Champions Cup Team of the Week: Leinster and La Rochelle dominate as four clubs go home

Before we look forwards to the fast-approaching semi-finals, we have selected the premier performers from the antepenultimate round of Champions Cup action .

Ireland‘s go-to fullback delivered once more, providing the provincial side with excellent kick coverage in defence as well as a dangerous set of legs in attack. The international made two clean breaks on the day, helping his side to a 23-20 away at Welford Road. Mike Haley of Munster and Max Spring of Racing 92 both win themselves honourable mentions for their respective performances against Toulouse and Sale.

Thomas was awesome for Racing in their win at La Defense over Sale where he carried for just shy of 75 metres. He also finished one of the most spectacular tries in recent history, dropping the ball on to his foot for a short grubber kick while stumbling out-of-bounds before re-entering the field of play to pounce on the loose ball for a try. Simply outstanding. Leinster’s Jimmy O’Brien was outstanding in his side’s win over Leicester, but was overshadowed by Thomas’ wizardry the following day.

Both Farrell and Pierre Fouysacc made strong cases for their inclusion in the Team of the Week during Munster and Toulouse’s clash at the Aviva Stadium, but the home side’s outside centre earned the spot, despite losing. The Irish centre sliced through the Toulouse defence set up Mike Haley for a try to give his side the lead just after half time. Farrell had similar success carrying the ball all game, gaining 83 metres in total with ball in hand.

Channelling his inner Bundee Aki, Henshaw bulldozed over the line early on to boost Leinster’s early lead to 17 after Johnny Sexton converted his effort. He provided tough carries throughout as well as 10 tackles