Top 14 Team of the Week - Round 2
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1. Loni Uhila - Clermont
A powerful performance from the Tongan Bear this weekend as he dominated Ben Tameifuna at scrum time- even after getting smashed by Donnacha Ryan.
Hat tip to Danny Priso for his performance off the bench for La Rochelle after Vincent Pelo struggled against Jannie du Plessis and in the same breath a mention for Gregory Fitchten who dominated Arthur Joly in the same game.
2. Vincent Giudicelli - Montpellier
Giudicelli made the most of a rare start for Montpellier with Bismarck du Plessis taking no part in this weekend's game against La Rochelle.
Montpellier had the superior pack in the first half and won all but one of their own lineouts throughout the game.
Castres' Jody Jenneker also had a strong game this weekend but loses out to the 21-year-old Montpellier hooker.
3. Ramiro Herrera - Stade Francais
Bordeaux loosehead Jefferson Poirot will be happy to know that he won't be facing the Argentine this coming weekend.
Herrera was superb at scrum time and made 6 tackles during his time on the pitch.
The fact that Herrera only played 38 minutes is a testament to how superb his performance was.
Super sub Uini Atonio also played a vital role in turning things around at scrum time for La Rochelle.
4. Iosefa Tekori - Toulouse
Tekori is yet another player that makes the side despite not playing a full 80 minutes over the weekend.
The Toulouse second rower had a busy 50 minutes and was a tough customer for Grenoble on defence and attack.
His opposite number Leva Fifita also had a strong game while Paul Willemse is unlucky not to have made the side.
5. Sebastien Vahaamahina - Clermont
Clermont's attack has received a lot of praise in the opening two rounds of action but their defence has been just as superb.
Vahaamahina emphasises that point after he made 16 tackles against Racing 92 without missing one.
The big second-rower also won 3 turnovers for his side.
6. Rynhardt Elstadt - Toulouse
Toulouse have been forced to play new signing Jerome Kaino at no.8 so far this season with Rynhardt Elstadt excelling at blindside flank.
The South African was only on the field for 48 minutes but managed to make 17 tackles, 2 turnovers and 5 carries.
Clermont's Arthur Iturria also had a busy evening at the U Arena.
7. Wiaan Liebenberg - Montpellier
Yet another South African makes the team as he led his side to their first win of the season after a disappointing season opener.
The former SA u20 captain made 17 tackles and won a turnover before he left the field with a face full of blood.
His opposite number, Remi Bourdeau was busy for La Rochelle.
8. Paddy Butler - Pau
Butler was key to Pau's win over Toulon and sees off Jerome Kaino and Fritz Lee for a spot in the side.
The Former Munster man hit double digits in both the carries and tackles departments.
9. Rory Kockott - Castres
Super subs were a bit of a trend this past weekend in the Top 14 with Kockett's injection leading to Castres' come from behind win.
Kockott edges out Clermont's duo of Greig Laidlaw and Morgan Parra.
The South African-born French International also showed nerves of steel to convert a 79th-minute penalty to seal the win.
10. Camille Lopez - Clermont
France coach Jacques Brunel will be praying that he will finally have the services of Lopez in November.
The Clermont standoff put in a performance nothing short of world-class against Racing 92.
He controlled the game superbly through his boot and created space out wide for his outside backs. He even calmly slotted a drop goal!
11 Sofiane Guitoune - Toulouse
Guitoune filled the vacant spot left by Cheslin Kolbe, who has joined the Springboks in Brisbane, against Grenoble and Toulouse barely missed a beat without the South African.
The 29-year-old made 111 running metres beating 9 defenders and made 1 clean break.
Despite his best efforts, Guitoune was unable to cross the whitewash. He sees off Damian Penaud for a place in the team of the week.
12 Sam Vaka - Agen
The former Chiefs' centre played a key role in Agen's narrow win over Perpignan scoring a try and assisting another.
He was solid on defence and attack making 42 running metres and 7 tackles. His performance sees him just beat Wesley Fofana for the no.12 jersey.
13. Yvan Reilhac - Montpellier
Reilhac enjoyed what could be a breakout game for him against La Rochelle.
The young centre scored and assisted a try in his second start of the season.
He made 30 running metres and beat 4 defenders. He just beats Virimi Vakatawa to a place in the side.
14. Peter Betham - Clermont
117 running metres, 2 defenders beaten and 3 three clean breaks, Peter Betham was a real handful Racing 92.
The Australian speedster was one of the deadliest backs in Round two after coming into the side for Alivereti Raka.
Notable mention: Waisea Nayacalevu (Stade Francais)
15. Thomas Ramos - Toulouse
Ramos's goal kicking was crucial to Toulouse's three-point win over Grenoble.
The Toulouse fullback converted all of his attempts at goal was still effective on attack racking up 66 running metres.
Elswhere, Romain Buros was one of Bordeaux's stand out players against Stade Francais.
