Best XV in World Rugby for Weekend of January 8-10

Munster's exit from the Champions Cup was confirmed on Saturday after they suffered a 27-7 defeat to 14-man Stade Francais, who dazzled in the second half of their clash despite a one-man disadvantage.

The Paris outfit were one of several Top 14 sides in fine form this weekend, as Clermont Auvergne defeated Bordeaux to move to the summit of Pool 2 and Toulon improved their Pool 5 standing with a tight win over Bath.

There was also a flurry of change in the Premiership order as leaders Saracens fell to Harlequins and Leicester Tigers struck a last-gasp victory against Northampton Saints.

Read on as we break down the best XV from an exhilarating weekend of European rugby.

Back Three

15. Nick Abendanon, Clermont Auvergne

It took Nick Abendanon just 17 minutes to break the deadlock against Bordeaux on Friday as he carried for just 10 metres fewer than the rest of Clermont's starting backs combined.

The full-back made more clean breaks (three) and beat more defenders (six) than any other player at Stade Chaban-Delmas as Clermont came out with an impressive 28-10 win. 

14. Craig Gilroy, Ulster

Craig Gilroy's prolific reputation was enhanced on Sunday as he helped Ulster engineer a great escape in Oyonnax, sizzling in the second half to ensure his team finished as 23-24 victors.

Despite suiting up at full-back on the day, Gilroy moved onto the wing after beating four defenders for a carrying total of 67 metres.

11. Damien Hoyland, Edinburgh

Edinburgh winger Damien Hoyland was in inexhaustible form for the Scottish side on Friday and mustered two tries at either end of the match as they strode to a 28-13 victory over Treviso.

The win boosted Edinburgh's Pro12 title chase as they moved to third in the table and just four points off the leaders, and Hoyland was a relentless force against the Italians.

He beat six defenders and made a massive five breaks from 12 runs for a total of 92 carrying metres.

Centres

13. Jonathan Davies, Clermont Auvergne

Wales centre Jonathan Davies played the full 80 minutes for Clermont in their win at Bordeaux last Friday, where he was at his barnstorming best in a display that showcased his line-breaking potential.

Only team-mate Abendanon passed more defenders than Davies (three) as he glided to 58 metres with ball in hand, recording four tackles.

12. Paul Williams, Stade Francais

Ulster's Stuart McCloskey deserves an honourable mention for his display against Oyonnax, but it's Stade Francais midfielder Paul Williams who nabs this week's No. 12 jersey for his showcase against Munster.

The Samoan helped stem the tide in the middle after team-mate Josaia Raisuqe was shown red just prior to half-time, not to mention bagging a superb opening score and finishing second among Stade's carriers with 68 metres.

Half-Backs

10. Johnny Sexton, Leinster

There aren't many sides in Europe who can restrain Leinster fly-half Johnny Sexton when operating at his best, and the Ireland technician was a direct force the Ospreys couldn't contain last Friday.

As well as kicking seven points from the tee, Sexton carried for 56 metres, second only to two-try scorer Dave Kearney. A special mention goes to Stade's Morne Steyn, who was pinpoint from the boot in his side's win over Munster. 

9. Ben Youngs, Leicester Tigers

Ben Youngs linked up terrifically with partner-in-crime Owen Williams for a decisive try in Saturday's 30-27 win over Northampton, but the England No. 9 was in splendid form throughout the fixture.

No player at Welford Road managed to beat more defenders than Youngs (four), and the scrum-half recorded a very impressive carrying total of 32 metres, making four tackles and missing none.

Back Row

8. Jack Clifford, Harlequins

A queue of No. 8 stars lined up for a place in this week's lineup, but Harlequins' Jack Clifford was especially impressive in an immensely valuable 29-23 win against Sarries.

His try just prior to the half-time whistle proved crucial as the Stoop hosts clinched a win that's sure to improve their Premiership hopes, rampaging for 81 metres altogether and managing eight tackles. 

7. Yannick Nyanga, Racing 92

Racing 92 moved seven points clear at the top of Champions Cup Pool 3 on Saturday after thumping Glasgow Warriors, with France flanker Yannick Nyanga making 12 tackles and helping to shape a steely ruck for the French hosts. 

6. Sekou Macalou, Stade Francais

Stade Francais back-rower Sekou Macalou scored at a pivotal time for the French hosts on Saturday and ground out a 66th-minute try just when Munster were looking to get a head of steam against 14 men.

In the end, no player carried for more metres than Macalou (77), and he also topped the tackling charts with 13.

Second Row

5. Mark Wilson, Newcastle Falcons

Star lock performances were few and far between this weekend, but Mark Wilson stood out in Newcastle's 20-15 loss to London Irish thanks to his 18 tackles and 17 carries, both of which were the highest of any player.

4. Tom Price, Scarlets

Scarlets are finally back to winning ways at the Pro12 summit, and second-row Tom Price impressed as the Welsh region claimed a 21-19 win over fellow contenders Connacht in Llanelli.

In Jake Ball's injury absence, Scarlets are happy they can rely on 22-year-old Price for performances like this, where he was a key cog at the lineout and made a big contribution in the loose, managing 12 tackles.

Front Row

3. Kyle McCall, Ulster

Versatile front-rower Kyle McCall makes the transition from loosehead to tighthead in our XV after scoring the last of Ulster's three tries in a 24-23 away win over Oyonnax on Sunday. The Irish visitors recovered from a poor first half to soar in the second period, and McCall was content with own display, per BT Sport:

"

It was my first try for Ulster, which I am very happy with, but it was a team effort really. We really had to dig deep to overhaul Oyonnax. 

I was off the field when Paddy Jackson kicked the winning penalty and after that it was just a question of not giving away any penalties and staying strong.

"

As well as making 10 tackles and missing none, McCall also made 12 carries, the most of any Ulster forward.

2. Dimitri Szarzewski, Racing 92

The Racing 92 pack had a day to remember on Saturday as all four of their tries in the bonus-point win over Glasgow Warriors were grabbed by forwards, captain Dimitri Szarzewski being one of them.

The hooker went over for his score just three minutes after the restart following one of numerous rolling-maul manoeuvres in Paris, and a seamless lineout performance helped Racing edge their advantage.

1. Eddy Ben Arous, Racing 92

Loosehead Eddy Ben Arous joined team-mates Ben Tameifuna and Szarzewski on the scoresheet against Glasgow, finishing his game with an impressive 16 carrying metres from 10 runs, beating two defenders.

All statistics courtesy of ESPN Scrum.