Best XV in World Rugby for Weekend of December 26-27

The Christmas calendar was extremely kind to the sporting masses this weekend as a jam-packed schedule of top-tier rugby helped warm up the European audience.

Leinster trumped Munster in a clash of Irish titans, Saracens defeated Wasps to sustain their Premiership run, Toulouse were the latest Top 14 giant to down Toulon and Edinburgh overcame Glasgow Warriors in a Scottish derby.

We also saw Harlequins and Gloucester draw 39-39 after an enthralling clash at Twickenham, while Racing 92 took a memorable win from Clermont Auvergne at the Stade Marcel Michelin.

We've crunched the numbers and picked out the best XV from this weekend's rugby extravaganza, with big names (and some smaller ones) from around the continent all making the cut.

Back Three

15. Rob Cook, Gloucester

Twickenham enjoyed a 10-try thriller on Sunday evening, and full-back Rob Cook had the honour of being the last player to soar over for Gloucester in their dramatic draw against Quins.

Rugby World editor Owain Jones described the Harlequins defence as "static" as Cook scythed through for that sensational solo score, finishing with 125 carrying metres and a very respectable eight tackles to his name.

14. Hanno Dirksen, Ospreys

Ospreys' fine run in the derby fixture with Scarlets continued with a tight 27-26 win this weekend, where winger Hanno Dirksen flew over for the first of his side's tries, beating nine defenders in total. 

11. Ross Chisholm, Harlequins

Despite only coming on as a substitute for the withdrawn Tim Visser, Ross Chisholm enjoyed a superb performance in London as he clinched two vital tries for Conor O'Shea's men.

The second of those efforts, in the 76th minute, ended up clinching a share of the spoils for Quins, and Chisholm's defensive work helped keep the Cherry and Whites at bay.

Centres

13. Garry Ringrose, Leinster

Racing 92's Henry Chavancy is unfortunate to miss out on the No. 13 jersey this week, but Garry Ringrose's convincing display in Leinster's 24-7 victory over rivals Munster was breathtaking at times.

Ireland legend Brian O'Driscoll has backed the 20-year-old to start against Wales in the 2016 Six Nations opener after seeing Ringrose surge through to create an Isa Nacewa try and finish as one of only two starting Leinster backs to not miss a tackle—Ian Madigan being the other.

12. Henry Trinder, Gloucester

Although he missed an exhausting final 20 minutes, centre Henry Trinder did well in his 60-minute outing at Twickenham and scored two second-half tries for Gloucester.

No player finished with more carrying metres than the guests' centre (147), which was an incredible feat considering he only went on seven runs in what was a fierce battle with Premiership debutant Jamie Roberts.

Half-Backs

10. Owen Farrell, Saracens

Owen Farrell may well consider himself to be back in front of Bath fly-half George Ford in the hunt for England's No. 10 jersey following this season's form, and he was again instrumental in guiding Saracens to four points on Sunday.

The playmaker scored 21 of Sarries' points in a 26-16 defeat of Wasps, keeping his side atop the table and showing all the versatility needed to ensure he plays a part in Eddie Jones' Six Nations back line. 

9. Will Chudley, Exeter Chiefs

Exeter Chiefs were very convincing in their comeback win over Sale Sharks on Saturday, but the 33-17 turnaround might not have been possible were it not for scrum-half Will Chudley, who soared over for two of their five tries.

Back Row

8. Laurence Pearce, Leicester Tigers

Leicester Tigers No. 8 Laurence Pearce helped avoid an embarrassing result at Welford Road on Saturday, scoring his side's third try in a 22-10 win and racking up a terrific tally of 66 carrying metres. 

7. Sean O'Brien, Leinster

A team needs to be able to rely upon its superstars in fixtures of high importance, so Leinster were glad to see openside Sean O'Brien answer the call at Thomond Park this weekend.

The Tullow Tank ravaged for 51 metres and made 17 tackles in Limerick to keep the Munster threat at bay, a pivotal contribution as the hosts were restricted to just one try in front of a home crowd. 

6. Wenceslas Lauret, Racing 92

Racing shot to within three points of the Top 14 summit with a 20-16 win over Clermont on Sunday, and France flanker Wenceslas Lauret was a vital component in the victory after contributing 15 tackles and beating four defenders with ball in hand.

Second Row

FRANCK PENNANT/Getty Images

5. Matt Symons, London Irish

London Irish fans won't forget Saturday's 25-23 over Northampton Saints in a hurry, and they'll be grateful to captain Matt Symons in particular after he marshalled the troops and led from the front in a scrappy, deserved win.

4. Devin Toner, Leinster

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt may still be mourning the loss of a figure like Paul O'Connell, but it's a player from another province who's staking his claim as the next lock leader of the national team, it seems.

Devin Toner enjoyed a terrific display in Leinster's victory over Munster, and while his attacking presence was limited, he pitched in with a match-high 18 tackles to show where else he's of major use in the loose.

Front Row

David Rogers/Getty Images

3. Dmitri Arhip, Ospreys

Mistakes were difficult to come by in the Welsh derby between Scarlets and Ospreys. And tighthead Dmitri Arhip helped turn the tide in favour of the visitors with a spotless scrum performance, not to mention 30 metres made with ball in hand, the most of any Ospreys forward. 

2. Dimitri Szarzewski, Racing 92

The two packs enjoyed a titanic head-to-head at Marcel Michelin on Sunday, but it was in the loose where veteran hooker Dimitri Szarzewski was at his most effective, clocking in with 16 tackles.

1. Mako Vunipola, Saracens

Mako Vunipola is another England contender benefiting from Saracens' superb form both in Europe and domestically, contributing another fine display in the club's win over Wasps this Sunday.

He outshone counterpart Matt Mullan in a meeting of England's two in-form looseheads, aiding a dominant Sarries scrum and recording nine tackles, albeit missing another three.

All statistics come courtesy of ESPN Scrum.