Team of the Weekend: December 4th

1. Denis Buckley

The Connact loose-head scored the bonus point try in a comfortable victory over Benetton Treviso at the Sportsground. Buckley also got in over the ball to win a vital turnover on 23rd minute, which led to Connacht’s second try of the afternoon.

2. Tom Mc Cartney

The Kiwi hooker and man-of-the-match, McCartney bagged a brace of tries en route to Connacht's bonus point victory.

Revenging for last season's loss to the Italians, Mc Cartney showed his power at set piece and in the loose, bursting over from a standing start on the 13th minutes, while his second try came from short range following a bout of forward pressure.

3. Sekope Kepu

The Australian tight-head scored a long-range try to give the Wallabies a sniff late in the encounter at Twickenham. Kepu was solid around the park and did well to not be penalised at scrum time. 

4. George Kruis 

The Saracens second-row marked his return from injury by winning clean lineout ball and competing well in the loose for England.

Kruis early defensive work was rewarded after heavy Australian pressure, also holding up Kepu to deny a certain try which kept England in the game. Topped England's tackle count with 16 and none missed.

5. Alun Wyn-Jones

The Ospreys welcomed back Jones after Wales duty as they sealed another five points. The Lions lock was the man of the match and showed his handling abilities releasing Giles to set up the bonus point try.

His leadership in the win was crucial in maintaining momentum for the Welsh side, further staking his claim for the Lions captaincy. 

6. Sylvain Nicolas

The Stade Francais flanker was rewarded for his fine performance with a try in the closing stages of the win over Bayonne at the Stade Jean-Bouin. 

7. Chris Henry

The Ulster back-row helped the side end a run of three Pro 12 defeats in an emphatic bonus-point victory away to Cardiff Blues.

Henry scored a second half try in the win, in his first appearance since last season's semi final against Leinster at the RDS, the flanker was able to hold off two defenders to ground the ball.

8. Jack Conan

The Leinster No.8 put in a dominant man-of-the-match performance in the win over Dragons at the RDS. Conan burst onto a flat pass from McGrath to break two attempted tackles and charge under the posts for the sides third try.

Conan's smart running lines and defensive power only adds to the strength in depth of the Leinster back-row. 

9. Ben Youngs

A man of the match performance from the Leicester Tigers scrum half. Arguably England's player of the Autumn Series.

Youngs has excelled recently and scored a fine solo effort, taking a quick tap penalty selling a dummy to his opposing number Phipps before crossing the line and touching down. 

10. Sam Davies

The Ospreys out-half had 100% kick success in the win over Edinburgh, converting 4 tries and slotting a penalty.

At age 23, Davies has become the fourth highest ever points-scorer for the Ospreys. Davies was instrumental in attack and controlled the game excellently for his side.

11. Sefanaia Naivalu 

The Australian winger scored another try, his second in as many games and was one of the Wallabies' best in the first half. Had three clean breaks and looked a constant threat in the Australian back line.

 12. Stuart Mc Closkey

The Ulster centre making his first appearance since September got Ulster's second try on 28 minutes. McCloskey glided through a clever angle from 20 metres out to stroll through the Cardiff defence.

The Bangor man ran hard lines and offloaded well in the midfield throughout the fixture.

13. Jonathan Joseph

The Bath centre put in another thrilling display against Australia at Twickenham. Scoring two tries for his side, The first try was an opportunistic score, chasing in behind the Australia defence, gathering from a kind bounce and dotting down under the posts.

Joseph orchestrated another score for his side, delivering a delicately weighted grubber which was touched down by Yarde, leading to a game clinching try for his side.

14. Keelan Giles

The Ospreys teenage winger once again crossed the white wash for his 9th try in his six senior appearances for the Ospreys.

Giles searing pace and finishing ability was on display again, as he took a pass from Jones to race away for the score in the corner to seal the game.

 15. Leigh Halfpenny

The Toulon full back was once again pivotal in the win over Toulouse at the Stade Felix Mayol. Scoring a try and 12 points off the tee in a 37-10 win over Toulouse.

The Welsh man scored two penalties, three conversions and crossed for his third try of the season in his first game for the French club since 21st October.