Champions Cup XV of the Week - Round 4
This past weekend brought the final round of Heineken Champions Cup action for 2019 and a particularly competitive form XV, as the tournament prepares for the final weekends of pool play in early January.
Leinster booked their place in the quarter-finals with two games to spare as they trounced Northampton Saints, 50-21, in Dublin, whilst Toulouse and Ulster continued to position themselves for similar with important away wins over Montpellier and Harlequins respectively.
Elsewhere, Saracens kept alive their hopes of qualification by beating Munster in a fiery encounter for a number of reasons, whilst Exeter Chiefs continue to look England’s best chance of success, having gone four from four with back-to-back wins over Sale Sharks. Check out our XV of the weekend below.
- Jordan Larmour, Leinster
If you’re looking to market rugby to a larger audience and engage new fans, simply show them a highlight reel of Larmour. The full-back’s footwork on Saturday was electric and although he didn’t trouble the scoresheet himself, it was his counter-attacks and link work between the midfield and the wings that kept creating opportunities for Leinster to strike.
Silver – Simon Zebo, Racing 92
Bronze – Jacob Stockdale, Ulster
Continue reading below…
Watch: Scarlets hold meetings with Brad Mooar
- Lesley Klim, Ospreys
A rare outing for a player from the Welsh regions in this XV, Klim gave Racing plenty of problems out in Paris. When the Ospreys were able to generate tempo and width, Klim was on hand to make big gains and was able to grab two tries in the process. Unfortunately for the Ospreys, they were out of the game early in the second half.
Silver – Dave Kearney, Leinster
Bronze – Louis Rees-Zammit, Gloucester
- Garry Ringrose, Leinster
The Northampton Saints defence will be having nightmares of Ringrose for weeks to come, after the Irish centre ran in three tries against them. He created opportunities by being in the right place at the right time and it was as clinical a finishing performance as you’re likely to see this season.
Hat-trick hero ?
Here are all three of @Ringrose_G's terrific tries for @leinsterrugby yesterday ?
In with a shout of #HeinekenChampionsCup European Player of the Year again already this season? ? pic.twitter.com/oSbV8ChJ2C
— Investec Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) December 15, 2019
Silver – Damian Penaud, Clermont
Bronze – Virimi Vakatawa, Racing 92
- Bundee Aki, Connacht
Despite Connacht almost losing the game when Gloucester came on strong in the second half, Aki’s ability to break through the Cherry and White defensive line gave the Irish province the platform to strike back. Aki’s power inside of Kyle Godwin’s ability to bring the wings into play was an enjoyable combination to watch on Saturday.
Silver – Mark Atkinson, Gloucester
Bronze – Luca Morisi, Benetton
- Juan Imhoff, Racing 92
The Argentine bagged a brace of tries against the Ospreys, in what was an electric match-up with Lesley Klim. The wing was incisive out wide and caused the Welsh region plenty of problems with his speed and footwork, as well as his ability to sniff out space and opportunities when he looked for work in the midfield.
With the bonus point wrapped up in the first half, @racing92 took their foot off the gas in the second 40 and @ospreys fought back ??
But it wasn't enough, and the French side took all 5?? points ?#HeinekenChampionsCup highlights ?? pic.twitter.com/tsXoFqIXwi
— Investec Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) December 14, 2019
Silver – James Lowe, Leinster
Bronze – Alivereti Raka, Clermont
- Romain Ntamack, Toulouse
Not always utilised at fly-half by his club, Ntamack showed on the weekend that it doesn’t matter if he’s at 10 or 12, he’s just a highly effective rugby player. For Toulouse to compete for Champions Cup, they’ll need to perform on the road and Ntamack reinforced on Saturday that he is capable of orchestrating those performances with good decision-making, composed execution and an appreciation of space on the pitch.
Silver – Ross Byrne, Leinster
Bronze – Conor Fitzgerald, Connacht
- John Cooney, Ulster
A 19-point haul from the livewire scrum-half, who grabbed two tries and kicked nine points in a thoroughly impressive performance. At this point in the season, Cooney is surely leading the race for European Player of the Year, not to mention putting down a strong marker that he should be Ireland’s starting scrum-half moving forward.
Not one but TWO tries for @JCooney09 last night ?
The @UlsterRugby scrum-half now has 5?? in total and has pretty much won every game for the Northern Irish province ?
Best player in the #HeinekenChampionsCup so far this season? ? pic.twitter.com/sUrH2Puiqm
— Investec Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) December 14, 2019
Silver – Maxime Machenaud, Racing 92
Bronze – Nic White, Exeter Chiefs
- Mako Vunipola, Saracens
Not only did Vunipola hold his own in the set-piece, he tallied 35 combined carries and tackles at Allianz Park on Saturday, as his energy and work rate was key to delivering a win that keeps alive Saracens’ hopes of making the quarter-finals. Munster couldn’t deny him those one or two metre forays around the fringes that laid the foundation for Saracens’ attack.
Silver – Eddy Ben Arous, Racing 92
Bronze – Cherif Traore, Benetton
- Luke Cowan-Dickie, Exeter Chiefs
The England international continues to spearhead Exeter’s drive for European honours. He was sharp at the set-piece, as well as bringing his trademark physicality in the loose on both sides of the ball. His ability to power through contact and stopping opposition carriers in their tracks in the defensive line.
Silver – John Ulugia, Clermont
Bronze – Dave Heffernan, Connacht
https://twitter.com/RugbyPass/status/1206198725334487041?s=20
- Tadhg Furlong, Leinster
If there were any critiques that Furlong were showing some fatigue after a number of taxing and exemplary seasons, the tighthead dispelled them in Dublin on Saturday. He looked back to his best in the loose, giving the Northampton defence more than they could handle, whilst his scrummaging helped keep the Leinster set-piece on top throughout the game.
Silver – Vincent Koch, Saracens
Bronze – Harry Williams, Exeter Chiefs
- Rory Arnold, Toulouse
It’s rare that a lock’s influence as a try scorer proves pivotal in a game, although that’s exactly what it was as Arnold’s two tries were enough to give Toulouse a valuable 26-18 win away at Montpellier. Montpellier struggled to deny Arnold in the loose as a ball-carrier and the Australian kept Toulouse moving forward, allowing the club’s incisive back line to go to work on quick and clean ball.
Silver – Stephan Lewies, Harlequins
Bronze – Ultan Dillane, Connacht
https://twitter.com/RugbyPass/status/1205799257103581184?s=20
- Iain Henderson, Ulster
A captain’s outing from Henderson, who shone physically on the gain-line on Friday night, as well as with the work rate of his performance. His efforts at the contact area helped deliver secure ball for Cooney to work with and Quins struggled to live with his intensity in that facet of the game.
Silver – Jonny Hill, Exeter Chiefs
Bronze – Boris Palu, Racing 92
- Fabien Sanconnie, Racing 92
In a contest that was all about Racing’s remarkable offensive execution, Sanconnie was a scything presence in defence, chopping down Ospreys ball-carriers around the midriff. The Welsh side could not find a way through his energetic and physical defence, which paved the way for short possessions, quick turnovers and more opportunities for Racing to attack the beleaguered PRO14 side.
Silver – Semi Kunatani, Harlequins
Bronze – Patrick Sobela, Lyon
- Paul Boudehent, La Rochelle
It was a highly forgettable game at Scotstoun on Saturday evening, though young flanker Boudehent showed his burgeoning ability as a ball-carrier and breakdown operator. His impact was arguably the difference between the two teams and was enough to deliver La Rochelle a rare away win in Europe.
It's one of rugby union's most polymorphic positions, and that's reflected in the average height and weight of 7s across the three leagues.https://t.co/0jVKAidDsq
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) December 15, 2019
Silver – Lewis Ludlow, Gloucester
Bronze – Liam Gill, Lyon
- Braam Steyn, Benetton
Steyn was the driving force behind a memorable win for Benetton in the Champions Cup, as the No 8 was the Italian side’s primary ball-carrier in the pack. It wasn’t just the volume of work that he got through in the loose that was impressive, it was the quality, as he consistently broke the gain-line and kept the Lyon defence retreating and unable to get off the line and shut Benetton down.
Silver – Sam Simmonds, Exeter Chiefs
Bronze – Lewis Ludlam, Northampton Saints
Watch: Scott Robertson breaks his silence following missing out on the All Blacks job
Comments on RugbyPass
Pretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
3 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
3 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
3 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to commentsHe was in such great form. Sad for him but only a short term injury and it will be great to see him back for the finals.
1 Go to commentsAfter their 5/0 start, I had the Crusaders to finish Top 4 only…they lost the plot in Perth but will reload and back themselves vs 4th placed Rebels…
5 Go to commentsBoth nations missed a great opportunity to book a game that would have had a lot of interest from around the world. I understand these games can’t be organised in 5 minutes but they should have found a way to make it happen. I don’t think Wales are ducking anyone but it’s a bad look haha.
3 Go to commentsIt will be fascinating to see the effect that Jo Yapp has. If they can compete with Canada and give BFs a run for their money that will be progress
1 Go to commentsFollowing his dream and putting in the work. Go well young fella!
3 Go to commentsPerhaps filling Twickenham is one of Mitchell’s KPIs. I doubt whether both September matches will be at Twickenham on consecutive weekends. I would take the BF one to a large provincial stadium so as not to give them the advantage and experience of playing at Twickenham before a large crowd prior to the RWC.
3 Go to commentsvery unfortunate for Kitshoff, but big opportunity potentially for Nché to prove he is genuinely the best loosehead in the world, rather than just a specialist finisher. Presuming that if Kitshoff is out, it will also give Steenekamp a chance to come into the 23? Or are others likely to be ahead of him?
1 Go to commentsA long held question in popular culture asks if art imitates life or does the latter influence the former? Over this 6 nations I can ask the same question of the media influencing the thoughts of its audience or vice versa. Nobody wants to see cricket scores in rugby, as a spectacle it is not sustainable. With so many articles about England’s procession and lack of competition it feeds the epicaricacy of many looking for an opportunity to pounce. England are not the first team to dominate nor does it happen only in rugby, think Federer, Nadal, Red Bull or Mercedes, Manchester Utd, Australia in tests and World Cups. Instead of celebrating the achievements why find reasons to falsify it pointing towards larger playing pool, professional for a longer period or mitigate with the lack of growth in other nations. Can we not enjoy it while it is here and know that it won’t last for ever, others coveting what England have will soon take the crown, ask the aforementioned?
6 Go to commentsShame he won’t turn out for the Netherlands now they’re improving. U20s are Euro champs and in the U20 Trophy this year. The senior sides gets better every year too.
3 Go to commentsWill rugbypass tv be showing these games?
1 Go to commentsWell where do you start, the fact that England have a professional domestic league and Ireland’s is fully amatuer, that they have fully seperated professional squads at Fifteens and Sevens (7’s thinly disguised as GB), and Ireland have fully pro Sevens squad who loan some players back to the Semi-Professional Fifteens squad (moved from amateur for only a year or so) for a few games at 6N & RWC’s. The Women’s games is a shambles, and is at risk of killing itself by pushing for professionalism when the market isn’t really there to support it outside one or two countnries..
6 Go to commentsWayne Smith's input didn't have as much impact on the last final as Davison's red card for Thompson. England were 14 points up and flying when that happened.
6 Go to comments