On a day in which Ulster and Glasgow sealed dramatic late wins, there were some excellent individual displays in both the Premiership and PRO14 leagues.
From a superb attacking display from Gloucester’s Danny Cipriani to a flawless performance by Darren Sweetnam, we’ve picked out the top performers from the latest round of fixtures.
DANNY CIPRIANI (Gloucester)
The 30-year-old shone in front of England boss Eddie Jones, creating a superb try for winger Charlie Sharples and generally being at the centre of his team’s attacking exploits in their convincing 27-16 victory over Northampton.
The fly-half was in stunning form on his home debut, and looked to have an extra spring in his step as he orchestrated the game at Kingsholm.
He kicked positively all afternoon and showed serious vision to put Gloucester on the front foot, with the sharpness of his play leading to a string of penalties that Billy Twelvetrees converted.
A class act.
MARCUS SMITH (Harlequins)
Life under new boss Paul Gustard got off to a fizzing start for Harlequins with a commanding 51-23 win over Sale at the Twickenham Stoop.
Ben Tapuai may have caught the eye with this two sizzling tries, but it was fly-half Smith who shone under the bright lights, kicking 26 points.
The 19-year-old scored a try, kicked six conversions and posted three penalties in an impressive display.
His general game management was superb and he looked to give the pass at each opportunity in an effort to put the squeeze on a gallant Sale side.
NATHAN HUGHES (Wasps)
The England international proved why he is considered one of the most promising back-rows in the Premiership with a dominant performance in Wasps’ 21-20 come-from-behind win over Worcester.
The Fijian-born No8 made 85 metres, beat six defenders and completed eight successful tackles as Dai Young’s side edged out a spirited Worcester at Sixways.
After an injury plagued 12 months, this performance should be the hallmark for Hughes to kick on and gather some momentum coming into a crucial World Cup year.
TOMMY O’DONNELL (Munster)
The Ireland international was a titanic presence in Munster’s comprehensive 38-0 over the Cheetahs.
The 28-year-old was solid in the line-out, superb on the ground and showed his serious work-rate with 20 successful tackles.
DARREN SWEETNAM (Munster)
A five star performance from the Cork man.
O’Donnell will surely steal the limelight for his virtuous display at No7 but it was Sweetnam who looked a real jewel, taking possession at every opportunity in an attempt to put his side in formidable attacking positions.
The 25-year-old winger scored a try and set up two more, as well as making 134 metres and beating six defenders.
JOHN COONEY (Ulster)
The 28-year-old produced a man-of-the-match performance in Ulster’s thrilling 15-13 win over Scarlets.
Trailing by one point deep into injury time, Cooney nailed the vital kick after being tackled without the ball by Scarlets’ second row David Bulbring.
The former Leinster scrum-half was instrumental throughout the contest, showing good speed, nimble footwork and a razor-like passing ability at Kingspan Stadium.
Incredibly, the elusive Cooney made 101 passes – nearly three times as many as his opposite number Samuel Hidalgo-Clyne.
