Best XV in World Rugby from Weekend of November 20-22

The European Rugby Champions Cup finally got off to a delayed start for a raft of the continent's best and brightest this weekend, where it was the English clubs in particular who soared higher than any others.

Following the tragic attacks that unfolded in Paris on November 13, many clubs were making their 2015-16 debut in the tournament this weekend, with Clermont Auvergne, Racing 92 and Bath opening their campaigns with victories.

Sunday brought about the biggest drama, however, as Wasps dismantled reigning champions Toulon with a surprising 32-6 win at the Ricoh Arena as Dai Young continues to mould his side into an ever-evolving powerhouse.

Read on to see who makes our finest XV of players who impressed the most this weekend.

Back Three

15. Gio Aplon, Grenoble

The only player from the Challenge Cup to make this weekend's lineup is Grenoble's South African import Gio Aplon, who was at his dazzling best en route to a 27-20 win over London Irish on Saturday.

It was the full-back's break that set up Arnaud Heguy for the game's opening try, and Aplon finished with 108 carrying metres to his name, not to mention making a couple of match-saving tackles in defence.

14. David Strettle, Clermont

David Strettle's life is bound to have changed drastically since making a summer switch to Clermont, but one constant that appears to have remained is the winger's clinical finishing when given a sniff at the line.

The former Saracens star finished with two tries to his name as the French titans overcame Ospreys' threat with a 34-29 win, racing for a massive 120-metre haul in total and beating eight defenders from just seven carries.

11. Frank Halai, Wasps

One of the reasons Wasps continue to improve is their superb recruitment, and former Auckland ace Frank Halai is one of the new faces in Coventry already on the fast track to becoming a fan favourite.

With Charles Piutau at the back, Christian Wade on one wing and Halai on the other, Wasps can be considered as boasting one of the most fearsome back threes in Europe. 

The only criticism one might aim at Halai would be to avoid thudding into the post next time he grabs a try, per BT Sport.

Centres

13. Gael Fickou, Toulouse

Gael Fickou did what he does best in Toulouse's 24-18 victory over Oyonnax on Saturday and opened his stride to finish with a match-high 92 carrying metres, beating five defenders and making two offloads.

The France international also finished with a terrific try to his name after being allowed to ghost through Oyonnax ranks at full pelt—but then, who would want to dare attempting to stop the brutish 21-year-old? 

12. Henry Slade, Exeter Chiefs

Henry Slade lined up at fly-half for Exeter's 34-19 beating of Bordeaux, but such is the playmaker's malleability that he switches to inside centre for the better of the team. How apt.

When it comes to kicking out of hand, there are few in Europe right now striking the ball with as much proficiency as Slade, who also made use of breaks with ball in hand and registered two turnovers to boot.

Half-Backs

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10. Ruaridh Jackson, Wasps

It's not every day Wasps get to experience a win as historic as Sunday's mauling of Toulon, so their leading half-backs have the honour of completing this week's combination, with Ruaridh Jackson at fly-half.

The Scotland international let himself down in defence at times and missed three tackles, but with 14 points scored, more than 60 carrying metres made and some seamless kicking from hand, the utility back stood up well to huge opposition.

9. Joe Simpson, Wasps

Another standout display from his club saw scrum-half Joe Simpson receive further backing from coach Young to become a future England international, per BT Sport, and it looks like deserved praise right now.

The No. 9 was almost faultless alongside partner Jackson, clearing up broken phases to steer Wasps on course numerous times and helping to unleash a back line that has devastating potential.

Back Row

8. Louis Picamoles, Toulouse

Northampton Saints most likely can't wait to get their hands on Louis Picamoles next season after watching the No. 8 go on a 21-carry rampage against Oyonnax, mustering 72 metres with ball in hand.

To put that figure into context, opposite number Viliami Ma'afu was by some distance the most frequent carrier for Oyonnax, and he only managed to make 13 runs.

Special mention goes to Wasps behemoth Nathan Hughes, who picked up two tries in his team's victory over Toulon.

7. Jacques Burger, Saracens

His international tenure may be over, but Namibia legend Jacques Burger is still at his terrier-like best on the club scene, helping guide Saracens to a convincing 27-9 win over Ulster with 18 tackles at Ravenhill. 

6. James Haskell, Wasps

Doing his England future no harm whatsoever, Wasps star James Haskell will have given new international coach Eddie Jones plenty to smile about in his leading display against Toulon this weekend.

There was only so much the flanker could contribute in attack, making just 10 metres off seven runs, but without his 20 tackles and two turnovers, the result could have been very, very different.

Second Row

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5. Sebastien Vahaamahina, Clermont

Clermont are very lucky to have such a fine selection of locks among their ranks, and Sebastien Vahaamahina established his place as arguably the best after storming for 46 metres from just three carries against Ospreys.

Whenever veteran Jamie Cudmore does make the decision to take his leave of this team, Clermont look to have another enforcer figure lined up as heir to the Canadian's throne.

4. James Gaskell, Wasps

No. 8 Hughes (39) was the only Wasps forward to make more metres with ball in hand than James Gaskell on Sunday (32) as the lock enjoyed a very prominent outing against Toulon.

The 25-year-old also made two turnovers and 13 tackles, while Racing's Luke Charteris deserves an honourable mention for his 17-tackle tally against Scarlets.

Front Row

3. Kieran Brookes, Northampton Saints

Taking his place in the tighthead slot for the second time in as many weeks, Saints prop Kieran Brookes had another display to remember after he was nominated man of the match in Northampton's 26-15 win at Glasgow Warriors.

Opposing number Ryan Grant gave away a match-high four penalties under the oppressing frame of Brookes, who led the Saints to an almost spotless set-piece record, chipping in with five tackles. 

2. Dimitri Szarzewski, Racing Metro

Racing 92's 29-12 win at Scarlets was largely possible thanks to their astutely orchestrated work at the lineout, where Dimitri Szarzewski was close to flawless and the Parisians also stole five enemy throws.

The hooker also pitched in with a valuable 12 tackles and recorded a joint-high three turnovers.

1. Thomas Domingo, Clermont

Ospreys brought a very significant pack threat to Marcel Michelin this weekend, but Clermont loosehead Thomas Domingo did his best to fend off the Welsh scrum with relative comfort.

The French hosts failed to surrender a scrum on Sunday, and Domingo averaged a massive 13 metres per carry to give a big help in the loose.

All statistics come courtesy of ESPN Scrum.