Lots of European action on the go again this week, with both the Challenge and Champions Cup to comb over as well as the French Pro D2 and the British & Irish Cup. Some big names were absent but still a few familiar faces in the lineup along with a couple new ones.
1 – Ignacio Sáenz Lancuba (Jersey) A big cog in the pack that obliterated Connacht Eagles in the British & Irish Cup. At only 24 years old he still has plenty of upside.
2 – Agustín Costa Repetto (Tarbes) Trampled over Takudzwa Ngwenya on one line break, and a big hand-off on Bertrand Guiry put him over for a well-earned try.
3 – Jerónimo Negrotto (Tarbes) A rock on the right side of the Pyrénées scrum. Got stuck into the dirty work and his clear-out set up Costa Repetto’s score.
4 – Jamie Cudmore (Clermont) Heavyweight performance that pummeled Exeter into submission. Well into double digits in tackles and very prominent in the tight-loose.
5 – Mariano Galarza (Gloucester) Strong defensively and a constant source of possession at the lineout. Glos fans are happy to finally see their man in action.
6 – Aaron Flagg (Moseley) Put his body on the line for 80 minutes in a tense battle against Rotherham as his team came out on top by a single point.
7 – Martín Chiappesoni (Dax) All action display included a critical charge-down of a certain drop goal. Strong support play in the come-from-behind win against Bourgoin.
8 – Cameron Dolan (Cardiff Blues Select) Skippered the Blues reserve side to a hard fought win over Cornish Pirates and landed a try off the back of a driving maul.
9 – Agustín Figuerola (Lyon) In top form once again against an overwhelmed Colomiers side. Lovely give-and-go and an inside step put him over for the first try.
10 – Felipe Berchesi (Carcassonne) Reinstated to the starting lineup and led the team to victory once again. Created two tries and kicked eight points with the boot.
11 – Juan Imhoff (Racing 92) Didn’t see much action but made it count when he did, making metres every time he got the ball. Not really a great week for wingers anywhere.
12 – Gonzalo García (Zebre) Strong presence on both sides of the ball as the Zebras embarrassed La Rochelle at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.
13 – Belisario Agulla (Newcastle) Given a shot in the midfield and didn’t disappoint. Rewarded with a try in the corner as Falcons stuffed Connacht at Kingston Park.
14 – Jeff Hassler (Ospreys) Enjoyed his return to European rugby even though his side lost to Bordeaux. Carried strongly and put Justin Tipuric away with a quality pass.
15 – Sebastián Poet (Tarbes) Played at flyhalf but with no good fullback options he fills in. Kicked the winning points with his left boot and defended strongly.