5 players that impressed this weekend
- 2398
5 players that impressed this weekend
We look at 5 players that impressed from the PRO12 and Aviva Premiership.
Matt Banahan
Bath were forced into a dog fight on Friday night, in a game full of broken play. However, when the opportunity for free flowing rugby was on offer, Bath took full advantage of it through Banahan in the centre. The inside centre caused problems for Worcester all day and linked up superbly with his partner Joseph. Banahan made his intent clear early on as he opened the scoring for Bath with an excellent try.
Jonathan Sexton
Sexton looked back to his best on Saturday in the inter provincial clash between Leinster and Munster. As well as slotting 3/4 kicks, the outhalf controlled the tempo of the fixture while on the pitch. Sexton pulled the strings for his side superbly in attack and this was most evident for Leinster's opening try as he attacked the blind side and used his quick hands to put Nacewa in for the score in the corner.
Owen Williams
Williams failed to put a foot wrong in Leicester's dismantling of Worcester at the weekend. The outhalf began to build the momentum for his side early on as he slotted 2 attempts at goal within the opening 20 minutes. Williams then continued his impressive kicking at goal as he maintained his 100% record for the game, splitting the posts for all 4 conversions.
Billy Vunipola
Vunipola made a very big statement ahead of the Autumn internationals next month, as the number 8 led from the front in Saracens' huge victory against the Wasps, claiming Man of the Match in the process. Vunipola showed his dominance on the ball as he made hard carries on several occasions. The big number 8 also displayed a magnificent defensive effort as the Wasps struggled to break through Saracens' line for the majority of the 80.
Maro Itoje
Itoje also gave Jones some food for thought ahead of next month's internationals. The young second row's strengths were on full display against the Wasps, as he disrupted the visitors' ball at any opportunity. In the line outs and at the breakdown, Itoje was immense. Maro's charge down of Robinson's attempted clearance was also the catalyst for Ellery's try at the brink of half time. It was certainly an impressive day for the second row. Surely this man has one foot on the plane to New Zealand this summer!
