South Africans Ruben van Heerden (DHL Stormers) and Marcell Coetzee (Vodacom Bulls) have been named in the Heineken Team of the Week for the fourth round of the 2023/24 Investec Champions Cup.
15 Tristan Tedder (Racing 92): One of the Parisians’ less-celebrated close-season signings, from USAP, looks to be taking the opportunity to thrive on the biggest stage. A hugely accomplished performance from the South African, with two tries and five conversions against Cardiff Rugby.
14 Nick David (Harlequins): Instrumental in that wild first half against Ulster Rugby, where everything Harlequins tried seemed to come off, but it was the workrate of David as well as his try double and line-breaking exploits which stood out.
13 Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors): A signature performance from the Scotland centre in what will likely be his last run-out before the Six Nations opener against Wales. Two tries and a key assist in a memorable display against RC Toulon.
12 Federico Mori (Aviron Bayonnais): Only came on at the break but conjured a quickfire decisive brace of tries to see Exeter Chiefs off just when they were threatening a comeback.
11 Davit Niniashvili (Lyon): The 21-year-old Georgian was a constant thorn in Saracens’ side, nicking one early try and seeing two more chalked o
10 Antoine Hastoy (Stade Rochelais): The 26-year-old has scored at the rate of just over 10 points a game for Stade Rochelais since joining from Section Paloise a season and a half ago, and weighed in with another 20 at Sale Sharks as the champions flexed their muscles.
9 Tomos Williams (Cardiff Rugby): Another timely reminder to watching Welsh fans that despite the current travails among the regions, there are some world-class players in the principality. It takes some doing to outshine Nolann le Garrec, but Williams never gave his celebrated opposite number a chance.
8 Caelan Doris (Leinster Rugby): Epitomised the Irish province’s ability to dog it out under heavy pressure at Leicester and was rewarded with the killer score.
7 Will Evans (Harlequins): It remains a mystery to all at Harlequins as to why this player is not in the England squad, but Evans was the toast of the Twickenham Stoop on Saturday for the steady stream of turnover possession and tackles which kept Ulster Rugby frustrated.
6 Marcell Coetzee (Vodacom Bulls): Scored two early tries as a part of the all-action performance from Vodacom Bulls against Union Bordeaux-Bègles, which saw them nick a home Round of 16 tie.
5 Ruben van Heerden (DHL Stormers): Produced a huge performance at Stade Français Paris, featuring an early try and endless reserves of tackle and ruck energy.
4 Maro Itoje (Saracens): Was the example upon which Saracens’ triumph against Lyon in the face of adversity and wobbly form was built, crossing for two critical tries just when it looked as though the game would get away from them.
3 Jack Aungier (Connacht Rugby): Spent much of the game tag-teaming with Finlay Bealham in the wake of the latter’s injury problems, but within six minutes of his first stint on the pitch had grabbed a swashbuckling try to capitalise on the extra numbers Connacht Rugby had upfront, before seeing the game out comfortably as Bristol Bears crumbled.
2 Dan Sheehan (Leinster Rugby): Another trademark performance against Leicester Tigers from the Leinster Rugby hooker, who is in superb form as Ireland’s date with France looms in a fortnight.
1 Joe Marler (Harlequins): Just how serious the injury that forced Marler off against Ulster Rugby is will be of concern to the England coaching staff, for whom Marler is a critical element of their Six Nations planning after enjoying a proper renaissance year.
