Team of the Weekend - Champions Cup

Team of the Weekend - Champions Cup

1. Ellis Genge

Genge was a human battering ram for Leicester in their dismantling of Castres, beating 8 defenders from his 8 carries. The loosehead was a constant threat running off 9, and proved vital for breaking past the gain line. Genge also provided a steady set piece at scrum time.

2. Tom Youngs


The Tigers' captain led from the front for his side's huge victory on Saturday. In the early stages of the fixture the hooker proved to be a catalyst for Leicester, tearing through Castres' line before turning provider for Veainu. In defense, Youngs was as reliable as ever, making 10 tackles and earning 1 turnover.

3. Simone Pietro Ferrari


In Treviso's narrow defeat at the the hands of Toulon, there were a number of positives to take - one of which was Ferrari's performance. Treviso's scrum was consistently strong while Ferrari was on the field, and when called upon in defense, the prop did not put a foot out of line, making 13/13 tackles.
 
4. Jason Eaton
 
Eaton enjoyed a fine game in La Rochelle's victory against Ulster. The lock provided a sold platform at the lineout for his side to work off, as well as making 8 tackles in defense. To top off his performance, the veteran also managed to get on the scoreboard with a try.

5. Joe Launchbury

Launchbury's lineout operational skills were top notch as Wasps cruised to victory over Harlequins. Launchbury wasn't just a lineout specialist as he was seen throwing the ball around as if he were a back. Launchbury's slick lineouts and silky hands helped Wasps register a massive win over a side that contained many international players. 
 
6. Don Armand
 
 
Montpellier were always going to be a difficult task and Armand met the challenge head-on, putting in a performance that any back row would be proud of. Armand's trojan efforts in defence meant he put in 11 tackles and refused to give the superstars of Montpellier an inch. Armand's attacking efforts weren't too shabby either and he scored twice to help secure a massive Chiefs win.

7. Braam Steyn


Seemed to be everywhere for Benetton against Toulon. Put in a huge shift carrying 14 times and making an impressive 62 metres going forward against the 3 time European Champions. Also put his body on the line making 12 tackles.

8. Victor Vito

The Top 14 player of the year was on fire as La Rochelle steamrolled Ulster. Vito totalled 9 carries for a staggering return of 63 meters. The big back row was rewarded for his attacking efforts scoring a try and getting himself an assist in a game where the opposition struggled massively. 

9. Charlie Cassang

Cassang was top class when he came after injury to Camille Lopez, scoring twice and totalled a whopping 66 meters in yards gained. Cassang was simply electric and is a testament to the depth and talent available at Clermont's disposal. For a little guy, Cassang packs a punch making 100% of his tackles.

10. Ian McKinley

Key part of the brilliant performance from Benetton against Toulon. Accurate off the tee and kept the Italians in the game when it looked like Toulon were going to run away with it. He brought the best out of a Treviso pack that competed with Toulon and was unlucky not to secure the win after his 78th minute penalty to take the lead.

11. Jonny May

What a signing May has been for Tigers. Another 2 tries this week as he excelled in a superb Tigers performance. Making 88 metres going forward and making 2 clean breaks, May showed his finishing instinct finishing off a superb move for his 1st try in the corner and another great finish in the second half.

12. Owen Watkin

Put in a great shift for Ospreys as they pushed Saracens all the way on Saturday night. Showed some great attacking intent from inside centre, made serious metres going forward and was strong going forward. Took his try well to get Ospreys back in the game fending off 2 defenders.

13. Nick Tompkins

Called upon earlier than expected when Duncan Taylor was forced off through injury in the first half, but he took no time at all to get up to the pace of the game. He played a key role in Liam Williams' try and even managed to score one of his own to cap off this man of the match performance.

14. David Smith

Had a woeful 1st half but hard not to include someone who scores a hat-trick in the Champions Cup. Despite being caught out in defence a few times, Smith showed his experience going forward, showing some great feet beating 7 defenders and creating space to make some breaks. Made 91 metres going forward and took his tries well.

15. Telusa Veainu

Man of the Match performance from Veainu, looked untouchable at times as he weaved his way around defenders. His attacking instinct was on show all game, as he ran in a quick-fire hat-trick as Tigers dominated Castres.

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