Top 3 performers - Gloucester vs Stade Français

Sergio Parisse

The Italian No. 8 showed his class in a superb all-rounded performance in Murrayfield. Captaining the side, Parisse commanded a pack that dominated at scrum time. However, it wasn’t just his scrummaging that saw him earn the MOTM award, but it was his immense presence in attack. Parisse carried all over the park, won high balls, and was duly rewarded with a try in the first half that brought Stade back into the game, and ultimately on to win the match. Finally, Parisse also impressed in defence, doing a superb job to deal with his opposite number, Ben Morgan, who also had a superb game. 

Rabah Slimani

A massive shift put in by the high-profile front rower, who plays his last game in Stade colours before joining Clermont at the end of the season. Slimani was colossal at scrum-time, constantly forcing the Gloucester pack backward and winning crucial penalties time after time. Showing his versatility, Slimani came back onto the field, changing from loose-head to tight-head, and continued to cause problems for the Gloucester front row. His ball-carrying and defence was also hugely impressive, in what was a complete performance. 

Ben Morgan

Morgan was absolutely instrumental today for the Gloucester pack. Despite the struggles at scrum time, the No. 8 carried absolutely superbly, constantly putting Stade on the back foot. Additionally, Morgan defended resiliently all over the park, stripping the ball and forcing both knock-ons in tough conditions. But his stellar performance was not enough to clinch the victory today.