Aviva Premiership - Team of the Weekend
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Aviva Premiership - Team of the Weekend
1. Mako Vunipola
Vunipola's work rate for the hour he was on the field against Sale was top notch as Saracens racked up a strong win over Sale. Mako made 40 metres going forward, making 12 carries and beating 3 defenders. He also scrummaged well against the Sale pack.
2. Mike Haywood
The Saints hooker put in an excellent performance this weekend in his side's clash with London Irish. He was accurate at the lineout, dogged at the breakdown and very solid in defence. He carried well when called upon, consistently making vital yardage for his side. His incredible efforts were rewarded when he crashed over the line for a try.
3. Dan Cole
Joining fellow England international Mako Vunipola in the front row, Cole stood out at tighthead in the Premiership this weekend. Like Vunipola, his work rate was superb in a breathtaking fixture vs Harlequins, putting in a 66 minutes shift and having a 100% tackle rate (11/11).
4. Michael Patterson
The veteran second row forward lead by example for his side this weekend. He was immense in defence, making 16 tackles and recording an impressive tackle success rate of 100%. He provided an excellent option at the lineout which consistently gave Northampton a great attacking platform. He also posed a serious threat with ball in hand, carrying 11 times.
5. Dominic Barrow
15 tackles from the Tigers second row in their hard fought win against Harlequins, missing just 1 tackle. Operated well in the line out and was solid around the park.
6. Maro Itoje
The young English flanker put in yet another magnificent performance in the red of Saracens this weekend. As always, he was incredibly physical in defence, making ten tackles and forcing two turnovers. He carried an impressive 11 times for a total of 53 metres. He showed real quality at the lineout also, consistently winning his own ball as well as disrupting Sale at every available opportunity.
7. Jack Clifford
Despite being on the losing side against the Tigers, it's been a good weekend for Clifford. With Vunipola dropping out of the England squad, his performance yesterday has earned him a spot in the England training squad. Was all over the park, making 11 carries and 12 tackles.
8. Matthew Luamanu
The mammoth Harlequins number 8 was one of the stand out performers for his side this weekend. He consistently posed a real threat with ball in hand, making 9 carries and 3 clean breaks for a total of 72 metres. He showed great pace and impressive strength to finish a try in the corner in the first half. He also got through a huge amount of defensive work, making big tackles at crucial stages of the game.
9. Ben Spencer
Had a very good day vs Sale on Saturday afternoon. The scrum half helped control the game well for Saracens as they cruised to victory. Spencer scored 2 tries, also assisting one to add to his good finishes. 100% tackle rate and 3 clean breaks. Not bad!
10. Owen Farrell
The stalwart English out-half was exemplary yet again in this round of Premiership fixtures. He scored 16 of his sides 41 points, converting all 7 of his attempts from the tee, maintaining his perfect kicking record this season. His kicking from hand was beautifully judged and very intelligent as he consistently pinned Sale back inside their own 22. He looked dangerous with ball in hand and played a key role in several of his side's tries.
11. Ollie Thorley
Thorley put in an outstanding performance at Kingsholm on Friday night. He went over for two 1st half tries in quick succession getting on the end of two overlaps and showing brilliant finishing prowess to score on both occasions. Deserved MOTM award.
12. Matt Toomua
The Leicester Tigers inside centre proved just why he is one of the best players in his position in world rugby with a truly remarkable performance this weekend. He was a rock in defence, making tackle after tackle, occasionally even managing to force vital turnovers for his side. He was menacing with ball in hand, causing the Harlequins defence a host of problems with his direct running and accurate distribution, both of which on show when he set up Jonny May's try in the second half.
13. Henry Trinder
Came off the bench for the second half and racked up an impressive performance on Friday night against Worcester. Made 2 clean breaks, making 57 metres going forward. Was involved in a phenomenal try for Gloucester, grabbing an assist and also getting on the scoresheet himself.
14. Olly Woodburn
The Chiefs wide man was spectacular in his side's impressive victory over Wasps. He was incredible with ball in hand, his combination of scintillating pace and breathtaking power proving two much for the Wasps defence to handle as he crashed over the try line on two separate occasions. Defensively, he was also very impressive, recording a tackle success rate of 100% and keeping his opposite number quiet throughout the game.
15. Matt Banahan
Despite being on the losing side and out of position, Banahan makes our team of the week for his performance vs Newcastle. Beat 2 defenders going forward making 48 metres and even got on the scoresheet after Bath went 19-0 down.
