Team of the Weekend: 19th February
- 6192
1. Dave Kilcoyne
The Munster loose-head was a late try hero for his side as they claimed a win over Ospreys in a crucial top of the table clash.
Kilcoyne diving over with 2 minutes to go claimed the game winning score. Kilcyone used his large frame around the park, crashing into tackles in defense & showing his dynamic running ability with ball in hand.
Important hit from O'Shea and Kilcoyne - at this point, Munster had begun to slow up Ospreys ball and win the collisions pic.twitter.com/umBI1G4urb
— Three Red Kings (@threeredkings) February 19, 2017
2. James Tracy
The recent 6 Nations debutant returned to the Leinster side full of confidence. Tracy was accurate at set piece and worked hard in loose-play with some gain line busting carries.
3. Pat Cilliers
Injury delayed the start to his AP season, Cilliers was influential for his side in a comprehensive win over Bristol in only his 13th appearance for his side.
He scored his first Tigers' try, which gave them a 5-3 lead after 13 minutes, Cilliers slipped away before showing some pace to sprint away for the score.
4. Bryn Evans
The Sale Sharks second row was involved in Sharks 2nd try of the game with some excellent work linking up with Josh Beaumont down the right side.
Evans displayed his soft handling skills by producing a breath taking offload to release Solomona away for his 3rd try of the game. An outstanding effort from Evans in the win over Wasps at the AJ Bell.
5. Tadgh Beirne
Beirne was instrumental in securing a precious bonus-point win over Zebre to keep up pace with the Pro12 front runners.
The former Leinster second-row was named man-of-the-match and helped set up Scarlets' third try after his kick down field was touched down beneath the posts.
Perfect bounce!
— BBC ScrumV (@BBCScrumV) February 17, 2017
🏉 Tom Williams gets on the end of a Tadhg Beirne kick for @scarlets_rugby
📺 @BBCTwo Wales
📱https://t.co/5PVlKB54zC pic.twitter.com/v1zPKhNz30
6. Sam Underhill
Underhill was fantastic for Ospreys in a close fought encounter with Munster at the Liberty Stadium.
The flanker excelled, especially at the break down where he was a real menace and slowed down Munster ball at every opportunity.
Underhill has signed for Bath for next season, his loss will be a big void to fill for the Welsh outfit.
A superb break from @SGUnderhill leads to a great try for @Dirko31 in the #Pro12 game between the Ospreys and Munster.
— EatSleepRugby (@eatsleeprugby) February 20, 2017
🎥Pro12 pic.twitter.com/QQUyYVdYjZ
7. Dan Leavy
Leavy was introduced early on and went on to win the man-of-the-match award. The Leinster flanker was exceptional scoring a try for his side, also chipping in with 3 turnovers and 7 tackles.
Leavy's superb form has been rewarded with a call up to the 34-man Ireland squad for the game against France.
8. Marcell Coetzee
After 10 months out following knee surgery, the Springbok picked up the man-of-the-match award in a bonus point win for Ulster.
Coetzee was ravenous for work with his destructive ball carrying giving Ulster an edge to their game, he played a leading role in back-row that squeezed out 19 turnovers from Glasgow.
9. Ruan Pienaar
Ruan Pienaar scored 17 points as Ulster routed Glasgow Warriors. The former Springbok halfback crossed for one try, and slotted three conversions and two penalties.
The bonus point started deep in Ulster's 22 with Pienaar starting and finishing the move after some lovely inter play.
10. Joey Carbery
Carbery scored twice on his first Leinster start of 2017 as his side beat Edinburgh Rugby 39-10 in the Guinness PRO12. A half-break allowed him to stretch and touch down for his first early in the second half before fellow Ireland international Luke McGrath's break led to Carbery's second.
His performance is sure of caught the eye of Ireland Head Coach Joe Schmidt, however the talented 21-year-old was a notable omission in the Ireland squad for the upcoming 6 Nations Test v France.
11. James Short
The Exeter winger helped himself to 3-tries in a high-scoring victory over Worcester at Sixways. The win sees Exeter join level on points with Saracens in 2nd place.
Short showed his electric pace on the fast service to claim a 10th successive win over Warriors.
12. Kurtley Beale
Playing at fullback, the versatile Wallaby set up quick two tries.
The first came as he ran a brilliant line to crack the defence before putting the ball in his winger’s hands to score.
His next effort was just as impressive, as he showed pace down the left-hand touchline before passing back on the inside for his flanker, Ashley Johnson, to cross over from close range.
13. Ashley Beck
The Ospreys showed well against a spirited Munster side, narrowly losing in a close encounter.
Beck showed deft handling skills throughout and displayed his creative flair, that has seen many call for his inclusion in the Wales set-up.
Beck was denied a second half score following a no arms tackle attempted by Saili, which proved to have a decisive impact on the final result.
14. Denny Solomona
Solomona scored three tries to bring his tally with Sale Sharks to 7 tries in 5 games, a new AP record.
The Samoan rugby league international, who may qualify for England next month on residency, scored a first-half hat-trick to help Sale upset leaders Wasps by four tries to three.
The 24 year-old has scored 9 tries in 7 games following a move from rugby league.
15. Telusa Veainu
Former Crusaders and Highlanders flyer Veainu made a spectacular comeback to help the Tigers secure their best English rugby premiership win since Aaron Mauger took charge.
Veainu - out since suffering a head injury on test duty with Tonga last October, returned to score a try and set up another in Leicester's 50-17 home win over bottom team Bristol.