Friday Challenge Cup - Top Performers

Pau vs Stade Francais:

Pau won this Challenge Cup Quarter Final but by no means had things their own way. Stade Francais fronted up well but eventually were undone by the fine performances by 2 players in particular in the loose trio of Pau.

Ben Mowen: 

The former Wallaby captain had a great game with ball in hand but his work in defence earns him a place in the top performers after winning a number of turnovers and the all important one to close the game out

Steffon Armitage: 

The ex Toulon and England player was superb with ball in hand and was often used as an additional back line player finding him out wide to exploit space with his good speed. He linked well with the forwards and backs on attack and was solid on defence

Charlie Francoz: 

The young flanker had a stand out performance with some big hard carries creating some good front foot ball for his side. He worked tirelessly off the ball earning himself a try out wide in the dying seconds of the first half

Newcastle vs Brive

After a slow start to the game the home side took advantage of their opportunities and turned out a great Challenge Cup knock out win against Brive

Toby Flood:

This a man of the match performance from Flood. The outhalf was a constant threat from play and was involved in all of Newcastle's scores. He managed the game well and constantly got the hosts over the gainline - An all-round complete performance.