5 Players Who Impressed in the Champions Cup Quarterfinals

This weekend was a big one in European rugby. It ensured that for once, Toulon won’t win the Champions Cup. It also showed us that Leicester are here to play, and, that Wasps are vulnerable, but you cannot afford to let them back into the game. Having said all that, here are the 5 players that stood out this weekend.

Teimana Harrison:

The Northampton flanker was everywhere on Saturday, showing why he has become a favorite of Jim Mallinder. The 23 year old made 64 metres with ball in hand, but what is most impressive is that he beat 8 defenders, showing a level of ball carrying ability Saints have lacked since the departure of Samu Manoa. Harrison also made 8 tackles, and was a constant nuisance for Saracens at the breakdown. The 23 year old is certainly worth consideration for England’s tour of Australia, and him pairing up with Billy Vunipola is certainly a terrifying prospect.

Maxime Machenaud:

The French 9 stepped up when Dan Carter could no longer take kicks for Racing, and he should cool nerve to slot the game winning penalty for his side. Few scrum halves are more reliable than Machenaud, and his ability to control a game is something that has made the difference for Racing time and time again. His patience paid dividends for the side, as they starved Toulon of possession and ensured that Racing had every opportunity to close out the game.

Telusa Veainu:

Leicester may have made one of the best signings of the Premiership when they brought Veainu on board. The flying wing has been instrumental in their success this season and this weekend was no different. Veainu made 141 metres with ball in hand, as well as 4 clean breaks. He also beat 10, yes 10 defenders over the course of the game. This young man is proving to be nearly untouchable on the wing, a worrying prospect for those who find themselves playing Leicester in the coming weeks.

Charles Piutau:

Wasps will be really upset to lose Piutau to Ulster at the end of the season, as he has been one of the players of the Premiership so far. Wasps struggled to find any momentum for much of the match against Exeter, but Piutau was the one that led them to turn the corner. His 153 metres, on 7 defenders beaten and 4 clean breaks is indicative of his dominant day from fullback. He scored two decisive tries for his side, as they continue to roll towards the Champions Cup final. All we can say is, Steve Hansen probably made a mistake letting Piutau go.

Owen Farrell:

Farrell is in great form at the moment, and that form was on display once again this weekend, as Farrell made 7 out of 7 kicks, scoring 19 points and leading his side to victory over their English rivals. Farrell was also ever present in defence, making 10 tackles, more than any other back and tying Billy Vunipola for the most out of any Sarries player! Farrell certainly is not your ordinary flyhalf, but if he continues to play as he has been, Saracens could be in position for a run to the final.