Players of the day
- 2758
Maro Itoje
Guess who's back? 😎
Maro Itoje's first Premiership try of the season was just a bit special pic.twitter.com/RtDL7aJQzW— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) March 24, 2018
No sign of fatigue from the English international today. He looked like he was out to prove a point out there today, as he carried more frequently than usual and performed everything that was asked of him with great intensity and dynamism. His first carry, a minute into the game, set the tone for his side for the day, as he barged his way over the gainline. The number 4’s try was ridiculously impressive, as he shrugged off a couple of defenders, before running it in from the 22. His post-try celebration took a dig at the critics that complained during the week that he was being flogged, as he pretended to take a nap in the in-goal area.
Sinoti Sinoti
Newcastle got over the line yet again today to stay in the playoff positions, in what is looking like a fantastic season for them. Their left winger was their standout player, despite not getting over the try-line. His attacking-prowess has been a joy to behold this season, as he continually beats defenders with ease. Today he managed to make 3 clean breaks, beating a total of 6 defenders, leaving many of them grasping at thin air. That put his side on the front foot, from which they won a number of penalties, which Toby Flood converted again and again to keep the Falcons in the lead.
Justin Tipuric
The Ospreys look like they have finally turned their period of poor form at home around, as they put the high-flying Leinster to the sword today in Swansea. Their openside was a standout player as he played with great versatility, exploiting gaps in the Leinster defence out-wide and disrupting their ball at the breakdown. His offloading game in the outside channels created lots of opportunities for his back-three to break and led to a try for Dan Evans in the first half. He managed to get over for his own try just after the break, as he ran a great support line to receive the offload from Fonotia and dive under the posts for the try.
"You will not see a better try this season!"
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) March 24, 2018
Superb, @SaleSharksRugby 👏 pic.twitter.com/XJ8ciHdAsW