Get ready for an exciting dive into the world of rugby! The PREM Rugby Team of the Week is here, and it's packed with talent and controversy!
Following an intense round three of the PREM season, we've got the latest Planet Rugby Team of the Week, and it's a doozy. The derby weekend kicked off with a bang as Sale Sharks dominated Newcastle Red Bulls, setting the stage for an action-packed Saturday.
Bristol Bears and Exeter Chiefs delivered a thrilling match at Ashton Gate, while Northampton Saints and Bath secured bragging rights over Leicester Tigers and Gloucester with bonus-point wins. To top it off, Harlequins dominated their London rivals, Saracens, claiming their first win of the new campaign.
Now, let's unveil the stars who made our PREM XV this weekend!
Planet Rugby's PREM Team of the Week:
15. Tom de Glanville (Bath): He's on the fast track to an England call-up, and this weekend's performance was yet another giant leap forward. His exceptional ball-handling skills played a pivotal role in Bath's victory, racking up an impressive 65 meters from eight carries and beating four defenders. He even scored a well-deserved try. Leicester's Freddie Steward also shone, despite the loss.
14. Anthony Belleau (Northampton Saints): After two weekends in the honorable mentions, Belleau finally makes our XV. Northampton was already doing well, but his brilliant brace took their performance to the next level. He also made his presence felt around the field with eight carries for 87 meters. Considering he only played 35 minutes and was out of position on the wing, it's an incredible feat. Henry Arundell narrowly missed out, though.
13. Will Joseph (Gloucester): A standout performance in defeat, Joseph outshone Sale's Rob du Preez to secure his spot on our team. His explosive and maze-like runs caused Bath all sorts of trouble, accumulating 85 meters from just nine carries and beating eight defenders. He's definitely working his way up the England pecking order.
12. Ollie Lawrence (Bath): We're bending the rules a bit here, as Lawrence played at 13 against Gloucester, but we couldn't ignore him this weekend. The England back continues to impress on his return, acting as a driving force in Bath's high-powered system. He notched 10 tackles, two turnovers, and seven carries for 29 meters. Benhard Janse van Rensburg of Bristol was a close second.
11. Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks): Roebuck put on a delightful attacking display, with his stock rising exponentially. He was a menace with the ball, making 13 carries for 120 meters, and was rewarded with a fine hat-trick. His all-around skills were on full display, from his work in the air to his versatility in slotting into the 13 channel. Edoardo Todaro was a close contender.
10. Marcus Smith (Harlequins): Smith has had to switch between 10 and 15 in the past year, but this weekend, he proved his worth in his preferred position. It was a complete performance, unlocking Saracens both with the ball and his boot. This showcase is a testament to his abilities when fully backed as a fly-half. Finn Russell and Fin Smith also impressed upon their return to PREM action.
9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints): Another returning Lion in our XV, Mitchell continues to prove his value to the Saints. He was a threat around the ruck, combining speed and sniping ability, notching a team-high 11 carries for 52 meters. Kieran Marmion of Bristol was close behind.
8. Sam Dugdale (Sale Sharks): It was a great weekend for number eights, with Callum Chick and Tom Willis also performing well, but Dugdale takes the spot this time. The Sale man was a rock in their pack, doing the gritty work that allowed his teammates to shine. His stats reflect this, with 11 tackles and one turnover.
7. Tom Pearson (Northampton Saints): A tough call, given Sam Underhill's performance at the Rec, but Pearson edges ahead. The Saints man was a wrecking ball in the derby win over Leicester Tigers, excelling on both sides of the ball. He led the game with 16 tackles and added five carries for 34 meters. A shoutout to PREM debutant Tristan Woodman as well.
6. Fitz Harding (Bristol Bears): Harding delivered a true captain's performance, leading Bristol to victory over Exeter. He dominated on both offense and defense, making 17 tackles and carries while also securing two turnovers. Ernst Van Rhyn also left his mark.
5. Ewan Richards (Bath): Johann van Graan predicted that Richards would step up after Charlie Ewels' injury, and he certainly delivered. The young lock threw himself into every play, making eight carries for 45 meters and beating four defenders. His brace was a well-deserved reward. Dafydd Jenkins of Exeter also shone in defeat.
4. Guido Petti (Harlequins): Ben Bamber held this spot for most of the weekend, but Petti dropped a masterclass. The Los Pumas star, making his PREM debut, was simply outstanding in every aspect, leading the charge against Saracens. His stats speak for themselves: 11 tackles, eight carries, and two defenders beaten.
3. Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks): For the third week in a row, Opoku-Fordjour makes the Team of the Week. The Sale man was dominant in the scrum and made his presence felt around the field with nine carries. He's in incredible form, which bodes well for England in the Autumn Nations Series. Trevor Davison also impressed on his return for Northampton.
2. Nathan Jibulu (Sale Sharks): Jibulu edges out his Sale teammate, Luke Cowan-Dickie, and Bath's Tom Dunn to make this team. He played with an incredible intensity on Friday night, his desire to join the attack was remarkable, as shown by his 56 meters and four defenders beaten from just seven carries. He also delivered some steely efforts in the tight. This move has suited him perfectly, and he's climbing the ranks towards an England call-up.
1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears): The world-class loosehead made an immediate impact on his return to the PREM. His work helped Bristol break down Exeter's stubborn defense, notching 10 carries and seven tackles. Fin Baxter continued his strong personal form as well.
And there you have it!
But here's where it gets controversial... What do you think of our selections? Are there any players you think should have made the cut? And this is the part most people miss... the impact of these performances on the upcoming Autumn Nations Series. Will these players continue their form and secure their places in the England squad? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! We want to hear your opinions and spark some friendly debate!
