1. Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers)
The Welsh international ran out an enduring effort on the Tigers loose-head, with his 73 minute shift showcasing how he has plenty of gas in the tank to battle for the hard yards and excel at scrum-time. Warren Gatland will likely utilize the Leicester prop throughout his upcoming Six Nations campaign, with Smith presenting a powerful option for the number one Welsh jersey.
2. Curtis Langdon (Northampton Saints)
The twice capped England hooker will be hoping that his efforts on Sunday, has put him in good stead for a call-up into Steve Borthwick’s wider training camp. The England head coach has previously added Langdon into the wider ranks of the training squad, yet the hooker has not yet played for his country in the Borthwick era. Langdon was praised as ‘immense in attack’ by RUCK reporter Tom Harrington, with the front rower’s gain-line strengths on full display at Franklin’s Gardens.
3. Marco Riccioni (Saracens)
Wrapping up our front row of Six Nations hopefuls is Marco Riccioni, with the Italian prop proving why he should continue his run as the Azzurri’s resident tight-head. Riccioni was on excellent form against Bristol Bears, as he powered on for a solid 64 minute outing in a physically enduring contest. Riccioni held his own against England loose-head Ellis Genge, with the Italian at times getting the upper hand over the Baby Rhino at the scrum.
4. Cameron Henderson (Leicester Tigers)
An impressive outing from Leicester’s resident Scotsman, as the lock was all over Exeter on both the attacking and defensive foot. The second row grabbed the Tigers second try, as he battled his way through the Devonshire defences shortly past the half hour mark. The lock lifted the tackling intensity after the Chiefs forged a first half comeback, which helped bring the hammer down for Leicester’s second half triumph.
5. Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby)
Hot off signing a new contract with the Cherry and Whites, Welsh lock Freddie Steward had a starring role in his side’s win over Sale Sharks. Ruck Reporter Charlie Elliott said; “Steward was very physical and his ball carrying skills were shown with a beautiful line break that ended up leading to a third try for the hosts. Did enough to keep out the opposition well and came off to a standing ovation, he has thus far justified the faith put into him by Gloucester after getting a new deal recently.”
6. Jack Kenningham (Harlequins)
Whilst the main England focus of Harlequins’ win over Newcastle was on Marcus Smith’s move to fullback, there was no denying Jack Kenningham’s efforts. The blindside flanker has been knocking on the door for an England debut for the past two seasons, and this well-timed barnstormer can not be overlooked by Steve Borthwick. Swift ball reception in the air and a warrior at the breakdown battle, Kenningham was brilliant as Harlequins ended their run of consecutive defeats.
7. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby)
The one-man wrecking crew was unleashed off the bench, as Bath battled hammer and tongs with Northampton Saints in yesterday’s classic encounter. Underhill was as influential as ever, and turned the afternoon on it’s head with his customary impact carries and bruising hits high off the line. Underhill was sporadically used by Borthwick throughout 2024, with some glaring Autumn omissions raising some eyebrows after his Enhanced EPS contract snub. However, a strong Six Nations could well result with Underhill taking on a new challenge with the 2025 British & Irish Lions.
8. Tom Willis (Saracens)
We round off the Team of the Week with a man who’s name is being called from the rafters of the Allianz Stadium. Saracens back row Tom Willis has been in mesmeric form this season, and once again was at his best for the Londoners impressive win over Bristol. The best player on the pitch as Saracens dispatched their West Country visitors, Willis grabbed a try for his impressive efforts and has firmly planted himself in contention for a return to the England squad when the Six Nations come around.
