Some of the top performers from the weekends European Rugby

Conor Murray

It’s not everyday a scrum-half scores a hat-trick with Conor Murray producing another fine performance for his side. With Munster needing a bonus-point win to secure a home semi-final, Murray scored three of their eight tries to book home a semi-final against Ospreys next weekend.

Chris Ashton

Chris Ashton’s four tries against London Welsh did not have a bearing on the result of the game but his 20 points helped Saracens climb into the play-off spots ahead of Exeter Chiefs on points difference. Also after scoring a try in the first half he scored the quickest hat-trick in Premiership history scoring three tries in five minutes. Saracens head coach Mark McCall will be hoping for more of the same next weekend in their semi-final against Northampton Saints.

Johnathan Wizniewski

The Top14’s top scorer produced another man of the match performance as he was instrumental in Grenoble’s crucial win against Toulouse. The former Racing Metro man scored 22 of Grenoble’s 32 points and the win now puts them on the brink of securing their Top14 status for another season as they only need a point from their final league game against already relegated Lyon to secure their safety.

Finn Russell

Finn Russell produced a match winning performance when Glasgow needed him most in their win over Ulster. After a stubborn Ulster side frustrated Glasgow for the first 50 minutes of the game, Russell came into his own first scoring a fantastic individual try and then scoring another try 10 minutes from time to secure his side the win. Overall he scored 22 of Glasgow’s 32 points. The win for Glasgow now ensures that the sides will meet again in the semi-final next Friday at Scotstoun.

Dan Cole

After nearly a year out with a neck injury Dan Cole has been tremendous for both club and country and he was impressive in Leicester Tigers win over Northampton Saints on Saturday. With Leicester needing a win to secure a play-off place, Cole was dominant in the scrum while also putting his body on the line with countless amount of tackles. On this sort of form Cole is surely one of the best tighthead props in Europe and both Cockerill and Lancaster will be hoping he avoids any more long-term injuries.