Team of the Weekend: December 15th

Team of the Weekend: December 15th

1. Eddy Ben Arous

A dominant forward performance from the French loose-head, as Racing 92’s giant pack finally showed up in this year’s competition, Ben Arous played a starring role in securing a bonus point victory for the Paris outfit.

He made 5 carries and 5 tackles for his side showing a high-level of work-rate in the one-sided encounter

2. Richard Hibbard


The Gloucester man was a two-try hero as he guided Gloucester to a bonus-point victory over Treviso to go top of Pool 1, despite a change of venue, delayed kick-off and freezing conditions.

The Welsh hooker carried strongly throughout and was awarded with a try in either half.


3. Finlay Bealham

The Connacht tight-head dominated proceedings up front in a 10 try victory at the Sportsground.

Bealham powered over from close range to provide Connacht with their bonus-point score after 27 minutes.

4. Tim Swinson

The Scotland second-row put in a man-of-the-match performance for Glasgow in a narrow loss to Munster at Scotscoun.

Swinson carried 10 times for 61 metres covering more ground than any other player, beating 2 defenders, 2 clean line breaks, 8 tackles and a turnover for his side.

Swinson will be looking to guide his side to a crucial win at Welford Road this weekend.

5. Gerbrandt Grobler

The 24-year-old South African lock, powered over at the end of the first half from a 5m scrum to give the hosts a 22-3 lead.

Grobler was a deserved selection for the man-of-the-match award with 15 carries for 33 metres, 11 tackles and 100% success line-out completion. Outstanding effort.

6. Jack Conan

The Leinster back-rower put in a world class performance at the RDS. Conan starred at blindside-flanker helping himself to 3 tries on the night and teed up Adam Byrne for another score with an incredible offload.

He made 15 carries for 87 metres, 7 tackles and was voted man-of-the-match for his heroics.

Conan has certainly put his hand up for 6 Nations selection with his recent performances and his ability to slot into any position in the back row.

7. Hamish Watson

The Scotland back-row played a pivotal role as he helped Edinburgh to move top of Pool 5 in the European Rugby Challenge Cup, claiming a massive away victory over Harlequins.

Watson made 11 tackles and carried strongly throughout the contest making 25 metres for his side as they claimed a double over Quins.

With the recent contract renewal, it has been quite a week for the Scotsman.

8. Teimana Harrison

The England international crossed twice as Saints got a bonus-point win over Castres.

Having been forced to play at No. 8 in place of the injured Louis Picamoles. The New Zealand-born flanker revelled in the role impressing with an all-action display.

His first try came from a tight line off Myler to score in the opening passages of the game, with his second try coming after some good awareness after a scrappy ball from a scrum.

9. Kieran Marmion

The Connacht scrum-half scored two tries in an emphatic win over Zebre in the Pool 2 Clash. Marmion provided his back-line with quick ball that terrorised the Italian outfit’s defence, eventually resulting in a 10-try rout for the province.

Marmion controlled the game with ease but faces stiff competition from Leinster’s Luke McGrath for the back-up scrum-half role for Ireland.

10. John Cooney

The former Leinster man fitted seamlessly into the No. 10 shirt for Connacht in the comprehensive win over Zebre at the Sportsground. 

Switching from his usual position at scrum-half, Cooney excelled in his unfamiliar role.

Scoring one try and assisted numerous other scores in the one-sided encounter.

Cooney kicked accurately from the tee, slotting 7/10 attempts for his side.

11. Chris Ashton

The Saracens winger provided his team with two tries in the tie at Parc y Scarlets.

Ashton touched down twice in the second half, scoring the final try of the game in the dying minutes to give his side a valuable point at the death.

Farrell unlocked the Scarlets defence and Ashton did the rest running a beautiful support line.

12. Scott Williams

The Scarlets centre stood out in an exciting back-line, with some powerful carries throughout the game.

Williams made 10 carries for 50 metres and punctured the Sarries defence in the second half to pull his side 7 points clear of their opponents.

The Wales centre was given the man-of-the-match award for his Trojan efforts.

13. Michele Campagnaro

The Italian centre was an ever present threat for the Chiefs in their victory against Ulster.

His impressive work rate and blistering pace caused Ulster’s back line constant problems throughout the encounter.

Scoring two tries and making 111 metres for his side, it was a monstrous performance from Campagnaro and he was deservedly awarded the man-of-the-match.

14. Charles Piutau

The New-Zealander showed why he is considered one of the most naturally gifted players on the planet, bagging a brace in the loss to Exeter at Sandy Park Stadium.

Piutau didn’t deserve to be on the losing side for his efforts.

His ability to change direction at full speed is a unique talent and his breathtaking displays will be missed in the remaining rounds of the tournament.

15. Tiernan O’ Halloran

The Connacht fullback was outstanding as he picked up the man-of-the-match award against Zebre.

He scored two tries and was a threat to the Zebre defence at all times.

He made 20 carries for a gain of 150 metres and caused havoc on numerous counter-attacks as he provided his back three partner, Healy, away down the outside on multiple occasions.

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