Champions Cup Round 5 Team of the Week

1) Mako Vunipola - Saracens Rugby

Another brilliant performance from the England international prop. He showed his deft handling to send Jackson Wray away for Saracens second try.the loosehead was excellent in defence making11 tackles and dominated his opposition tighthead Gomez-Kodela at scrum time.

2) Sean Cronin - Leinster Rugby

Was his usual busy self in the loose and performed his core duties very well in tough conditions. Cronin was particularly impressive with ball in hand gaining 23 metres from 10 carries and scored a opportunistic try to help Leinster on their way to a much needed bonus point victory.

3) Tadhg Furlong - Leinster Rugby

The Ireland international tight head was a stand out once again for Leinster at the RDS. Furlong anchored the defending champions scrum with merit and caused the Toulouse loose head prop trouble at every chance. He was at his devastating best in the loose with 13 carries and made 9 forceful tackles in defence.

4) Jean Kleyn - Munster Rugby 

Another excellent performance for the South Africa in Kingsholm on Friday. His work ethic on defense caught the eye as he made 14 tackles and he was one of his team's unsung heroes in a memorable win.

5) Maro Itoje - Saracens Rugby

Back in the lineup lowing a recent injury, Itoje was back at his best against Lyon in an important bonus point win for the two time champions. He stood out in all facets of play making 9 carries and showed up in defence with 8 tackles in a comprehensive win. 

6) Scott Fardy - Leinster Rugby

The Wallaby was superb for the reigning champions with his leadership qualities and tireless work rate helping the Irish province to victory in the absence of some front line internationals. Made 11 carriesand matched that in defence with a incredible tally of 14 successful hits. 

7) Viliame Mata - Edinburgh

We had to find room for the Flying Fijian in our side after his stellar display away to Toulon at the Stade Mayol. The Edinburgh No. 8 relishes the European competition and leads the tournament in overall carries, making 15 of those in their win over the three times champions. He ran for a gain of 72 metres with ball in hand, made a clean break, beat four defenders and won a turnover. The powerful back row also produced one of the best offloads seen in recent times to send Johnstone away for the game winning score.

8) Louis Picamoles - Montpellier

The French international Number 8 was superb in Montpellier's win over Newcastle Falcons Le Roi deserves plenty of praise as he hit the ground running and got stuck into his opponents from the outset. He was the French outfit go-to-man and ran for a gain of 63 metres from 16 carries. He beat four defenders, threw two off loads and provided a clean break for the French side.

9. Ruan Pienaar - Montpellier

Controlled the game superbly as Montpellier eased to victory over Newcastle on Saturday. Good kicking game in play and from the tee also.

10. Joey Carbery - Munster Rugby

The Cipriani vs Carbery matchup looked excellent on paper, but in truth the Munster man completely outshone his opposite number. Ran the show at outhalf, setting up some wonderful tries and managing to score 2 himself. Great performance.

11. Jacob Stockdale - Ulster Rugby 

The Ulster and Ireland international's stellar form continued with a brace against high flying Racing 92. His finishers instinct kicked in again in Belfast on Saturday with some superb finishes. A well earned MOTM performance.

12. Ollie Devoto - Exeter Chiefs

Some outstanding offloads as the Chiefs back line were on fire at Sandy Park. Assured performance from the former Bath man.

13. Henry Slade - Exeter Chiefs

The Exeter Chiefs back line in general were just superb as they brushed aside Castres at Sandy Park. Was brilliant in the Exeter midfield, dangerous going forward, set up a superb try with an excellently timed grubber and managed to get a well deserved try from short range.

14. Cheslin Kolbe - Toulouse

The Toulouse flyer was on the losing side but capped off his good personal performance with an excellent try in the 80th minute. Exceptional feet.

15. Jack Nowell - Exeter Chiefs

In his first game for Exeter since October, the England international put in a phenomenal performance as the Chiefs kept alive their Champions Cup hopes. In the first half alone he made 2 clean breaks, 132 metres and beat 8 defenders, as well as recording a try