Top 3 performers of the day

Joe Launchbury

Captain Joe Launchbury put in an incredible performance in his sides Champions Cup clash with Connacht at the Ricoh Arena. He carried powerfully and tackled well throughout. He was a constant menace at the breakdown, never giving the Connacht backline a chance for quick, clean ball. His Trojan efforts were rewarded on the 62^nd minute mark when he ran a beautiful line, carving his way through the fractured Connacht defensive line to touch down for a fantastic try. If it wasn’t for the exemplary performance of the returning Beale, big Joe would have won the man of the match award, hands down.

Mathieu Bastareaud

The gargantuan centre went on a rampage today as he linked well with his centre-partner Ma’a Nonu. The first half could be described as the Bastareaud show, as the former French international made linebreak after linebreak, putting his side on the front foot throughout the opening forty. He was unlucky to not get over for a try in the end as time and time again he was hauled down just short of the line. Nonetheless those runs were crucial as Gorgodze, Halfpenny and Taofifenua scored their tries in the phase immediately after his runs. If he continues this form he may be in line for a recall to the French side for the Six Nations.

Kurtley Beale

Beale had his first game in 7 months and what a performance it was. Beale was back with a bang scoring for Wasps just 7 minutes in. The bulky centre made some big hits coming off the line with great pace throughout the game. Beale also set up Basset's try showing some impressive hands to put Basset over in the corner, Beale's fantastic game earned him the man of the match award.