Round 16 of the Gallagher Premiership is now in the rear-view mirror, and it yet again delivered some brilliant rugby!
The weekend started off with a tense game at the Rec on Friday night, as Saracens edged past Bath Rugby 13-12. On Saturday, the action continued with two fantastic games. Bristol Bears scored a last-gasp try to down Leicester Tigers 21-19 at Welford Road. Not to be outdone, Harlequins overcame three yellow cards to beat Northampton Saints 42-31 at the ‘Big Stoop’.
Sunday also followed suit. Sale Sharks overcame a much-improved Newcastle Falcons side 35-14, and Exeter Chiefs rounded off the weekend with a statement 38-17 win over Gloucester.
But which players stood out above the rest? Here are five standout players from this weekend’s Gallagher Premiership fixtures.
Gallagher Premiership Team of the Week: Exeter Chiefs and Harlequins lead the way after crucial wins
15: Tyrone Green
The Harlequins fullback might have picked up a yellow card, but he was such an attacking threat all afternoon, making 64 meters from 15 carries in his 70-minutes on the pitch. His crucial offload also kept the play alive for Will Porter’s first try.
14: Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
Henry Slade described him as a ‘freak’ after the game, but he probably deserves that accolade. He is such a powerful player, and against Gloucester he generated so much momentum which kept Exeter on the front foot. He made the most dominant carries and meters out of any player this weekend too, with eight, and he grabbed a try for his efforts too.
13: Luke Northmore
Northmore has had a tough season with injury this year, but he was back with a bang at Twickenham. He was a consistent threat in attack, making 61 meters from his 12 carries, and his two tries gave Quins an early advantage. He also made himself busy in defence, making 10 tackles.
12: Henry Slade
Slade has been so key to this new-look Exeter Chiefs side this season, however his performance against Gloucester was arguably his best of the season. He created plenty of chances for his team in their victory, including his solo break to send Olly Woodburn over. He also chipped in with six kicks too (five conversions, one penalty).
11: Ollie Hassel-Collins
Leicester might have let the game slip from their grasp, but Hassel-Collins was a bright spark all afternoon. His three line-breaks helped give Leicester the upper hand in the early stages, and he also grabbed two tries in the process. He also made more meters than any Tigers player too, with 72 off just six carries.
10: Owen Farrell
Farrell’s gritty performance single-handily won the game for Saracens this weekend. His late penalty eventually sealed the game, but he was so crucial in them holding off Bath’s comeback. Farrell’s defence is also a huge part of his game, and he again stepped up in this area against Bath, making 12 tackles.
9: Will Porter
What an impact off the bench from Will Porter. His two late tries helped seal the victory over Northampton, but he made a real impact in both the running game and the overall tempo of Harlequins attack.
1: Bevan Rodd
Bevan Rodd has quickly got back up to speed following his toe injury, and Sunday again proved he can be one of the best loosehead’s in the Premiership. His quick hands and skills at the breakdown proved so crucial in getting Sale’s attack going. He also made a big impact in defence too.
2: Harry Thacker
His introduction turned the game was the true gamebreaker moment. His break in the final play led to the decisive try, but his overall attacking work helped bring Bristol back into the game. The former Tiger made 75 meters from 10 carries, all in the space of 16 minutes.
3: Max Lahiff
What an impact from the cult hero. His brace gave Bristol a lifeline back into the game, but he also got through plenty of work in his 16-minute cameo and he was just as effective in the breakdown too.
4: Stephan Lewies
A true captain’s performance from the Quins skipper. He put in a typical workhorse performance in their win against Northampton Saints, but his offload to Will Porter’s first try was vital in securing a win for his side.
5: Arthur Clark
A proper workhorse performance from the Gloucester forward. He made 18 tackles and two turnovers this weekend, and he made his towering presence known with two vital charge downs-one of which led to his try. He also made plenty of work for himself in attack, leading the charge with three line-breaks.
6: Ben Curry
Yet another brilliant defensive showing from Curry. He made a round high 22 tackles against Newcastle, and made a real impact at the breakdown too. He was also solid in attack, and finished off a well-worked driving maul.
7: Jacques Vermeulen
Jacques Vermeulen might be one of the most underrated players in the Gallagher Premiership. His powerful work in the tight was so important in getting Exeter over the line against Gloucester. The South African native made 11 carries at Kingsholm, racking up 60 meters in the process. He also rounded off a fine display with two tries.
8: Alex Dombrandt
The England back-rower put in a fantastic shift against Northampton, and was at the heart of his side’s brilliant win. He was brilliant on both sides of the ball, but more than ever his defensive skills came to the fore. Dombrandt made an impressive three turnovers and seven tackles. He put in his typical showing in attack too, which played a big part in his side’s