There was a ridiculous amount of rugby to watch this weekend and a load of players to comb through, but at last the team of the week has been selected.
1 – Jack McGrath (Ireland) Couldn’t have asked for a better performance from the debutant. Some eyes were raised at David Kilcoyne’s exclusion from the squad, but the young Leinster Lion repaid the selectors in spades.
2 – Bismarck du Plessis (South Africa) Scored a try, handed another to his captain, and did his core roles superbly. Best hooker in the world, sans doubt.
3 – Nicolas Mas (France) The old soldier bested Tony Woodcock in the scrum and had a couple violent bursts with ball in hand. Not quite past it yet.
4 – Tim Swinson (Scotland) Too short for a test lock and unappreciated in England, the Glasgow workhorse showed his doubters that he has other qualities worth considering. Carried superbly and put in some shuddering tackles. Had Swinson not been so impressive Brodie Retallick would have been a shoe-in.
5 – Sam Whitelock (New Zealand) Another fantastic shift from the All Black lock duo, with the Cantabrian earning the plaudits this week. Stronger than he looks and surely the fittest lock in world rugby.
6 – Thierry Dusautoir (France) His flank partner Wenceslas Lauret was equally impressive but the French captain was superb. Kept his team in the game with his characteristic steely resolve.
7 – Richie McCaw (New Zealand) Like his counterpart, he led his side superbly, throwing his body into the fray with reckless abandon. A fitting reward on his record-setting day.
8 – Cameron Dolan (United States) Dave Denton was outstanding and Kieran Read his usual self, but the American was a tower of strength in all facets of play for the Eagles in a cracking game against the Maori. Surely the most sought-after amateur player in the world at the moment.
9 – Fourie du Preez (South Africa) Took control of the game when Morne Steyn went off and got an opportune try for his efforts. Greig Laidlaw enjoyed himself at Murrayfield as well.
10 – Remi Tales (France) Had Dan Carter stayed longer on the pitch he might have had a case, but the Frenchman looks his country’s most complete flyhalf since the days of Christophe Lamaison. Not afraid to take the ball on himself and solid in defense.
11 – Charles Piutau (New Zealand) The toughest choice of the week, with outstanding efforts coming from Nick Cummins, Bryan Habana, Luke Hume, and of course Kenki Fukuoka, but who could deny Piutau his moment of glory? What a prize for New Zealand rugby.
12 – Wesley Fofana (France) Another tough one with Jean de Villiers and Matt To’omua also in the running. The most dangerous attacking weapon at France’s disposal gets the nod for making so many metres for his team.
13 – Male Sa’u (Japan) Who? The Samoan-born centre has had a superb debut season for his adopted country, and showed his class again on the weekend setting Fukuoka away and holding strong in defense.
14 – Cory Jane (New Zealand) With most of the class wingers on the left this week, Jane sneaks in with a fine effort that nearly included a spectacular finish on the opening minutes. A welcome return to international rugby.
15 – Israel Dagg (New Zealand) Another world class performance from the All Black fullback. Just edges his opposite, Brice Dulin, who also had a top match.
