The PREM Rugby Team of the Week is always a hotly anticipated event, and this week's selection certainly didn't disappoint. With the season reaching its climax, the semi-final wins for Northampton Saints and Exeter Chiefs set the stage for an epic final. But it's not just about the winners; the Team of the Week is a celebration of the best performances across the board. So, let's dive into the heart of the matter and explore the players who truly stood out this weekend.
The Stars of the Show
15. George Furbank (Northampton Saints)
George Furbank's final game for the Saints was nothing short of spectacular. His playmaking and carrying threat were on full display, adding a real lick of flair to their attack. With 69 meters and two tries, Furbank was simply at his very best. In my opinion, this performance should be a wake-up call for the England team, and I think it's high time we saw more of him in the international arena. What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between Furbank's flair and the more methodical approach of his teammates. It's a reminder that sometimes, in rugby, it's the unexpected moments that can make all the difference.
14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints)
Tommy Freeman was a busy bee all game, looking to inject himself into the game and get the Saints on the front foot. His performance was a testament to his work ethic and determination. With 11 carries for 42 meters, four defenders beaten, and a try to his name, Freeman was a constant threat. Personally, I think he's one to watch for the future, and I'm sure we'll be hearing more from him as the season progresses.
13. Tom Litchfield (Northampton Saints)
Tom Litchfield's hat-trick might have stolen the headlines, but his performance was more than just a hat-trick. Litchfield has been quietly going about his business all season, and this game was a perfect example of his consistency and improvement. With 11 carries for 49 meters, two line breaks, and four defenders beaten, Litchfield was a key part of Northampton's success. In my view, he's a player who deserves more recognition, and I hope we see him in the England squad soon.
12. Rory Hutchinson (Northampton Saints)
Rory Hutchinson's performance was understated but massive. He was consistently making positive things happen for his side ball-in-hand, whether it was with his playmaker's touch or in the carry. With 53 meters from just six carries, Hutchinson was a big factor in Northampton's win over Leicester. I think he's peaking at the right time, and I'm sure we'll be seeing more of him in the coming years.
11. Paul Brown-Bampoe (Exeter Chiefs)
Paul Brown-Bampoe was never far away from the action, and his performance against Bath was a testament to his consistency. He seemed to consistently get his hands on the ball and make positive things happen for his side. With Exeter over the gainline, Brown-Bampoe added fuel to their fire during the second half. Personally, I think he's a player who could be a key part of Exeter's future success.
10. Harvey Skinner (Exeter Chiefs)
Harvey Skinner might not be the flashiest fly-half in the world, but his calm and composed head seems to really fit the style Exeter want to play with in attack. His performance against Bath was a key part of Exeter's comeback, and his kicking was a big factor in fueling their confidence. In my opinion, Skinner is a player who deserves more recognition, and I hope we see him in the England squad soon.
9. Archie McParland (Northampton Saints)
Archie McParland's performance was a big one, encapsulating his recent rise. He added real fizz into Northampton's attack, but it was controlled, well-thought out, and done at the right time. With game understanding and maturity, McParland showed that he's a player who's ready for the big stage. Personally, I think he's a player who could be a key part of England's future success.
The Forwards
8. Greg Fisilau (Exeter Chiefs)
Greg Fisilau's performance would have made Steve Borthwick stand up and take notice. His power in the tight drove Exeter's second-half fightback, and his stats were eye-watering: 28 tackles, 15 carries for 47 meters. Considering he was returning from an eye socket injury, this was a huge display. In my view, Fisilau is a player who should be right in the England mix.
7. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints)
Henry Pollock played at eight, but his performance was utterly enormous. With 24 carries, 122 meters, eight defenders beaten, 12 tackles, and a turnover, Pollock proved his world-class status. In my opinion, this was a performance that should be remembered for a long time, and I think it's a sign that he's ready for the international stage.
6. Tom Hooper (Exeter Chiefs)
Tom Hooper's performance against Bath was a huge one. The Wallabies man grew into the game as it went on, particularly in defense, where he made a staggering 26 tackles. His ability to get the better of the Bath back-row was a key part of Exeter's success. Personally, I think Hooper is a player who could be a key part of Exeter's future success.
5. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers)
Ollie Chessum's performance against Northampton was a reminder of why the Chiefs made such a big effort to sign him. He rolled up his sleeves and went looking for work in the tight, taking the fight right to the Saints. With nine tackles, a turnover, and five carries, Chessum was a key part of Leicester's defense.
4. George Martin (Leicester Tigers)
George Martin's performance against Northampton was a properly bruising effort. He seemed to throw his body into every collision, and arguably won every single one of them. With 14 tackles and 13 carries, Martin was a key part of Leicester's defense. Personally, I think he's a player who deserves more recognition, and I hope we see him in the England squad soon.
3. Thomas du Toit (Bath)
Thomas du Toit's performance against Exeter was a fitting solo effort to bring his time in the West Country to a close. He scrummaged well, got stuck in around the park, and burrowing over for a try. In my view, du Toit is a player who will be missed in Bath and the PREM next season.
2. Curtis Langdon (Northampton Saints)
Curtis Langdon's performance against Leicester was a tough call, but he nailed all the basics in the tight as Northampton neutralized Leicester's pack. He also went pretty well at the lineout. Personally, I think he's a player who deserves more recognition, and I hope we see him in the England squad soon.
1. Ethan Burger (Exeter Chiefs)
Ethan Burger's introduction off the bench in the second half changed the game for the Chiefs. He managed to win scrum penalties for fun against Du Toit, got himself busy in the loose, and scored the match-winning try. In my opinion, Burger is a player who cannot ask for much more.
The Takeaway
The PREM Rugby Team of the Week is a celebration of the best performances across the board, and this week's selection certainly didn't disappoint. With the season reaching its climax, the semi-final wins for Northampton Saints and Exeter Chiefs set the stage for an epic final. But it's not just about the winners; it's about the players who stood out, the performances that inspired, and the moments that will be remembered for a long time. As we look forward to the final, let's remember that rugby is a game of moments, and these players have certainly provided some memorable ones.
