
1. Ellis Genge
The Leicester loose-head put in another incredible performance for his side this weekend. He made an impressive 11 carries, beating three defenders and wreaking havoc amongst the Gloucester defence. He was also very solid defensively, consistent at the breakdown and impressive at scrum time.
2. Tom Cruse
Has performed well filling in for the injured Tommy Taylor and put a good 80 minute shift in today. His work rate for the full 80 was very good, making 15 tackles and missing just 1 tackle, also made 2 carries making 47 metres. Got on the scoresheet too after a strong performance at the set piece.
3. Kyle Sinckler
Despite being sent to the sin bin in the second half for cynically collapsing a maul, the young English tight-head put in a very good performance for his side. He got through a lot of work at the breakdown, hitting countless rucks and consistently disrupting the speed of Wasps' ball. He put in a great shift at scrum time, consistently piling the pressure on his opposite number and causing the entire Wasps front row a great deal of problems at the set piece.
4. Dave Ribbans
The second row was immense as he picked up the MOTM award on Friday night. He bagged two of his Saints' tries as they picked up a bonus point. The South African carried well, making 10 carries for a gain of 33 metres. He managed to beat 7 defenders and making 2 clean breaks.
5. Maro Itoje
On American shores he put in a strong and physical performance. After a shaky start to the line out, he took leadership as Saracens dominated the set piece in the second half. His work rate was exceptional with 16 carries round the field.
6. Mike Williams
The Zimbabwe native was exemplary in his side's victory over Gloucester on Saturday. He was impeccable in defence, making 11 tackles, some of which occurring at pivotal moments of the game. He was Leicester's best lineout option and consistently got over the gain line when running with ball in hand.
7. Sam Underhill
Underhill's performance for Bath this weekend was simply stunning and backed up all the hype that has been surrounding the young flanker. He made an incredible start to the game, making 8 tackles in the first 15 minutes. Depite the result not going his way, and unfortunately being forced off 15 minutes early with a head injury, Underhill will be immensely proud of his performanc
8. Sam Simmonds
The Chiefs number 8 grabbed his second double of the season with 2 tries away to Worcester on Friday night. In a talented Chiefs back row, he really stood out in a big away win, making 17 carries and making 88 metres. Defensively performed well making some big hits and a 100% tackle success rate (14/14).
9. Ben Youngs
One of Leicester's star men and an easy inclusion in the team of the week. His kicking out of hand was inch perfect and he provided the Tiger's backline with quick, clean ball. He showed great awareness to score two tries; one a quick tap and go, the other a clever blindside snipe form the base of a rolling maul. A definite contender for the man of the match award.
10. Marcus Smith
The 18 year old was phenomenal in Harlequins win over Wasps. The 10 has pulled the strings excellently since his arrival on the Premiership scene and today was no different. Kicked 14 points and provided a lovely crossfield kick in the lead up to Marland Yarde's try. This kid has all the tools to go all the way to the top.
11. Marland Yarde
Under the watchful eyes of Eddie Jones, Yarde put in a great shift for Harlequins against Wasps. Making 91 metres off 4 carries, Yarde looked dangerous going forward and grabbed a well deserved try in the 1st half. His work rate round the pitch was also great, noticeably preventing a certain try from Marcus Smith in the corner with great pressure in defence.
12. Mark Jennings
The young centre was excellent in everything he did in Sale's clash with London Irish this weekend. Defensively he was solid as a rock, making ten tackles and posting a tackle success rate of 100%. He was menacing in attack, causing the opposition defence a wide variety of problems with his pace and power. He made 2 clean breaks, beating 9 defenders, gaining a total of 98 metres for his side and even managed to bag himself a try as well as setting up another.
13. Joe Marchant
Slotted in well at 13 for Quins, was strong carrying forward making 64 metres and beating 4 defenders. Was also aware going forward, looking for the offload to break the Wasps defence. Grabbed an assist when he setup Walker with a tidy offload.
14. Denny Solomona
Grabbed his second and third tries of the season with a double against London Irish on Friday night in a comprehensive win for Sale. Ran some fantastic lines, making 3 clean breaks and gaining z huge 142 metres. A good shift for the England winger.
15. Telusa Veainu
The Tongan full back put in yet another stellar performance in a Tigers jersey this weekend. He was a constant threat with ball in hand and constantly had the Gloucester defence worrying about his blistering pace and mesmerising footwork. He made 3 clean breaks gaining a total of 109 metres for his side. he also showed some excellent offloading skills and got a vital assist for his side.
