Premiership Rugby: Team of the Weekend
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1. Rob Vickers - Newcastle Falcons
Dominant shift from the Falcons loosehead against a powerful Worcester pack, strong at set-piece and made a big impact in defence with 10 tackles. Rewarded with a first-half try for his efforts as Newcastle secured a bonus-point victory.
2. Schalk Brits - Saracens
Incredible display from the Sarries hooker as he illuminated the grand stage at Twickenham. Described by Mark McCall as ' Peter Pan ' the way he rolled back the years on Saturday. Brits scored a try, set-up another and strolled around Twickenham like he ran the place. Two clean breaks, six defenders beaten, four offloads, 68m in attack and 13 tackles. At 36 years of age, the former Springbok is showing no signs of slowing down just yet.
3. Vincent Koch - Saracens
Excelled in the tight exchanges, Kock provided the powerful Sarries front-row with stability and was involved very effectively in open play as his interchange with Brits helped set up Maitland in the 1st half. The South African is quickly moulding into one of the most highly-regarded tight-heads in world rugby. Stood out in defence with 12 tackles, deserved a try for his performance + two clean breaks on the day outline how dangerous he can be from open play.
4. Luke Charteris - Bath
The Welsh enforcer shone in his core duties in a superb all round display at Welford Road. Charteris took the fight to the Tigers and put his body on the line in defence making 14 tackles. Made a telling contribution at the death to derail a Leicester lineout, allowing the 13-man visitors to secure victory.
5. Jeremy Thrush - Gloucester
The 11-cap All Black was one of the stars in the Gloucester win over Exeter Chiefs at Kingsholm Stadium. Two tries from the second row is an achievement in itself, Thrush was at the forefront of the Gloucester rearguard and finished the game with impressive stats - five tackles, nine carries and gained 27m in attack.
6. Mike Coman - London Irish
Coman made a massive contribution to his side's victory in Twickenham on Saturday. Last season's London Irish Player of the Season delivered a tireless defensive shift as he chipped in with 18 tackles.
7. Blair Cowan - London Irish
The New Zealand born forward combined seamlessly with Coman in the Exiles back-row. Cowan provided a try assist while also pitching in with 17 tackles in defence to stem the Harlequins attack.
8. Sam Simmonds - Exeter Chiefs
Made a big impression in the defending champions defeat to Gloucester. His carrying, tackling, try-scoring ability and general effectiveness around the park sees him included ahead of Bath No. 8 Taulupe Faletau. Simmonds scored two first-half tries, but it was his contribution in defence that went unnoticed on the night. 17 tackles highlighted his willingness for work around the park - the 22-year old means business this season.
9. Dan Robson - Wasps Rugby
Absolutely exceptional attacking performance from the Wasps scrum-half at the Ricoh on Saturday. Robson scored four tries on the day, his finishing attacking stats were simply mind-blowing- 6 clean breaks and 122m gained. Hard to believe he has yet to receive a cap at international level for England.
10. Alex Lozowski - Saracens
Conducted a 55-point showing against Northampton Saints at Twickenham. Lozowski directed the supremely talented Saracens backline with aplomb and scored a opportunistic try of his own following some great support play.
11. Topsy Ojo - London Irish
Marked his return to Premiership rugby by acrobatically finishing off a scintillating team try for the Exiles. Ojo personified his side's spirit in victory at Twickenham. The former England wing capped off his performance with 107 metres in attack, 4 clean breaks and 3 defenders beaten.
12. Max Clark - Bath
The Bath centre oozed class throughout his side's victory at Welford Road. His two tries came from clever lines and he excelled at the forefront of Bath's defensive effort.
13. Gabirele Lovobalavu - Wasps
The Fijian adds midfield muscle to the Wasps backline taking pressure off their key playmakers Gopperth & Cipriani. The summer recruit from Bayonne produced a stunning offloading display against Sale while bringing some ballast in defence - something Dai Young needs to address after shipping 35 points at home.
14. Sean Maitland - Saracens
A stunning first-half hat trick from the Scotland international set Sarries on their way to a nine-try success at Twickenham. Maitland's natural finishing ability will be crucial to Sarries title hopes after the departure of Chris Ashton.
15. Tommy Bell - London Irish
The accuracy from Bell off the tee set the scoreboard rolling for the Exiles' victory on return to the Premiership. An impressive 24-point haul for the Irish full-back included a lovely, ghosting try and 19 points from the boot. Bell made 76m from 16 carries as he helped mastermind a winning start for Irish.
