PRO14: Team of the Week

1. Ox Nche

The powerful loosehead caused absolute destruction on the park for the Cheetahs today. He managed to carry the ball 4 times whilst he was on the field for a total gain of 17m. He made 7 bone-crunching tackles for his side and didn’t miss a beat for his 52 minutes on the field. His work at the scrum was also crucial to his side as it put them on the front foot throughout the game.

2. Torsten van Jaarsveld

The Cheetahs hooker made a significant individual contribution to their first win of the Pro 14, scoring 2 tries. Both were on the back of some good work by his forward pack but he showed a real eye for the try-line, driving his way over on both occasions. He looked to get involved throughout the game, carrying 8 times for a gain of 29m. He didn’t shirk responsibility in defence either making a total of 7 tackles.

3. Samson Lee

The Scarlets tighthead scrummaged with characteristic consistency in Belfast securing possession for his side. He carried aggressively and made an impressive total of twelve tackles throughout the night. A great shift for a tighthead prop.

4. Jean Kleyn

The South African received the MOTM award for his efforts in his Munster side’s huge away victory over the Ospreys. He went over for his side’s opening try which set the ball rolling for a victory which will surely be extremely important in later weeks. However it was his work at the breakdown and in defence that really made him stand out. Excellent rucking technique aided his side to retain 80% possession during the game. He had 100% tackle success rate as well which limited Ospreys chances to get a hold on the game.

5. George Biagi

Zebre were defeated this weekend but managed to score more points and tries than in their first two games combined. One of their try-scorers and star performers on the day was 2^nd row Biagi. The Italian international was all over the park making 12m and a linebreak from 5 carries. He made 5 tackles in defence and was the Italian side’s go to player at the lineout. He was unlucky to receive a yellow card today which put a bit of a dampener on a fantastic performance.

6. Johan Meyer

Another Zebre forward that impressed this week was South African Meyer. On his return to the homeland the flanker was a real nuisance to his countrymen. He made an astounding 11 tackles without missing a single one. His carrying was outstanding as well as he scored a try, made 18m and broke clean through the defence on one occasion.

7. Josh Navidi

A blistering game from the dynamic flanker. He was a thorn in the side of Glasgow all night with ten explosive carries earning his side 36 meters and dogged defensive work with a total of eight tackles. In typical number 7 style he was also effective on the floor winning a number of crucial turn overs. Brilliant all round performance.

8. Jack Conan

Another immense performance from the number 8 today on tour in South Africa. He surely is in the running for a start in the green jersey in November. Again he was the standout forward in his Leinster side amassing 34m off of 9 carries. He beat a total of 3 defenders over the 80 minutes and made 2 clean linebreaks which ended in his superb try. It’s hard to imagine how Heaslip is going to oust his teammate for a place in the starting XV if the young back rower keeps putting in performances like these.

9. John Cooney

The newly signed scrum-half has put his name firmly on the team-sheet with a string of good performances so far this season. His kicking game has really taken the heat off of Lealifano and aided his assimilation to life in the white jersey. Cooney made a couple of trademark linebreaks in the game, gaining 21m and beating 2 defenders. He racked up 12 points with 4 kicks at goal as well helping Ulster to the victory.

10. Finn Russell

Russell was outstanding in Cardiff with a 100% success rate from the kicking tee. His kicking from hand was equally effective with a total of 13 kicks most of which inflicted damage on the Cardiff Blues. He was a potent attacking threat as well with a total of 64 meters gained and 27 passes. His try assist for Lee Jones was incredible to behold, as he took his own up and under before giving the killer inside pass to the winger.

11. Jacob Stockdale

The Ulsterman gave a man of the match performance in his sides dogged victory over Scarlets at Kingspan. The winger was electric all night as he seemed to inject pace and power whenever he got on the ball. He supported well and got over for a crucial try in the second half. He linked play beautifully as well with some brilliant offloads throughout the night.

12. William Small-Smith

The Cheetahs inside centre has impressed in previous weeks despite his side suffering huge defeats. This weekend however, he was on the triumphant side and put in a magnificent performance, racking up 35m, 2 clean breaks and scoring a great try. He also had a sumptuous try assist with a deft chip over the top for Peterson’s 5 pointer.

13. Chris Farrell

The former Grenoble man looks to be a welcome addition to the Munster setup forming a formidable partnership with Jaco Taute. Their defensive wall in midfield seems to be almost impregnable as the pair only missed one tackle between them. And it was his partner who missed Hook on that occasion. Farrell made one clean linebreak today and beat 3 defenders, gaining 53m. He will be a permanent fixture in the Munster jersey for some time to come.

14. Angelo Esposito

Treviso got a massive win on the road this week against Edinburgh at Myreside stadium. Their star performer on the night was winger Esposito. The speedster scored 2 tries, beat 2 defenders and made 29m in attack. He also put in a number of massive hits, coming in off his wing and shutting down the Scottish side’s attack.

15. Joey Carbery

The young maestro hasn’t looked at all rusty after returning from injury last week. He was a usual threat on the counter attack and managed to make a massive 110m in his 58 minutes on the field, which included 3 linebreaks. Though he didn’t kick as well as usual from hand he took his try in the corner expertly, shielding the ball from the oncoming defenders and using all his weight to stay in field.