Champions Cup: Team of the Weekend
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1. Mako Vunipola – Very solid at scrum time after an early bout of Munster pressure. Carried dynamically throughout making vital gainline yardage. Scored the opening try that put Sarries out of sight. Chipped in with a cheeky grubber in the 2nd half.
2. Benjamin Kayser – Was substituted early enough but it was a solid display from the Clermont hooker. His throwing in the line-out was very accurate and carried hard in the loose.
3. Vincent Koch – Awarded with the MOTM in Dublin. The Springbok international was very impressive at set piece. Carried powerfully and was an absolute menace at the breakdown securing vital turnover ball for his side.
4. Maro Itoje – Dominant as per usual. Incredible physicality at the breakdown causing Munster a host of problems. An absolute rock in defence, consistently smashing the Munster ball carriers back over the gain line.
5. Sebastien Vahaamahina – Tireless shift from the French second-row, seemed to be everywhere on the pitch in Lyon. Leads the tournament in tackles completed.
6. Rhys Ruddock – His bullish carrying covered the loss of Sean O’ Brien, very solid work rate throughout. High tackles count and a mammoth 80 minute shift helped Leinster over the gainline. The driving force in the Leinster pack.
7. Peceli Yato – Showed searing pace on a couple of occasions, scored the first try of the game after a chip and chase and nearly got away down the right hand side in the 2nd half. Combined well with his back-row partners, made a high number of tackles and carries.
8. Billy Vunipola – Vunipola made a couple of crucial tackles and held Munster’s big ball carriers up earning scrum possession for his side. Made a few trademark lung-busting carries making significant yardage for his side.
9. Richard Wigglesworth – Marshalled his backline expertly and kicked extremely accurately from hand. Despite knocking the ball on at a key moment early in the game to prevent a try. The Sarries scrum-half used his experience to set his team mates into great attacking spaces.
10. Camille Lopez - The Clermont fly-half displayed nerves of steel to slot two long range drop goals that proved to be the difference between the sides. Lopez managed the game superbly throughout and never looked shaky despite the Leinster second half resurgence.
11. Keith Earls – The Munster man was the shining light in their stuttering back-line. Should have received the ball on more occasions due to Saracens inability to prevent his strong running game.
12. Brad Barritt – Quiet afternoon for the Saracens captain in an attacking sense. Put in a large effort defensively and caused havoc at the breakdown.
13. Garry Ringrose – Constant threat in attack from start to finish. Scored a truly magnificent solo effort to spark a Leinster revival after some mesmerising footwork and blistering pace.
14. David Strettle – The former England wing set up the first try with a chip ahead, scored the second with a great solo run and didn’t shirk his defensive responsibilities throughout.
15. Joey Carbery – Dealt with the occasion admirably. Consistent under the high ball and dangerous when running from deep. Showed flashes with some beautiful footwork and accurate passing.
