Gallagher Premiership XV of the Week - Round 13
Round 13 of the Gallagher Premiership season certainly proved unlucky for league leaders Exeter Chiefs, who started the weekend’s action by slipping up to a 24-17 defeat to Gloucester at Kingsholm.
Wasps arrested their slide with an important away win at Bristol Bears, Northampton Saints blew Sale Sharks away early at Franklin’s Gardens and Saracens were able to regain top spot in the table, as a late flourish saw them snap up a bonus point win against Leicester Tigers.
We have rounded up the top performers from the round below, but do you agree with our calls?
- George Furbank, Northampton Saints
The Northampton full-back was a whirling array of knees and elbows as he proved a nightmare for the Sale defenders to track and bring down. Furbank’s ability to keep shifting the point of contact through a mix of incisive lines and good footwork meant that he was regularly able to break the first line of defence and get his side moving forward.
The wing showcased his blistering speed on the outside against Worcester Warriors and reminded anyone watching why it is the hardest thing to defend on a rugby pitch. The quicker than fast footwork was on show, too, drawing multiple defenders to him, which allowed Mike Brown to cruise over for a try in the first half of the game. Ahsee Tuala deserves recognition, too, and there wouldn’t be too many complaints if the entire back line of this XV were wearing the colours of Northampton.
- Rory Hutchinson, Northampton Saints
A nod to Piers O’Conor, who was in good form for Bristol, but Hutchinson was in a masterful mood at Franklin’s Gardens. The speed and flatness of his passes in the 13 channel regularly caught the Sale defence flat-footed and sprung Northampton carriers into space and big gains. He was moved inside to 12 after a Dan Biggar injury forced a re-jig of the back line, but he continued to impress in the tighter confines and capped his display with a well-deserved try.
- Piers Francis, Northampton Saints
Without doubt, one of Francis’ best performances in a Northampton shirt. He ripped into the game early as a second playmaker outside of Biggar, before moving into 10 when the Welshman left the field. His line-breaks, offloading and vision to put runners through holes with his passing were all excellent on Saturday afternoon. Saints’ pack delivered a platform, but it was the ruthless and clinical nature of their back line, with Francis spearheading that, that really stood out at the Gardens.
- Ollie Thorley, Gloucester
His time away in the England camp clearly hadn’t eroded Thorley’s chemistry with his Gloucester teammates, as the wing wrought his regular brand of havoc against the Exeter defensive line on Friday evening. Thorley ran with power and speed at Kingsholm, regularly evading contact and managing to find space, both in regular phase play and as a counter-attacker.
- Billy Searle, Wasps
Everything was going well for Wasps with Searle pulling the strings at 10, but a nasty-looking leg injury saw the fly-half depart just after the interval. He showcased in the first half his ability to make plays as a runner, as well an effective passing game on the gain-line, two of the key reasons why he has been able to win himself the starting spot at the club, despite the big-money addition of Lima Sopoaga. Wasps will be hoping the injury is not as bad as it looked on the pitch.
- Cobus Reinach, Northampton Saints
The South African’s support-running was excellent on Saturday afternoon, with the scrum-half grabbing two tries as he trailed the breaks of Lewis Ludlam and Francis. The tempo he instilled and the crispness of his distribution from the ruck was a key component in Northampton wrapping up the bonus point inside the first half.
A mention, too, for Danny Care, who was in almost-as-devastating form at the Stoop.
- Joe Marler, Harlequins
The Harlequins loosehead delivered a number of dominant tackles in a defensive performance that, whilst shipping 33 points to Worcester, was very effective for large periods. He scrummaged well against Nic Schonert, helped Harlequins sack the Worcester maul and was a constant irritant at the contact area, particularly clearing out and trying to deliver as quick ball as possible for the home side.
- Harry Thacker, Bristol Bears
The front rower was his usual livewire self at Ashton Gate, consistently offering himself as a ball-carrier. His powerful surges brought Bristol front-foot ball and territorial advantage, whilst his offload for Harry Randall’s try was impressive. A couple of throws went astray but for the most part the Bristol lineout went smoothly, whilst he played the entire 80 minutes, too.
- Vincent Koch, Saracens
The tighthead didn’t have his most influential attacking game, but he was pivotal in Saracens wearing down and surviving the early Leicester powerplay. He delivered line-speed in the defensive line and was frequently able to slow down Tigers’ ball at the breakdown, forcing the visitors to carry into a set defence.
- Will Rowlands, Wasps
Rowlands continues to step up in a relatively disappointing season for Wasps. The lock displayed his physicality in the tighter areas of the pitch, both breaking and defending the gain-line in attack and defence respectively. He gathered up a loose ball and galloped in for a rare long-distance try in the second half, a score which took Wasps beyond Bristol’s reach.
- Franco Mostert, Gloucester
A mention for Chris Vui, who was excellent for Bristol, but Mostert just edges him out, with an all-action performance against Exeter. The Springbok was everywhere on the Kingsholm pitch, influencing the game as a carrier, a tackler, a breakdown operator and with efficiency at the set-piece. He helped bring the solidity that in seasons gone by Gloucester have lacked and helped them survive their early profligacy with ball in hand.
An energetic performance from the second row, who was filling in at six in the absence of Sam Underhill, Taulupe Faletau and Tom Ellis this weekend. He carried strongly against Newcastle and along with Zach Mercer and Dave Attwood, kept Bath moving forward and giving them the foundation to launch their back line. An impressive outing that only reinforces his value as both a second and back row.
- Lewis Ludlam, Northampton Saints
The openside clearly relished his duel with Sale’s Ben Curry and was a constant pest to the visitors from the north-west, both as a ball-carrier and at the contact area. He burst through the Sale line and showed good awareness to set Reinach up for his first try and was one of the difference makers in delivering quick ball for Saints, which Chris Boyd’s side repeatedly turned into tries.
- Ben Morgan, Gloucester
Morgan carried with purpose and good effect all evening at Kingsholm, repeatedly denting the usually hard-to-breach Exeter defensive line. With Gloucester moving forward, thanks in large part to Morgan’s efforts, the Cherry and Whites were able to up the tempo and test Exeter. He capped his display by finishing off a flowing try from the break of Thorley, deep inside Gloucester’s half.
Watch: French legend Philippe Saint-André joins The Rugby Pod to discuss France’s woes
Comments on RugbyPass
Sorry Morgan you must have been the “go to for a quote” ex player this week. Its rnd 6 and there is plenty of time to cement a starting 15 and finishing 8 so I have no such concerns.
1 Go to commentsGreat read. I wish you had done this article on the ROAR.
2 Go to commentsThe current AB coaching team is basically the Crusaders so it smacks of wanting their familiar leaders around. This is not a good look for the future of the ABs or the younger players in Super working their way up the player ladder. Razor is touted as innovative, forward looking but his early moves look like insecurity and insular, provincial thinking. He is the AB's coach not the Golden Oldies.
10 Go to commentsSimple reason for wanting him back. Robertson wants him as captain. Otherwise he wouldn’t be bothering chasing him. Not enough reason to come back just to mentor.
10 Go to commentsI had not considered this topic like this at all, brilliant read. I had been looking at his record at the Waratahs and thought it odd the Crusaders appointed him, then couple that with all that experience and talent departing and boom. They’ve got some great talent developing though, and in all honesty I don’t think anyone would be over confident taking them on in a playoff match, no matter how poor the first half of their season was. I think they can pull a game out of their ass when it counts.
2 Go to commentsNot a bad list but not Porecki and not Donaldson. Not because they are Tahs, or Ex Tahs, they are just not good enough. Edmed should be ahead. Far more potential. Wilson should be 8 and Valentini 6. Wilson needs to be told by his father and his coach, stop bloody running in to brick wall defence. You’re not playing under the genius Thorn any more. He’s a fantastic angle runner. The young new 8 from the Brumbies looks really good too. The Lonegrans are just too small for international rugby as is Paisami, as is Hamish Stewart at 12. Both great at Super Rugby level. Stewart could have been a great 10 if not for Brad Thorn. Uru should be there and so should Tupou. Tupou just needs good Australian coaching which he hasn’t been getting. I don’t think Schmidt will excite him.
2 Go to commentsIf he wants to come back then he should. He will be a major asset to the younger locks and could easily be played as an impact player off the bench coming on in the last 30. He is fit, strong and capable and has all the experience to make up for any loss in physical prowess. He could also be brought back with a view to coaching within the structures one day. Duane Vermeulen played until he was 37 or 38. He is now a roaming coach within the South African coaching structures. He was valuable in the last world cup and has been a major influence on Jasper Wiese and other young players which has helped and accelerated their development and growth. Whitelock could do the exact same thing for NZ
10 Go to commentsBrett Excellent words… finally someone (other than DC) has noted that Hanigan is very hard and very good at doing what Backrow should do… his performance via the Drua sauna was quite daunting for those on the other side… very high tackle count… carries with good end result… constant threat to make a good 20-25 meters with those long legs… providing his mass effectively to crunching the Drua pack… Finally he is returning to quality form… way to much injury time over the last 2 years… smart-strong-competent in his skills… caught every lineout throw aimed at him and delivered clean pass to whoever was down below… and he worked hard for the whole 80 minutes… Ned has to be in the top 5 for backrow honors… He knows what is required as he has been there before…
20 Go to commentsI think Sam Whitelock should not touch a return with a bargepole. He went out on a high, playing in the RWC Final. He would be coming back into a team that will be weaker than last years, and might even be struggling to win games, especially against the Boks. Stay in France, enjoy another year with Pau, playing alongside his brother.
10 Go to commentsRyan Coxon has been very impressive considering he was signed by WF as injury cover whilst Uru has been a standout for QR, surprised neither of those mentioned
2 Go to commentsIt’s the massive value he brings with regard team culture/values, preparation, etc. Can’t buy that. I’m hoping to see the young locks get their chance in the big games though.
10 Go to commentsAll good, Gregor, except that you neglected to mention Sam Darry amongst that talented pool of locks. In fact, given Hannah’s inexperience and the fact that Holland won’t be eligible until next year, Lord and Darry might be the frontrunners this year, to join Barrett, Tuipoluto, Va’ii and possibly Whitelock. In fact there might be room for all of them if Barrett played 6 (like Ollie Chessum).
10 Go to commentsHis value is stabilizing the ship 20 - 40 minutes out from the final whistle plus his valuable experience to the underlings coming through.
10 Go to commentsWhat is criminal is she acts like it's no problem her actions have have cause the Italian player to lose her playing career, lose salary, if she did this in day to day life she would be in jail, she is a complete thug!!!
3 Go to commentsCorrect me if i’m wrong but the sadas have to win all games running into the finals yeh nah?
1 Go to commentsDon’t like Diamond but the maul is a joke, the sight of a choke tackle creating a maul then players in offside positions flopping on it killing the ball but then getting the put in? Banal.
3 Go to commentsHopefully Tabai Matson returns to Crusaders as head coach next season.
1 Go to commentsstorm in a teacup really. Penalty only so play on as the try was scored. Now the real question is: why was Maitland allowed to pass the ball off the floor? That is illegal but refs never pick it up.
1 Go to commentsWhen Beauden Barrett signed his contract before the 2023 RWC to play in Japan in 2024, it was NOT part of a sabbatical agreed to with NZRU prior to his signing, as was Ardie Savea and Sam Cane. Barrett changed his mind after the fact and negotiated his return to NZ Rugby and he was given permission to be eligible for All Black selection straight away once he signed a new contract to return to the Blues in 2025. Therefore, why would anyone argue against Whitelock returning to the All Blacks straight away after his season is France is finished if he signs a new contract with NZRU which includes a Super Rugby contract in 2025? If Barrett can, Whitelock should be allowed too.
10 Go to commentsThe All Blacks will select 5 locks this season. Scott Robertson will most likely want to select 2 veteran locks who can start right away in 2024 and 3 young promising locks who he would like to be pushing hard for selection in the starting XV in two years time- 2026. Scott Barrett is a world class lock. Who would you rather start beside him this season against England, South Africa, Ireland, and France- Sam Whitelock or Patrick Tuipulotu? I would choose Whitelock over Tuipulotu all day, every day.
10 Go to comments