Monday 2 October 2017 19:13, UK
Hat-trick heroes and big hitters from the PRO14 and the Premiership join the best from New Zealand and Australia.
15. Damian McKenzie (New Zealand)
What a superb performance from McKenzie, who seems to have everything in his locker to make him a true great. His speed of thought was matched by his turn of pace that had the Pumas defence chasing shadows. Put in some big tackles as well and stood out for the All Blacks even in that superlative first half.
14. Marika Koroibete (Australia)
Koroibete marked his run-on debut with two excellent tries against the Springboks. The former NRL star is still learning his union trade but showed exactly why there is so much excitement surrounding him. He showed plenty of pace and power with ball in hand, and was excellent in defence as well.
13. Francois Venter (Cheetahs)
A man-of-the-match performance from Venter, who helped the Cheetahs to a bonus point win over the Ospreys. Had plenty of runs with ball in hand and really had the Ospreys defence stretched. Scored a great try and also gathered his troops when the Ospreys launched a fightback.
12. Kurtley Beale (Australia)
A lovely performance from Beale, who kept on going and was desperate for some extra-time after another draw with South Africa. Showed some lovely attacking prowess and also kicked very well.
11. Byron McGuigan (Sale)
A mention for Scarlets flyer Steff Evans, who was outstanding once again, but he misses out to Sale's hat-trick hero Byron McGuigan as they demolished Gloucester 57-10.
10. Bernard Foley (Australia)
Beauden Barrett was a shoo-in for this after a quite astonishing 40 minutes against Argentina. However, it was like a different person came on in the second half and Foley's 80-minute performance for the Wallabies in his 50th Test gets him the nod. He was heavily involved in all three of Australia's tries and always looked to put them on attack. Would not have been happy with a couple of his tactical kicks but hit all five of his shots at goal.
9. Nic Groom (Northampton)
It doesn't seem possible that this was the same player who could not control the game against Saracens in their opening game. However, he has put that behind him and grown into a worthy member of this week's team of the week. Really controlled the tempo of the game and made excellent decisions with ball in hand.
1. Kane Hames (New Zealand)
Didn't have the best game against South Africa, despite the 57-0 win but bounced back with a very solid performance against Argentina. Put a lot of pressure onto tight-head Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro to really give the All Blacks ascendancy in the scrum. Carried well to and showed some nice touches too.
2. Elliot Dee (Dragons)
An eye-catching performance from the Dragons that saw him named man of the match. Carried very strongly, put in his tackles and scored a couple of tries too.
3. Richard Choirat (Lyon)
Gave it his all upfront as Lyon laid down a marker with an impressive away win against an Racing 92.
4. Luke Romano (New Zealand)
Produced a powerful performance with ball in hand and was superb in defence with 11 tackles.
5. George Biagi (Zebre)
Epitomised the Zebre spirit as they claimed a surprising win over Ulster. Never stopped putting on the pressure be it in defence - where he made 11 tackles - or at the breakdown. Was their go-to man to carry the ball up and he did that with real intent.
6. Jonathan Ross (Sale)
We expect Ross is still in the ice bath after his defensive heroics against Gloucester. The flanker topped the tackle count with an incredible 25 hits. But that was not all - he also carried extremely well and caused havoc at the breakdown helping Sale up the tempo to score a record win against Gloucester.
7. Sekou Macalou (Stade Francais)
A cracking performance from the openside as Stade claimed a rare win in the Top 14. Had a big battle at the breakdown with Steffon Armitage and helped his side secure quick ball. Scored a scorcher of a try after breaking down the wing and racing away to score.
8. Sione Kalamafoni (Leicester)
We were impressed by Zebre's Renato Giammarioli and Argentina's Juan Manuel Leguizamon never gave up against the All Blacks but Kalamafoni was just outstanding for the Tigers in their win over Exeter. Ended the game with 21 carries and 20 tackles. Really put the foot down in defence when the defending Premiership champs looked to hit back.
