It was another mixed bag of results for the Irish provinces in round 3 of the Investec Champions Cup.
Leinster won handsomely at home to Stade Francais to guarantee progress from Pool 4, while Munster recorded a much-needed win at Toulon.
Connacht and Ulster, meanwhile, both lost heavily to Lyon and Toulouse, respectively.
Here's our team of the week.
15. Simon Zebo (Munster)
The full-back has been rolling back the years over the last couple of months. He grabbed the try that put Munster into the lead and is in the Ireland shake-up.
14. Calvin Nash (Munster)
Another who has given Andy Farrell food for thought. Took his try exceptionally well and his clean-up of a wayward pass led to Tom Ahern's crucial score. Jordan Larmour’s two tries for Leinster keep him in frame for an Ireland recall too.
13. Garry Ringrose (Leinster)
Jordan Larmour earns Leinster a bonus point with a try following a brilliant breakaway by Garry Ringrose. #LEIvSTA
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) January 13, 2024
📺 Live on @RTE2 and @RTEplayerhttps://t.co/ZfldwHUA2l
📱 Update - https://t.co/umtXYY4Tep pic.twitter.com/wKC6vNfO8w
Denied a try-of-the-season contender by inches after a mesmerising run from his own half just before Larmour’s first try. Made two more direct assists and another break that led to Leinster’s sixth.
12. Alex Nankivell (Munster)
A real powerhouse in midfield on both sides of the ball. The New Zealander has brute strength and a clever rugby brain. Spotted the space and called for the ball before smashing his way over for Munster’s first try.
11. James Lowe (Leinster)
James Lowe opens the scoring against Stade Francais in his first Leinster game of the season. #LEIvSTA
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) January 13, 2024
📺 Live on @RTE2 and @RTEplayerhttps://t.co/ZfldwHUA2l pic.twitter.com/MIUqiyD3wW
Returned from a long post-World Cup lay-off and celebrated with a typical finish in the corner for Leinster’s opening score.
10. Jack Crowley (Munster)
Another accomplished performance that adds to his claims for the Irish 10 shirt. Grew into the game, kicked nine points and set up two tries from well-judged kicks.
9. Craig Casey (Munster)
Ran the show superbly from the breakdown, his kicking was exceptional and decision-making excellent. A pinpoint box-kick invited Nash on for the bonus-point try.
1. Andrew Porter (Leinster)
Claimed a couple of early penalties at the scrum and buzzed around the place. Playing like he has a point to prove this season. Jeremy Loughman played well for Munster.
2. Niall Scannell (Munster)
Big shift by the hooker, who was capped 20 times by Ireland between 2017 and 2019. Had to play almost the entire game and showed how much he’d been missed.
3. John Ryan (Munster)
More than held up his end of the bargain at the set-piece and also showed well in the loose.
4. Tom Ahern (Munster)
Back in his natural second row berth after a secondment to the flank, the 23-year-old scored what’s becoming a trademark try, fielding a high ball out wide before powering over. Will be keeping an eye out for Wednesday’s Six Nations squad email.
5. Joe McCarthy (Leinster)
Another showing to bolster his Ireland starting claims, McCarthy was the best of the locks on display. Loves the battle and steps up in class easily.
6. Ryan Baird (Leinster)
A timely reminder of his worth by the flanker ahead of the Six Nations. His break led to Caelan Doris’ first try and worked his socks off. Peter O’Mahony impressed on return from injury also.
7. John Hodnett (Munster)
Outstanding all-round effort from Hodnett, who was a constant thorn in the side of Toulon. Came up with some big defensive plays.
8. Caelan Doris (Leinster)
Enjoying a brilliant run of form, Doris scored two tries and deservedly took home the player of the match award for an all-action showing. Honourable mention for Munster’s Gavin Coombes, who played his best game in a while.
