Top Performers: Leinster vs. Toulouse

Sean Cronin - Leinster Rugby

Incredible shift from the Leinster hooker, Cronin was his usual busy self around the park always looking for work on both sides of the ball. His physicality in close quarters was particularly impressive as he seemed to make yards on all of his 10 carries, continously knocking the Toulouse rearguard behind the gain line. He also did more than his fair share in defence making three tackles and winning two turnovers for his side. He rounded off a top class performance with an opportunistic try from a yard out, cleverly identifying the white wash to dot down for the defending champions.

Cheslin Kolbe - Toulouse 

The livewire Springbok found himself on the losing side today but his influence on the game was telling. His ability to evade defenders in tight spaces, make mockery out of potential tacklers and awareness to identify weak shoulders make him one of the most dangerous attackers in the game. Kolbe beat a game high 13 defenders, made four clean breaks and gained an incredible 125 metres with ball in hand. He tried to inject a spark into the Toulouse attack with every opportunity but the Leinster defence were unbreakable at times. Kolbe scored a consolation try for the visitors at the death, out pacing the Leinster defence before drop kicking the conversion. 

Garry Ringrose - Leinster Rugby

Set the tone early for the Leinster offence with a neat break inside the opening minutes before offloading to get Leinster on the front foot. His clever reads in the 13 channel shut down the Toulouse backline at every opportunity, further highlighting how important he is to club and country in the 13 shirt. A real leader in the side missing a host of front line players, Ringrose guided the European champions with real intent around the park, showing his class in all facets of play. He made a gain of 47 metres with ball in hand, provided a clean break, an offload and beat four defenders. He didn't shirk his defensive duties either as he made 10 tackles and won a turnover for his side.