Champions Cup - Players of the Day
- 2023
Robbie Henshaw
Playing in the less familiar role of outside centre for Leinster today, the young man was absolutely outstanding in both attack and defence. He posed a constant threat with ball in hand, consistently getting over the gain line and creating space for teammates by sucking in the opposition defenders. His tremendous attacking display was capped off with a vital try in the second half. He was also a rock in defence, making an incredible tackle and turnover on Nemani Nadolo at a pivotal moment in the game and was the deserving winner of the man of the match award.
Leone Nakarawa
The Fijian second row forward put in yet another man of the match performance in his side's narrow margin victory over Leicester. He showed offloading skills form a different planet throughout this game, consistently causing the opposition defence an array of problems. He did extremely well to get over the whitewash for Racing's first try and was instrumental in Teddy Thomas' try in the first half. He dominated the aerial battle at the lineout and got through an impressive amount of work at the breakdown.
Geoffrey Doumayrou
Doumayrou, le All Black blanc. pic.twitter.com/PTU7zHqZmd
— greub (@greub1) October 14, 2017
Doumayrou was the star player today in La Rochelle's impressive triumph over Harlequins. He was menacing with ball in hand, making three clean breaks for a total of 98 metres gained. He showed great pace and footwork to get over the whitewash not once, but twice as the Quins defence just could not contain him. He also put in a huge shift defensively, making several big tackles and securing a turnover for his side during a crucial period of the game.
Chris Cook
The scrum-half was the man of the match in his side's comprehensive victory over Treviso in their Champions Cup opener today. He dictated the pace of the game well with very accurate passing and well placed box kicks. He marshalled his backline with maturity beyond his years and showed a really cool head throughout the game. He also displayed impressive pace and footwork around the fringes of the breakdown as time and time again he sniped, making vital yardage for his side.
Jonny Hill
The young second row played a key role in his sides victory over Glasgow. In a hugely physical contest it was the hard work at the breakdown that ultimately decided the result. Hill's work rate, intensity and physical strength was invaluable there. He popped up with a try for himself in the first half with a powerful pick and drive. A well rounded performance earned the englishman the man of the match award.