European Rugby Champions Cup Team of the Week: Round 1

15. Dan Evans (Ospreys)
Treviso might not represent the sternest of defensive challenges, but you still have to beat them, and the Ospreys did so and did so well. Evans was one of their most potent attacking threats, finishing the game with a brace (which, as you’ll see, was a bit of a theme this weekend) as well as beating four defenders in the game.

14. Yoann Huget (Toulouse)
One of several wingers to open their Champions Cup account with a brace, Huget’s ducking, weaving finish for his second try was a thing of real beauty. Also showed great pace and composure to finish McAlister’s intelligent chip through in the first half.

13. Mark Bennett (Glasgow Warriors)
A brace for the pacey outside centre who must have thrust himself towards the front of Vern Cotter’s thoughts when he comes to select his Autumn Internationals squad. Enjoyed the expansive style of rugby that Glasgow played. Mention for Sale’s Jonny Leota, who was titanic in their midfield.

12. Maxime Mermoz (Toulon)
The French centre looked classy in Toulon’s midfield, and some of his interplay with the effervescent Matt Giteau was a real joy to behold. Showed a lot of awareness to send his fly-half in for a score when he could have just put his head down and ploughed into the last man, and finished the charge down try well.

11. Dave Strettle (Saracens)
Bagged a brace, both of which were finishes of the highest quality, and set another up for his partner in crime Chris Ashton. Can’t ask much more of a winger really. Mention to Zach Guildford and Darragh Fanning, both of whom managed braces too.

10. Nick Evans (Harlequins)
A faultless kicking display from the tee that saw his side stretch out of reach of Castres, and a sublime assist for Danny Care’s try, including a double chip over the top, culminating in a top evening’s work from the Kiwi outside half. Mention to Ian Keatley, who showed plumbs of steel to knock over a game-winning drop goal in the 82nd minute.

9. Henry Pyrgos (Glasgow Warriors)
He may not have got on the scoresheet himself, but Pyrgos was deservedly named man of the match in a dominant Glasgow performance for his intelligent play. He provided the platform for his excellent backline to run riot with quick service, and several accurate box kicks meant the pressure remained on Bath throughout. Mention to Ben Youngs, who finished with three assists for Leicester.

1. Dave Kilcoyne (Munster)
Barrelled over the line for Munster’s first try and performed solidly at scrum time. Ticked all the boxes that were asked of him.

2. Corey Flynn (Toulouse)
The Kiwi hooker was an absolute weapon with ball in hand, finishing with 75 metres made from just nine carries. Mention also to Sean Cronin, who was similarly destructive with ball in hand.

3. Luc Ducalcon (Racing Métro)
Racing’s win over Northampton was a fairly dour one, but it was built on the foundations of a solid set-piece and tight five dominance. Ducalcon gave Alex Waller a rough ride in the scrums, which led to kickable opportunities for Sexton, who duly obliged. Mention to young Fraser Balmain, who got through a mountain of work to finish with 16 tackles.

4. Ali Williams (Toulon)
Could have had 12 or 13 on his back, such were the lines of running he hit and the number of breaks he made. Always looked hungry for work and was also Toulon’s main source of line-out ball.

5. Graham Kitchener (Leicester Tigers)
A superb all-court display from the Leicester lock, who bizarrely missed out on man of the match. He ran the line-out with aplomb, and showed great awareness to cut a brilliant support line after Ben Youngs’ audacious interception, which led to a try.

6. CJ Stander (Munster)
Cheating slightly here as Stander played at number eight against Sale, but he was so good we had to find room for him. He made 105 metres (yes, you read that right) from 19 carries, and though stats aren’t everything, those ones really speak for themselves.

7. Julian Salvi (Leicester Tigers)
Salvi didn’t really catch the eye against Ulster, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t one of the most important players on the pitch. He led the Tigers’ defensive charge, that just about managed to hold Ulster at bay in the dying stages, finishing with 22 tackles to his name without missing a single one.

8. Jamie Heaslip (Leinster)
Almost single-handedly dragged his Leinster side back from the brink of an opening day defeat at home to Wasps. Never went backwards with ball in hand and carried an astonishing 23 times, as well as finishing as his side’s top tackler with 14.

By Jamie Hosie
Follow Jamie on Twitter: @jhosie43

Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images