Team of the Weekend: 26th March
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Mako Vunipola
Big shift from the Sarries loose-head. Mako made 11 carries & 10 tackles in an energetic display. He was ferocious at the breakdown, won a turnover and was on hand to sweep up whenever needed.
In attack he continued his trademark bursts with some bullish carries.
Niall Scannell
The Munster hooker wasted no time getting back into the swing of things following his maiden 6N campaign, getting over the try-line at the back of a rolling maul after 4 minutes.
He was part of a dominant front-row that put their team on the front foot throughout, his lineout delivery was once again faultless.
Dan Cole
Cole shone for the Tigers in their battle against Northampton Saints. He was a member of a solid front-row at scrum time, with pressure on the Saints’ front row leading to winning possession off 3 Saints put-ins.
Cole made 5 tackles to round off an encouraging performance.
Maro Itoje
Another exceptional effort from Itoje. His performance had it all, a menace at the breakdown, carried well in attack gaining 64m for his side, a trademark line-out steal and a high tackle count to add to his efforts.
Iain Henderson
His workrate around the breakdown and putting his body on the line in defence was matched by his ability to make key runs, offload out of the tackle and make hard yards for his side.
Henderson played a leading role in securing victory against the Dragons on Friday night.
Rhys Ruddock
Ruddock helped Leinster maintain top spot in the Pro12 with a win over Cardiff at the RDS. The Leinster back-rower made 15 carries for a gain of 53m in an all-action display.
With Jamie Heaslip ruled out of contention this week, Ruddock has put his hand up for selection against Wasps this weekend.
Louis Picamoles
The best No. 8 in world rugby. Picamoles crossed for a first half try to put Saints on the front foot. The huge Frenchman showed great awareness and produced one of his trademark bursts before offloading to full-back Tuala for a try.
Picamoles was the stand out player for the hosts in open play. The France international made 84m from 18 carries.
Billy Vunipola
Billy returned to Allianz Park in fine form, dominating the back row battle against his cousin Faletau.
He was the leading ball-carrying threat, constantly taking Saracens over the gainline, despite often being double tackled, which saw space created out wide and his team mates took full advantage.
Vunipola scored a try in the closing minutes shrugging off a tackle before dotting down.
Ben Youngs
The scrum-half played a key role in everything that came good for the Tigers against the Saints on Saturday. A threat around the ruck, he drew defenders in and was able to put his team mates through the holes that opened as a result.
He set up Thompstone and Mc Caffrey’s scores with perfectly weighted passes and even got over for one himself after some good link play with JP Pietersen.
Billy Burns
Burns scored 17 points, including a try of his own, helping Gloucester to earn their first away victory in the Aviva Premiership since September. Burns ran the show for the visitors, with his pinpoint kicking accuracy and zippy distribution caused trouble for Bristol.
Christian Wade
Wade admitted after the game that he was playing the best rugby of his career after scoring two tries in a 40-33 win over Worcester, a brace that saw him draw level as Wasps’ all-time leading try scorer on 79.
Wade took his season tally to 14, for his 1st try he cut through the midfield with a burst of speed, leaving 4 defenders clutching at thin air and then wriggled clear out on the right touchline for his second try of the game.
Brad Barritt
The Saracens captain rolled back the year with an incredible performance against Bath in the Aviva Premiership.
He was unstoppable in attack, barrelling his way through the Bath defensive line making vital yards for his side. He played a key role in several of Saracens tries and managed to grab one himself after some impressive individual work.
Rightfully, Barritt was awarded the man of the match accolade.
Owen Farrell
Farrell showed his control and composure in guiding Sarries to a comprehensive victory over Bath. Farrell had a try assist and marshalled his side well. He kicked accurately at goal and pinned the Bath defence into their 22 with some delicate kicks for territory in difficult conditions.
Chris Ashton
Ashton grabbed a brace and proved how deadly he can be with ball in hand. He was a constant threat and scored two late tries, each capped off with his trademark ‘ Ash Splash ‘ dive.
Mike Brown
The Harlequins full-back helped brush aside Newcastle Falcons on Saturday, Brown was in superb form, scoring a try and setting up Marland Yarde in the 2nd half.
