Team of the Weekend: December 11th

Team of the Weekend: December 11th

1. Dave Kilcoyne

The Munster loose-head put in another industrious display for his side. Carried strongly once again which has been a main feature of his game. Emptied the tank before being replaced late in the second half.

2. Rory Best

The Ulster hooker was superb in the victory over Clermont at the Kingspan Stadium. Best showed his leadership qualities guiding his troops to a bonus point win over the French side. Laser like delivery at lineout, high tackle count, steady at scrum time and strong ball carrying stood out from the potential Lions captain.

3. Tadhg Furlong

The Wexford native was man of the match in Leinster's bonus point victory at Franklin Gardens.

Furlong was immense once again, he flourished in the scrum alongside Jack McGrath to overpower the Saints front row. 

The 24-year-old made his presence felt in defence, Furlong has continued his fine form following the Autumn Series. 

4. Jonny Gray

The Glasgow lock was outstanding for his side in the win away to Racing 92 in Paris. Having lost their last 3 Pro12 games, Gray was the driving force behind the unexpected victory - the quietly devastating effectiveness of Gray was once again to the fore.

Gray was 19/19 tackles made, more than anybody else on the field. He also topped Glasgow's list for ball-carries with nine. His appetite to put in the hard yards and the hard tackles, get up and do it over and over again, all for the greater good, marks him out as a second row of the highest calibre.

5. Joe Launchbury

The Wasps captain put in an incredible display in the win over Connacht at the Ricoh Arena. He carried powerfully and tackled strongly throughout the game and made a couple of key turnovers in the second period.

Joe was rewarded for the efforts in the 62th minute, receiving a pass from Gopperth, he ran a beautiful line, slicing through the tiring Connacht defense to score a brilliant game clinching try. 

6. Iain Henderson

The Ulster back row led from the front, making 15 abrasive carries and made 12 tackles in an impressive performance by the Ulster pack. Henderson put in a massive shift, offering himself as an attacking option, while unleashing some powerful hits on the Clermont side.

Henderson scored a try in the 15th minute as he showed his hunger as he ran a support line, receiving an offload from Tommy Bowe to race away to score in the corner. Iain was given the man of the match award for his performance.

7. Mamuka Gorgodze

The Georgian back row played a pivotal part in Toulon's win over Scarlets at the Stade Felix Mayol. Gorgodze scored the French side's first try of the game, diving over from the ruck a few yards out from the line.

The Georgian World Cup captain showed his range of ability around the park making some big carries, while also tackling tirelessly in the hard fought win.

8. CJ Stander

The Munster No. 8 was the stand out forward in a dominant pack, as the home side managed to shut out the Tigers at Thomond Park. 

The South African born back row had 18 carries to his name.

Stander made an excellent line break in the first half, highlighting his strong ball carrying ability and continued to cause problems throughout. Stander brought a huge amount of physicality to the game and drove his team on at every occasion. 

9. Conor Murray

The Munster half-back further outlined why he is form scrum-half in Europe. Murray box-kicked superbly and provided constant quick ball throughout.

A moment of brilliance from Murray, who provided Zebo was a short inside no-look pass, to race away under the posts.

10. Finn Russell

The Warriors out-half was very impressive off the tee in Glasgow's win over Racing 92, converting 2 tries while also adding 3 penalties to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

He kept Racing on the back foot with his kicking game and ensured his backs could shine with his pinpoint passing.

Russell was instrumental throughout with his deadly range of distribution causing trouble for the hosts' defensive line. Russell fed Dunbar through a dream line to set up a crucial score for his side.

11. Isa Nacewa

Another world class performance from Nacewa. Scored a crucial 49th minute penalty to nudge his side ahead at 13-10, when the game was in the balance.

The Leinster captain was rewarded for his all round display with a well taken try, his sides 5th of the night.

12. Kurtley Beale

The Wasps centre returned from a prolonged spell on the sidelines with a knee injury to get his Champions Cup debut off to a perfect start with a try after 7 minutes, spinning out of tackle and touching down.

The 60 capped Australian international enjoyed a dramatic debut, creating scoring chances for fun while also spending time in the sin bin. Beale was a constant threat and was heavily involved in the build up to the final two Wasps tries.

13. Jaco Taute

The South African centre showed his qualities putting in a fantastic performance, with some monster carries and ability to carve his way through the Tigers defence on multiple occasions.

Taute added two second-half tries and also created the late penalty try as he was hauled down by George Worth which led to a penalty try for his side. With Munster seemingly unable to secure his services after the end of the calendar year, his departure will be a big blow to the province.

14. Sean Maitland 

The Saracens speedster looks to have found his feet for his new club, helping himself to two tries, continuing his fine form from the Autumn Series.

Maitland made 81 metres in total with 8 carries and notched a brace for his efforts. 

15. Charles Piutau

The Ulster full-back provided plenty of excitement to a thrilling encounter. Piutau's individual moments of brilliance was ultimately the difference between the two sides.

The New Zealander scored a fine solo effort in the first half, running across the pitch and selling a dummy before racing over in the corner.





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