Saturday's Champions Cup Stars

 

 

With Sexton's injury only announced late in the week, Carbery had big shoes to fill in what was his first European game. But the young fly-half transitioned seamlessly with a supreme all-round performance. Carbery brought electric feet, blistering pace, and a clinical kicking game, giving the Castres defence no chance to settle in. Arguably unfortunate not to be awarded MOTM, Carbery showed his class throughout in what will be a European debut to remember. 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a first appearance of the season for Farrell, but it certainly didn't look it, as the fly-half capped off a historic win in the Stade Felix Mayol with a highly impressive performance. Clinical with the boot and ball in hand, Farrell looked in constant control, orchestrating the Sarries backline supremely. Fully deserved of his MOTM title, Farrell will certainly be hoping to continue this rich vein of form going into the Autumn internationals. 

 

 

 

 

The outside centre was the talisman in Connacht's hugely impressive victory over Toulouse at the Sportsground, and was thoroughly deserved of his MOTM nomination. In the wars all evening, Aki showed his brute physicality and superb running game, which were particularly prevalent in his brilliant solo effort for Connacht's third try.

 

 

 

 

Newly signed for Northampton, Louis Picamoles has settled in nicely and was a key figure in the Saints' 2-point victory over Montpellier at Franklins Gardens. Known for his immense physicality, the French No. 8 brought that and more in hist MOTM performance, with some fantastic running play and ball handling on show throughout, including a delicate inside ball to Clark for Saint's first try of the match.