Rugby fans, brace yourselves! The Investec Champions Cup has been on fire, and we’ve got the ultimate Team of the Week that’ll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about this weekend’s matches. But here’s where it gets controversial—some of these picks might just challenge your favorite players’ spots. Let’s dive in!
After an electrifying round of matches, we’ve handpicked the stars who lit up the Investec Champions Cup. With Saracens, Bordeaux-Bègles, and Bristol Bears stealing the spotlight, here’s our lineup that’s sure to spark debate.
Investec Champions Cup Team of the Week
15. Salesi Rayasi (Union Bordeaux Bègles): This Fijian powerhouse didn’t just play—he dominated. Rayasi’s hat-trick in Bordeaux’s demolition of the Saints was nothing short of masterful. His running display was a clinic in precision and power. Meanwhile, Elliot Daly reminded everyone why he’s a Saracens legend, gliding past Toulouse’s defense at the StoneX. And Santiago Carreras? He was his usual menace for Bath Rugby, dismantling Castres with style.
14. Noah Heward (Bristol Bears): Heward’s hat-trick wasn’t just impressive—it included a finish that’ll be replayed for years. He edged out Glasgow’s Kyle Steyn and Harlequins’ Nick David, who both had stellar performances. Damian Penaud, though uncharacteristically scoreless, was instrumental in setting up plays for Bordeaux. And this is the part most people miss—his off-the-ball work was game-changing.
13. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors): Jones was unstoppable, crossing for a try, beating five defenders, and making two clean breaks in a 90-meter masterclass. Benhard Janse van Rensburg’s tap tackle in the 75th minute for Bristol was the difference between victory and a potential Bulls comeback. Alex Lozowski, despite a missed try, defended like a fortress for Saracens.
12. Rekeiti Maasi-White (Sale Sharks): Maasi-White’s raw power and try-scoring prowess against the Durban Sharks reaffirmed his place as an emerging England talent. Cameron Redpath’s opening try for Bath was just the start of his assured performance. Yoram Moefana’s return to form for Bordeaux has French fans buzzing, while Robbie Henshaw’s try for Leinster was a highlight.
11. Adam Radwan (Leicester Tigers): Radwan’s form is undeniable, but his injury-forced exit was a bitter pill. Tom O’Flaherty’s brace for Sale and Josh Kenny’s double for Leinster were standout moments, while Cadan Murley and Rotimi Segun delivered rock-solid performances.
10. Billy Searle (Leicester Tigers): Searle’s hat-trick and two assists make him an undeniable pick. His performance outshone even Mattieu Jalibert’s brilliance for Bordeaux and Test tens like George Ford and Tom Jordan. Sam Prendergast’s assured display for Leinster deserves a nod, but Searle was in a league of his own.
9. Lucas Friday (Harlequins): The young scrum-half’s pace and accuracy earned him a standing ovation at the Stoop. Jamison Gibson-Park’s brilliance for Leinster and Ben White’s scrappy performance for Toulon were noteworthy, but Friday’s impact was undeniable.
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8. Tom Willis (Saracens): Willis was a force of nature—a seismic carrying performance, breakdown dominance, and a try to cap it off. Caelan Doris’s classy leadership for Leinster and Henry Pollock’s two-try effort against Bordeaux were impressive, but Willis takes the Player of the Round. Alfie Barbeary and Jack Dempsey also left their mark with clattering displays.
7. Josh van der Flier (Leinster): Van der Flier’s battle with Levani Botia was a masterclass in sevens rugby. Fitz Harding’s leadership in Bristol’s demolition of the Springboks-loaded Bulls pack was inspiring, while Tommy Reffell reminded Wales selectors of his skill set.
6. Cameron Woki (Union Bordeaux Bègles): ‘Jabber’ was back to his best, proving his Racing stint was just a detour. Jack Conan’s quiet efficiency for Leinster and Oscar Jegou’s standout performance in defeat showcased the depth of French back-row talent.
5. Pedro Rubiolo (Bristol Bears): Rubiolo’s performance in Pretoria against Ruan Nortje was monumental, edging out Ollie Chessum’s fantastic display for the Tigers. Scott Cummings also impressed as Glasgow took down Clermont.
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens): Itoje’s lineout steals and turnovers against Toulouse were sensational. Cameron Henderson’s partnership with Chessum and Joe Batley’s loose play at altitude were highlights, but Itoje was untouchable.
3. Carlu Sadie (Union Bordeaux Bègles): Sadie’s front-row dominance was the unsung hero of Bordeaux’s win. Kyle Sinckler’s all-round display for Toulon and George Kloska’s baptism of fire in Pretoria were notable, but Sadie was in beast mode.
2. Gabriel Oghre (Bristol Bears): Oghre’s mobility and speed were game-changing, outshining even Maxime Lemothe’s powerhouse performance for Bordeaux.
1. Max Lahiff (Bristol Bears): Lahiff’s performance against a Bok front row, even playing tighthead for a spell, was top-drawer. Beno Obano’s try and Jefferson Poirot’s antics were memorable, but Lahiff’s altitude heroics sealed the deal.
Now, here’s the real question: Who would you have picked differently? Are we giving too much credit to certain players, or did we miss someone entirely? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears!
For more rugby insights that challenge the status quo, add Planet Rugby to your Google preferences and stay ahead of the game. And don’t miss our deep dive into Johan Ackermann’s revelations about the Bulls’ defeat in Bristol—it’s a game-changer!
