Round 9 of the United Rugby Championship delivered some outstanding individual performances. Here, we take a look at the best players by position from the weekend’s matches, with each side afforded a maximum of four representatives in the final XV.
15. Ioan Lloyd (Scarlets)
Scored a try in the narrow defeat to the Dragons and led the Scarlets with 100 metres gained, five defenders beaten and two clean breaks to make the team of the week for the second time.
14. Ignacio Mendy (Benetton)
Scored a try as Benetton completed the double over Zebre Parma and led his team with seven successful carries and two clean breaks.
13. Mark Bennett (Edinburgh)
Was a key figure in midfield as Edinburgh left it late to secure a derby victory over Glasgow Warriors.
12. Stafford McDowall (Glasgow Warriors)
Scored Glasgow's second try in the defeat at Edinburgh and led the Warriors with four defenders beaten.
11. Duhan van der Merwe
Claimed the match-winning try for Edinburgh in a dominant personal person that saw him make the team for the second time as he led his side with 164 metres gained, four offloads, four defenders beaten and two clean breaks.
10. JJ Hanrahan (Connacht)
His kicking was pivotal as Connacht beat Munster as he landed five penalties and a conversion.
9. Ali Price (Edinburgh)
Orchestrated things perfectly behind the scrum as Edinburgh gained revenge against Glasgow Warriors.
8. Nick Timoney (Ulster)
Scored two tries as Ulsters secured a superb victory at Leinster and he led his side with 55 metres gained, five successful carries, 21 tackles made and two clean breaks.
7. Sean Reffell (Ulster)
Played his part in the win at the RDS with two turnovers won and four defenders beaten.
6. Cian Prendergast (Connacht)
Turned in a man-of-the match performance with one clean break and 45 metres gained in the win over Munster.
5. Seb Davies (Cardiff)
Turned in a solid display with two turnovers won and two defenders beaten but could not prevent defeat to the Ospreys in Bridgend.
4. Adre Smith (DHL Stormers)
Scored the Stormers' only try in the narrow win over the Hollywoodbets Sharks.
3. WP Nel (Edinburgh)
Put in the effort on both sides of the ball as Edinburgh ground out victory over Glasgow Warriors.
2. Gianmarco Lucchesi (Benetton)
Scored Benetton's first try in the comfortable victory over Zebre Parma.
1. Peter Dooley (Connacht)
Vital role in a strong defensive effort that laid the foundations for the victory over Munster.