Eurosport - Wed, 21 Oct 17:31:00 2009
Following the second round of European action, we take a look at who's hot and who is not as the clubs return to their domestic leagues.
Hot
Takudzwa Ngwenya (Biarritz)
The Zimbabwe-born American flyer (pictured) was in rampant form with a hat-trick of tries as Biarritz made light work of Gloucester's challenge. Will always be remembered for rounding Boks star Bryan Habana in the 2007 World Cup and is fast proving to be one of the most lethal finishers in European rugby.
Stephen Jones (Scarlets)
Appears to have lost none of the form that made him such a crucial player for the Lions in South Africa as he stroked over six kicks for a 17-point haul that saw Scarlets to a thrilling 27-25 win at London Irish. A last-gasp penalty sealed the victory and Wales will be hoping their first-choice fly-half remains fit for the November internationals. Seems to be getting better by the season.
Patricio Albacete (Toulouse)
At one stage the giant Argentine appeared to be playing Harlequins on his own as the star-studded Toulouse line-up took 40 minutes to get into the match. At the forefront of Toulouse's unlikely fight-back from a 14-0 half-time deficit to keep their 100 per cent record in Europe.
Dan Evans (Scarlets)
With Lee Byrne unavailable for the November internationals, Wales boss Warren Gatland may hand the number 15 shirt to the twice-capped Evans. The full-back was in magnificent form against London Irish, scoring their opening try with a brilliant piece of skill and earning the man-of-the-match award ahead of his team-mate Stephen Jones.
Ugo Monye (Harlequins)
Quins may have gone down - and nor was Monye faultless in defence - but the Lions wing was superb going forward and unlucky to be on the losing side after scoring two superb tries. A shoe-in for England's November series, boss Martin Johnson will be keeping his fingers crossed Monye does not fall foul to injury jinx sweeping through the England ranks.
Julien Dupuy (Stade Francais)
Returned to these shores to once again torment Bath with a late penalty that secured victory for new club Stade Francais. Bath fans will remember Dupuy's winning try for Leicester in last season's Heineken Cup quarter-final and can be excused for thinking the France scrum-half has it in for the West Country club.
NOT
Andrew Sheridan (Sale)
Part of an impressive Sale forward effort that saw off Cardiff Blues, but the giant prop can pretty much write off his international season after dislocating his shoulder late in the game. A huge blow for Sale and a huge blow for England, with Sheridan facing reconstruction surgery and four months on the sidelines.
Mike Phillips (Ospreys)
The stand-out player for the Lions over the summer will struggle to make Wales November series after leaving the field with damaged ankle ligaments in Ospreys' nail-biting win over Clermont. Wales and Ospreys have cover at number nine but it's fair to say Phillips is a class apart.
Comment 1 - 1 of 1
What about Wilkinson?
Please login to post a comment
Not already a Yahoo! user ? Sign up to get a free Yahoo! Account