Best XV in World Rugby for Weekend of April 18-19

Toulon and Clermont Auvergne booked their places in the inaugural European Rugby Champions Cup final this weekend, getting the better of Leinster and Saracens, respectively, to stage an all-French curtain call.

The Top 14 giants have been superb to set up a repeat of the 2012-13 Heineken Cup final, but only one player from among their ranks accounts for a spot in our team of the weekend.

The Hurricanes saw their unbeaten start to the 2015 Super Rugby campaign come to an end, while the Bulls topped the Sharks to take their spot atop the South African conference.

Those at the top weren't the only ones to impress, however, in this weekend's best XV.

Back Three

15. Leigh Halfpenny, Toulon

Two kicks from Leigh Halfpenny were the only things keeping Toulon in the race at half-time of their meeting with Leinster this weekend, and the Welshman would go on to make the clinical difference in his side's victory.

Halfpenny slotted 20 of Toulon's 25 points, and although he could have been tested more by the English guests, the role he played in sealing the first European final was majestic. 

14. Peter Betham, Waratahs

Peter Betham summed up the Waratahs' smashmouth style of play when taking things to the Hurricanes this weekend, scoring two to give the defending champions a superb boost in their title defence.

The winger was every bit the surgeon his side needed in putting away scoring chances, going over for a great individual score before intercepting another to show brilliant initiative in defence.

11. James O'Connor, Reds

Queensland Reds gave their 2015 season a much-needed boost after emerging from Bloemfontein, South Africa, with an 18-17 victory, and it was thanks to some inspired pieces of play from James O'Connor.

The winger set up both Samu Kerevi and substitute Adam Korczyk for their tries while accumulating 86 metres with ball in hand, only just shy of his back line's combined total (89).

Centres

13. Malakai Fekitoa, Highlanders

After feeding team-mate Waisake Naholo for Highlanders' first try against the Blues, Malakai Fekitoa took a far more direct role in attack, scoring his side's second and third tries to boot.

The All Black was also one of just two starting Highlanders players who failed to miss a tackle in a display that once again boosts his standing as a leading candidate to make Steve Hansen's New Zealand squad.

12. Ma'a Nonu, Hurricanes

The Hurricanes' defeat to the Waratahs on Saturday left a sour taste in the mouths of the home outfit, but Ma'a Nonu is one who could afford to leave the field with his pride still intact.

His eight defenders beaten from three clean breaks often forced what little ingenuity the 'Canes had going forward. He notched 56 carrying metres and made more tackles (10) than any other back.

Half-Backs

Alastair Grant/Associated Press

10. Beauden Barrett, Hurricanes

Beauden Barrett showed the signs of his recent maturity en route to defeat against the Waratahs this past Saturday, shining out among the Hurricanes' best performers despite their loss.

His try came as a result of sheer individual skill and aided greatly in his total carrying total of 176 metres, as he beat eight defenders along the way. 

9. Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, Edinburgh

Edinburgh may have been against smaller opposition in the shape of Newport Gwent Dragons, but Sam Hidalgo-Clyne was nonetheless rampant as he enjoyed a fruitful display in the Challenge Cup.

Setting up two tries before clinching one of his own, the half-back also made four turnovers—as much as his entire back line combined—beating four defenders for a 103-metre carrying haul in the process.

Back Row

8. Nizaam Carr, Stormers

The Stormers earned their victory in Perth this weekend through great stretches of demanding, physical phases at times, and Nizaam Carr was only too willing to contend against what his hosts had in store.

The No. 8 recorded an average of four metres made in each of his 12 attempts, making for 48 metres made in attack while also notching 18 tackles without the ball.

7. Matt Kvesic, Gloucester

Gloucester's 64 percent of possession ensured the Kingsholm hosts weren't tested as frequently by Exeter this weekend, but flanker Matt Kvesic was an ever-present figure when the home team were on the ropes.

Kvesic contributed 17 tackles against the Chiefs, more than any other Gloucester player, while also looking to notch yards around the fringes at any opportunity. 

6. Jordan Taufua, Crusaders

Friday showed a valuable period of growth for Jordan Taufua when he figured as one of the Crusaders' biggest players despite their home defeat to the Chiefs.

The blindside flanker's attacking rhythm all fell into place as Taufua recorded more than 120 metres with ball in hand and ever looked to be the spearhead—a display others in the Crusaders pack needed to take heed of.

Second Row

Ross Setford/Associated Press

5. Brodie Retallick, Chiefs

The Chiefs made sure to use Brodie Retallick's hulking frame while establishing control of the line-out in Christchurch, with the All Black claiming no fewer than seven takes from the set piece.

Retallick was also the second-most active tackler for the Chiefs, behind Sam Cane (13). 

4. Eben Etzebeth, Stormers

Eden Etzebeth played his part well in an enticing battle between two on-edge packs this weekend, coming out atop a beaming Stormers cast following their win at Western Force.

The Springboks lock made an impressive 14 tackles and was an unshakable nuisance at the line-out for Ben McCalman and Adam Coleman to deal with.

Front Row

3. John Afoa, Gloucester

A gargantuan performance from the Gloucester scrum was in no small part a contributing factor to its 30-19 win over Exeter Chiefs on Saturday, with John Afoa playing his role expertly in the set piece and in defence.

2. Torsten van Jaarsveld, Cheetahs

The Reds gave the Cheetahs a tough battle at the line-out in Bloemfontein, but Torsten van Jaarsveld might court praise for his work in the loose in this outing.

The hooker made a staggering 17 tackles in all, missing just one attempt as Nick Frisby helped seal a late win for the Australians. 

1. Tendai Mtawarira, Sharks

Sharks loosehead prop Tendai Mtawarira is one of several Sharks superstars searching to rediscover their finest form of several years ago, but The Beast showed glimpses of his most fluid form against the Bulls.

Mtawarira did his part in close proximity and clocked up 10 tackles in total, failing to miss one and defending the Natal hosts' scrum effectively. 

All statistics come courtesy of ESPN Scrum.