#10. Finn Russell (Scotland)
Planet Rugby: “: A mesmerising display full of control, creativity and dexterity, Russell continually opened up the ‘Ikale Tahi rearguard. Place-kicking was a bit off in the first half, but that didn’t detract from his performance.”
Honourable mention: Tommaso Allan (Italy)
#9. Antoine Dupont (France)
Rugby Pass: “A well-placed cross kick out to the wing created the first try of the evening. His linebreak down the right-hand flank eventually resulted in the third. A wee dart and short pass from the back of a maul handed France their fifth and a stupendous run/cross-kick combo after the halftime hooter produced the eighth score of the night. Found some excellent ground from the base of the ruck whenever he put boot to ball. Managed to score one try of his own in the first half to round off the exceptional performance.”
Honourable mention: Jamison Gibson-Park
#1. Andrew Porter (Ireland)
Irish Independent: “Enjoyed a real battle come scrum-time, getting done in the build-up to South Africa’s try but earned the penalty out of Malherbe that gave Ireland the lead on the hour. 75 minutes was a phenomenal effort.”
#2. Theo Dan (England)
Honourable mention: Peato Mauvaka (France)
#3.Ben Tameifuna (Tonga)
Planet Rugby: “Ikale Tahi‘s skipper can be proud of his efforts as he led by example with a fantastic all-round performance. Emptied the tank as he stood up well in the scrums, completed 13 tackles and did his bit as a ball carrier which saw him rewarded with a well-taken try.”