Team of the Weekend - Champions Cup
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1. Ellis Genge
Genge was a human battering ram for Leicester in their dismantling of Castres, beating 8 defenders from his 8 carries. The loosehead was a constant threat running off 9, and proved vital for breaking past the gain line. Genge also provided a steady set piece at scrum time.
2. Tom Youngs
3. Simone Pietro Ferrari
5. Joe Launchbury
7. Braam Steyn
Seemed to be everywhere for Benetton against Toulon. Put in a huge shift carrying 14 times and making an impressive 62 metres going forward against the 3 time European Champions. Also put his body on the line making 12 tackles.
8. Victor Vito
9. Charlie Cassang
Cassang was top class when he came after injury to Camille Lopez, scoring twice and totalled a whopping 66 meters in yards gained. Cassang was simply electric and is a testament to the depth and talent available at Clermont's disposal. For a little guy, Cassang packs a punch making 100% of his tackles.
10. Ian McKinley
Key part of the brilliant performance from Benetton against Toulon. Accurate off the tee and kept the Italians in the game when it looked like Toulon were going to run away with it. He brought the best out of a Treviso pack that competed with Toulon and was unlucky not to secure the win after his 78th minute penalty to take the lead.
11. Jonny May
What a signing May has been for Tigers. Another 2 tries this week as he excelled in a superb Tigers performance. Making 88 metres going forward and making 2 clean breaks, May showed his finishing instinct finishing off a superb move for his 1st try in the corner and another great finish in the second half.
12. Owen Watkin
Put in a great shift for Ospreys as they pushed Saracens all the way on Saturday night. Showed some great attacking intent from inside centre, made serious metres going forward and was strong going forward. Took his try well to get Ospreys back in the game fending off 2 defenders.
13. Nick Tompkins
Called upon earlier than expected when Duncan Taylor was forced off through injury in the first half, but he took no time at all to get up to the pace of the game. He played a key role in Liam Williams' try and even managed to score one of his own to cap off this man of the match performance.
14. David Smith
Had a woeful 1st half but hard not to include someone who scores a hat-trick in the Champions Cup. Despite being caught out in defence a few times, Smith showed his experience going forward, showing some great feet beating 7 defenders and creating space to make some breaks. Made 91 metres going forward and took his tries well.
15. Telusa Veainu
Man of the Match performance from Veainu, looked untouchable at times as he weaved his way around defenders. His attacking instinct was on show all game, as he ran in a quick-fire hat-trick as Tigers dominated Castres.