Some new names and some regulars are in this week’s top XV!
1 – Ryan Grant (Scotland) Solid in the scrum and ubiquitous in the loose. Chunk’s replacement has at last been found.
2 – Adriaan Strauss (South Africa) Add two tries to another faultless throwing display and you have yet another world-class Springbok hooker.
3 – Dan Cole (England) Never took a backward step and fought manfully in a losing effort. A shoe-in for the Lions and top contender for a test spot.
4 – Eben Etzebeth (South Africa) Chalk up another top class performance from a legend in the making. A tower of strength in all facets of play.
5 – Nathan Sharpe (Australia) Maybe not Sharpie’s best performance but led his troops admirably to a stirring victory at Twickenham.
6 – Yannick Nyanga (France) Welcome back! The spearhead of a superb French back row combination, his try was a sight to behold.
7 – Francois Louw (South Africa) A world class display at the breakdown and the leading tackler of any side on the weekend. ‘Nuff said.
8 – Wycliff Palu (Australia) Perhaps not the blockbusting display we’re used to, but he made the hard yards when it mattered and fronted up in the tackle.
9 – Kahn Fotuali’i (Samoa) Kept his side motoring in a man-of-the-match effort for the victorious Manu in Cardiff.
10 – Frederic Michalak (France) His second excellent performance in as many weeks, controlled the game and kicked 24 points. Freddie has his mojo back.
11 – Craig Gilroy (Ireland XV) Scored three tries and ticked all the boxes in an eye catching display against the hapless Fijians. Declan Kidney take note.
12 – Ben Tapuai (Australia) He wasn’t perfect, but line breaks, big tackles, and offloads were all in the repertoire in the memorable win.
13 – Florian Fritz (France) Strong ball carrying and a lovely grubber to set up a try. A balanced performance in a strong French midfield.
14 – Jeff Hassler (Canada) Scored two tries himself and set up another to announce his arrival on the international stage.
15 – Berrick Barnes (Australia) Wearing 15 and kicked as many points, often showed up at first receiver and kept his side in the game.
