By Charlie Elliott
The opening weekend of Champions Cup action did not disappoint, with the best of Europe and South Africa offering plenty of entertainment for spectators.
Games were won on team performances mainly, but some individuals still managed to above the rest.
It was a high-scoring weekend as European games usually are and here is The Rugby Paper’s Team of the Week to not just show those who contributed offensively, but also the all-round best players.
Outside Backs
15 – Louis Bielle-Biarrey (Bordeaux Bègles)
Bordeaux put a good Leicester Tiger side to the sword on Sunday, with the pacey future star Louis Bielle-Biarrey being central to their game.
A couple of tries is standard practice for Bielle-Biarrey, and he got just that. One of which was from inside his own half, showing an electric turn of pace to chase down a long kick forward.
14 – Gabin Villiere (Toulon)
Not only did Villiere open the scoring for Toulon in their immense win away at Stormers, but he put in the tackle of the round.
He came round the blindside of Manie Libbok and tackled with pure power and technique, causing the ball to be dropped and Baptiste Serin to break free and score.
READ MORE: Stormers have no answer to Toulon chargers
13 – Jordie Barrett (Leinster)
The All-Blacks legend marked his Leinster debut with a try, but his overall impact in the second half is what gets him into this team.
He also got himself a lovely try assist and the partnership with Sam Prendergast looks like it is going to terrorise some URC and Champions Cup teams this season.
12 – Benhard Janse van Rensburg (Bristol Bears)
His performance did not warrant being on the losing side. Being shifted early on to fly-half he put in a very good shift.
Defensively BJvR was outstanding, and with the ball in hand caused issues for Leinster. Unfortunately, the Dublin side proved too strong for the Bears as a collective to handle.
11 – Thaakir Abrahams (Munster)
Abrahams has had a tough time of it recently, with visa issues affecting his and his families arrivals to Munster, but now he seems to have everything sorted, the flying winger is showing his quality.
A player of the match award and a try, Thaakir seems like the ideal prototype for a South African winger. With pace, power and skill he may be getting ever closer to a first Springboks cap.
Halfbacks
10 – Romain Ntamack (Toulouse)
Toulouse is absolutely stacked with quality, and as a result, players can sometimes go under the radar.
Ntamack is one who may not get the plaudits of the Antoine Dupont’s of this world but has a huge impact regardless.
In their 61-21 win against Ulster, he got himself a try and ran the show with his partner Dupont, and both seem to get the best out of each other.
9 – George Horne (Glasgow Warriors)
There were plenty of names who did well at nine, with Antoine Dupont and Grant Williams being two of them.
George Horne though gets the nod, with his hat trick of tries in the first half securing the win for the Warriors with plenty of time to go.
Sale just could not handle him, and he was absolutely everywhere, also contributing with five tackles amongst his outstanding attacking statistics.
55 passes and 55 metres are just two of many reasons as to why he is in this team.
Back Row
8 – Tom Willis (Saracens)
Another who stood out amongst plenty of strong performers in his position this weekend, Willis must be getting close to getting regular caps for England.
A powerful eight who is as mobile as he is strong, Willis led his team to a convincing win over Bulls.
Two key turnovers around 30 minutes set the tone for a big win.
7 – Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints)
An average first half was completely forgotten with one of his finest ever second half’s.
Won a penalty early in the second half which led to a try, a couple of huge turnovers and a try for himself after some class ball-carrying skills.
READ MORE: Henry Pollock wins Phil Dowson’s backing
6 – Peter O’Mahony (Munster)
He won 11 lineout balls and was a good ball carrier, as well as the traditional defensive work expected from a flanker being there.
Was well involved in much of the physical aspect of the game, and didn’t shy away from the battle.
Instrumental in their big win over Stade Francais.
Second Row
5 – Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors)
Powered through for a try to effectively end Sale’s hopes of a comeback.
Was generally good from the lineout and a solid player all round, an outside shout for Lions contention should people stop underestimating him.
4 – Maro Itoje (Saracens)
Itoje is just an absolute monster. A couple of first-half turnovers set the tone for a defensive masterclass, also stealing at the breakdown impressively after 60 minutes.
Captained an outstanding team game in less-than-ideal conditions that required the physical battle to be won.
Front Row
3 – Elliot Millar-Mills (Northampton Saints)
20 tackles in an hour sum up how huge he was for Saints.
Also managed to stand his ground in the scrum alongside Emmanuel Iyogun (who was a contender for this team) but the pure dominance of Millar Mills in the tackle edge it for him.
2 – Dan Frost (Exeter Chiefs)
Despite defeat in Durban, Dan Frost has a good game.
Took his two tries very well to give the Chiefs some hope going into the second half and was better than the result suggests.
Stood up well to a difficult challenge.
1 – Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears)
Did the basics that a prop should do tremendously. Won penalties repeatedly in the scrum, with some typical Genge carries to add to it.
Rabah Slimani had absolutely no chance, but the Leinster team proved too good for Bristol in the end.
READ MORE: Time for Bristol to step up to the plate