By Charlie Elliott
The Premiership conjured up some shocks after a long break, with unexpected players and teams performing exceptionally.
With the table shifting, and the battle for the top four getting ever closer, here is The Rugby Paper’s Team of the Week.
Outside Backs
15 – Santiago Carreras (Gloucester)
Got himself two tries in Gloucester’s surprising win over Northampton Saints. Was involved in most of their attacking play and a solitary missed kick was his only blemish.
The best player on the pitch for most of the game.
14 – Christian Wade (Gloucester)
Wade has still got it and continued his good form since returning from the NFL. He provided a lovely try assist for Carreras after sidestepping Ollie Sleightholme.
His defensive work was crucial in the win, and both in and out of possession, Wade helped his team out hugely.
13 – Rob Du Preez (Sale Sharks)
Ran the show at centre with his partner Luke James. His kicking game in play was class, alongside his brilliant playmaking for most of the game.
The South African also kept Perese and Kata quiet, which is no mean feat.
12 – Luke James (Sale Sharks)
Has re-earned his place in the Sale squad following a strong Prem Rugby Cup period and his selection to start may have raised eyebrows, but he proved why he deserves to be there.
Did all of the basics to an incredible level and kept things ticking all afternoon long.
11 – Gabriel Ibitoye (Bristol Bears)
He has all the tools to be a world-class winger and will give Steve Borthwick some selection headaches for the Six Nations. Yet another try to his name and all-round class game for Ibitoye on the wing.
And also let the fans of his former club know about it, sitting on the advertisement boards shrugging after his long-range score!
Halfbacks
10 – AJ MacGinty (Bristol Bears)
Six from six in conversions and two penalties. A marksman from the tee in the Bears’ convincing win over Harlequins.
9 – Ben Spencer (Bath)
In his 200th Premiership appearance, the Bath captain was instrumental in holding onto the win for his side.
A yellow card for a deliberate knock-on was unnecessary, but when he came back on he crucially led his team to victory. Good box-kicking from the captain too.
READ MORE: The best XV of the Autumn Nations Series
Back Row
8 – Dan Du Preez (Sale Sharks)
Another milestone player who delivered, DDP made his 100th Sale Sharks appearance and marked it with an outstanding defensive performance, giving Tigers absolutely no joy.
7 – Guy Pepper (Bath)
Marked his return from injury with an early try, but it was his work at the breakdown that really made him stand out.
Won a couple of crucial penalties in Bath’s own 22, relieving pressure from which Exeter almost certainly would have scored and built momentum. Dominant as always.
6 – Jack Kenningham (Harlequins)
Gets himself up to the top of the tackle charts for the season, which sums up the way he plays.
Against Bristol, he was a defensive rock, and despite the rest of his team being torn apart, stood out impressively.
Second Row
5 – Freddie Thomas (Gloucester)
His interception set up Zach Mercer for his try, and he did what all good locks should and dominated from the lineout.
Gloucester’s forward players often get criticism, but Thomas deserves praise for his role in the win over Saints.
4 – Phillip van der Walt (Newcastle Falcons)
24 tackles in their win against Saracens. An absolutely monumental effort, especially in the second half, to withstand waves of attack without a glove laid on them. Did the full 80 and was so solid throughout.
Front Row
3 – Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks)
A first senior try for Opoku-Fordjour capped off a memorable week for him during which he also got his first England cap.
No less than he deserved, as his Sharks side were dominant from the scrum, made even more impressive by the strength of their opponents.
The 20-year-old has the world at his feet and is a future England stalwart.
2 – Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons)
An honourable mention must go to Luke Cowan-Dickie, but Blamire just about edges it.
He got the Player of the Match award, and deservedly so after being immense all evening. Just did everything a hooker needs to at an elite level.
1 – Thomas Du Toit (Bath)
Part of a forward unit that outmuscled their opposition and looked completely at home at his less familiar tighthead side.
Powerful in the carry as always, and just a brilliant player to watch.
