Best XV in World Rugby for Weekend of May 29-31
A jam-packed week in the world of rugby saw Saracens crowned Premiership champions on Saturday before Glasgow Warriors demolished Munster 31-12 to claim the 2014-15 Pro12 title.
Europe's extravaganza didn't stop there, though, as Toulouse and Stade Francais beat Oyonnax and Racing Metro, respectively, to take their places in the semi-finals of the Top 14 playoffs.
With the World Cup edging closer, it's fitting to see international action back on rugby's radar as an England XV battered the Barbarians 73-12 on Sunday, while Bordeaux beat Gloucester into next season's Champions Cup with the last kick of their clash.
And of course the rugby calendar wouldn't be complete without a generous helping of Super Rugby, with star displays from the Sharks, Crusaders and Stormers among those featuring heavily in this week's best XV.
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15. Lwazi Mvovo, Sharks
There were a few shaky moments under the high ball for Sharks speed demon Lwazi Mvovo, but his carrying haul of 178 metres and one try speaks highly of just what a weapon he tends to be with space in sight.
An early red card for Rebels prop Laurie Weeks certainly didn't help the disadvantaged visitors from holding the Sharks off, and Mvovo was permitted free reign in attack with alleviated responsibility in defence.
14. Ruan Combrinck, Lions
Waisake Naholo's performance against the Chiefs is worthy of mention this week, as he scored a superb individual try, but Lions star Ruan Combrinck was nothing short of phenomenal as his team overcame the Waratahs' threat.
Scoring two of his own, the winger also managed to set Harold Vorster up for the Lions' third score, finishing the 27-22 victory with 116 carrying metres, along with four breaks and six defenders beaten.
England's Christian Wade is also deserving of his mention after touching down for a hat-trick of tries against the Barbarians on Sunday.
11. Nemani Nadolo, Crusaders
Sibusiso Sithole was a star player for the Sharks on Friday, but Nemani Nadolo's efforts in guiding Crusaders to victory against the Hurricanes stands out as a far more commendable achievement.
Opposing winger Julian Savea was the only back who could match the Fijian for breaks made (3), while none could match Nadolo's tally of seven defenders beaten, not to mention scoring one try and assisting another.
Centres
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13. Heimar Williams, Sharks
It's not often a non-starter will manage to make his way into the team of the week, but so impressive was Sharks substitute Heimar Williams against the Rebels that he's fully deserving of a credit.
Odwa Ndungane had to be withdrawn after just 28 minutes and Williams gave the Sharks back line a rejuvenated feel, touching down for one score and managing to beat six defenders, despite playing only two-thirds of the match.
JP Pietersen looked slightly tired at outside centre for patches and the Sharks hierarchy may want to consider handing Williams greater responsibilities in midfield following his show against the Rebels.
12. Damian de Allende, Stormers
Damian de Allende continues to go from strength to strength in his bid to star for South Africa at this year's World Cup, and it's displays such as the one against the Cheetahs on Saturday that may just get him there.
The centre's power of acceleration is a thing to behold at times. The Cheetahs defence could only watch as De Allende made four breaks and beat a staggering 10 defenders, finishing with one try to his name en route to a 42-12 trouncing.
Half-Backs
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10. Morne Steyn, Stade Francais
Morne Steyn has never been the most glamorous of fly-halves to watch carrying the ball forward, but when your No. 10 can kick 28 points in a Top 14 playoff quarter-final, who needs glamour?
The Springbok playmaker looked effortless in striking all but 10 of his team's points as they notched a 38-15 victory over Racing Metro, although his defensive work may have been dubbed a predictable weakness.
Danny Cipriani will also have done his World Cup chances no harm following a two-try performance against the Baa Baas at Twickenham, performing well at full-back when needed, too.
9. Will Genia, Reds
Both Quade Cooper and Will Genia picked an opportune moment to recall their finest form as a half-back partnership this weekend, taking the Reds to a convincing 32-10 victory at Western Force.
Although it was Cooper who grabbed a brace of tries, Genia was the man pulling the majority of the strings and deserves recognition for the foundation laid in attack, beating five defenders altogether and racing for 48 metres.
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8. Scott Higginbotham, Rebels
"Give the ball to Scott" was most likely a call heard ringing around the Rebels lineup whenever they found themselves in possession on Friday, with the Wallaby giving a one-man-army performance in Durban.
Despite his side being reduced to 14 men, No. 8 Higginbotham stormed in for two clinically taken tries and a mauling mass of 84 metres with ball in hand. Australia coach Michael Cheika is sure to have been impressed.
7. Jaco Kriel, Lions
For all the sizzle the aforementioned Combrinck provided, Lions flanker Jaco Kriel was once again in the wars against the 'Tahs, getting all the dirty work done that so often makes life easier for his backs.
A monstrous total of 18 tackles didn't tell the whole story of his game, though, as Kriel also managed to beat seven defenders with ball in hand—joint-highest alongside Taqele Naiyaravoro—and running for 86 metres.
6. Matt Todd, Crusaders
Right when his side needed a leading presence against stern opposition, Matt Todd stepped up for the Crusaders in what could well go down as one of his best all-time displays for the franchise.
The Hurricanes couldn't match the blind-side's intensity as he dotted down for a score of his own and helped create another with some terrific link-up play, also managing a match high of 15 tackles, missing none.
Second Row
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5. Steve Mafi, Western Force
There may not have been many positives for the Force to take from an embarrassing home defeat to the Reds, but Steve Mafi could at least leave Perth Oval knowing he'd put in a shift for the home outfit.
The second-rower made an impressive five claims at the line-out and didn't miss a tackle all game, but was arguably most impressive in possession as he battered his way to 69 carrying metres—full-back Dane Haylett-Petty was the only Force player to manage more.
4. Leone Nakarawa, Glasgow Warriors
It takes a big man to out-class one so revered as soon-to-be former Munster lock Paul O'Connell, but that's precisely what Glasgow behemoth Leone Nakarawa did in Saturday's Pro12 final.
Seemingly inexhaustible, Nakarawa was present in all areas, setting up two tries after beating five defenders from two breaks and making nine tackles, all while collecting 42 carrying metres.
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3. Vincent Koch, Stormers
The Stormers boosted their chances of claiming a home playoff semi-final on Saturday with a dominating rout of the Cheetahs, and the scrum was just one area in which the Cape Town hosts ran rampant.
Tight-head Vincent Koch made light work of opposing scrum opponent Danie Mienie and even grabbed a try for his troubles, not to mention succeeding with all eight of his attempted tackles.
2. Jamie George, Saracens
Hookers may not regularly be looked upon as Man of the Match contenders, but Saracens No. 2 Jamie George worked miracles in guiding the 2014-15 Premiership champions to their crown on Saturday.
England coach Stuart Lancaster undoubtedly had his interest piqued after seeing George sprint in for a superb individual score against Bath.
1. Heinke van der Merwe, Stade Francais
Racing tight-head Luc Ducalcon had a woeful time of things against Stade on Saturday, conceding five penalties and earning a yellow card, largely thanks to the pressure placed on him by Heinke van der Merwe.
Stade's South African star looked menacing at the set piece, which was in itself reason enough to give him the nod as this week's standout loose-head.
All statistics come courtesy of ESPN Scrum.
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