Team of the Week: Premiership Rugby Round 12

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Round 12 of the Gallagher Premiership delivered another weekend of high-octane rugby, with thrilling encounters, standout individual performances, and crucial results shaping the race for the playoffs.

From Leicester's dominant shutout in the East Midlands derby to Bristol's attacking masterclass against Exeter, there was no shortage of talking points.

After reviewing the action, we've selected our Team of the Week, featuring the players who made the biggest impact across the weekend. With tough calls in several positions, a few unlucky contenders miss out, but those who made the cut were simply too good to ignore. Here's our best XV from Round 12 of the Premiership season.

BACK THREE

15. Joe Carpenter (Sale Sharks)

Sale Sharks' rising star Joe Carpenter has truly come into his own this season, and his performance against Newcastle on Friday night was a testament to that. His sensational try highlighted his agility, vision, and finishing ability, while his overall attacking flair kept Newcastle's defense on edge.

Beyond his scoring, the England hopeful’s confidence under the high ball and ability to inject pace into Sale's backline made him a constant threat against the struggling Falcons. While Leigh Halfpenny's composed display for Saracens and Freddie Steward's rock-solid performance for Leicester made them both strong contenders, Carpenter's game-breaking impact earned him the No. 15 spot in RUCK’s Team of the Week.

14. Jack Bates (Bristol Bears)

Jack Bates was electric for Bristol Bears in Round 12, shining in a star-studded back-line with a sensational hat-trick. While his finishing was clinical, it was his all-around involvement that made him stand out, as he constantly popped up in the right areas and carved through defenses with three decisive line-breaks.

His sharp support play and ability to exploit space kept Bristol's attack firing at full speed for a total tally of 52 points. Exeter's Paul Brown-Bampoe impressed in the losing effort, as a honorable mention for the Team of the Week. However, Bates' game-changing influence secured his place as the standout right wing from the weekend.

11. Nick David (Harlequins)

Nick David played a pivotal role in Harlequins’ 23-12 win over Saracens, with the five year wait for an away London derby win now over for Quins. with his performance on the wing being key to their comeback. He excelled in the air and led the way for metres made in the match, racking up 86 metres at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, while also making two line breaks.

His work in attack was highlighted by a smart assist for Will Porter’s try, and he gained over 100 metres from his carries, demonstrating his dominance on the ball. David’s relentless efforts made him a constant threat to Saracens throughout the game, proving himself as a standout player for Quins.

CENTRES

13. Benhard Janse van Rensburg (Bristol Bears)

Benhard Janse van Rensburg delivered a standout performance in Bristol Bears’ 52-38 win over Exeter Chiefs, playing a crucial role in their dominant first half. His powerful carries and sharp handling resulted in a try, while his defensive work helped stifle Exeter’s attacking threats. Janse van Rensburg has been a consistent force for Bristol this season, starting 18 matches and contributing three tries and two conversions.

Known for his versatility, he has excelled in both centre positions and occasionally at fly-half, making him a key player in the Bears’ backline. His solid performances have been essential to Bristol’s success, and with the possibility of qualifying for England through residency next year, Steve Borthwick could soon come calling for the South African born star.

12. James Williams (Bristol Bears)

James Williams was a standout in Bristol Bears’ victory, showing just how crucial he can be when fit and firing. The 26-year-old former Hartpury player made his presence felt early with two well-taken tries in the first half, displaying his sharp attacking instincts. Along with his try-scoring ability, Williams' defensive contributions were just as important, consistently making key tackles and disrupting the opposition's flow. After battling injury setbacks earlier in the season, his performance was a timely reminder of his potential, and with the playoffs on the horizon, he'll be a vital figure in Bristol’s push for silverware.

HALFBACKS

9. Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers)

Jack van Poortvliet was outstanding in Leicester Tigers’ East Midlands derby win, earning Man of the Match honours with a brilliant performance. His 60-meter try, capped by a clever chip over the last defender, was the standout moment, but it was his all-around game that impressed most. Back from injury, Van Poortvliet was sharp and played a key role in controlling the game, further solidifying his place as a top scrum-half. While some still question his involvement at Test level, his display against Northampton certainly made a strong case for his England inclusion.

Honorable mentions go to his England rivals Ben Spencer, who was crucial in Bath’s win with his precise kicking and leadership at the breakdown, and Harry Randall, whose quick feet and crisp passes helped guide Bristol to their emphatic victory over Exeter Chiefs. Both players were instrumental for their teams, putting in performances that rivaled van Poortvliet’s in terms of overall impact.

10. George Ford (Sale Sharks)

George Ford was outstanding in Sale Sharks’ win over Newcastle, showcasing his undeniable skill with a flawless kicking display and precision passing. Aging like a fine wine, Ford dictated the game throughout, with the highlight being his pinpoint kick to set up Joe Carpenter's try. Ford's kicking was near perfect, converting four out of five attempts and adding a couple of penalties.

The England veteran’s ability to control the tempo and create scoring opportunities proved vital, solidifying his place as one of the top fly-halves in the league. While Jamie Benson's match winning cameo for Harlequins and Finn Russell's creativity for Bath were close calls, Ford’s overall game management and execution earned him the nod from RUCK, for our Team of the Week.

FRONT ROW

1. Beno Obano (Bath Rugby)

Beno Obano was a standout in Bath's 42-26 win over Gloucester, dominating in the scrum and laying the foundation for his side's physicality. His scrummaging won key penalties at vital moments, while his work around the park, including nine carries and six tackles, kept Gloucester on the back foot.

Obano's clash with Afo Fasogbon was a spectacle, and he emerged the stronger player, driving Bath forward both in the set-piece and open play. His performance was a perfect example of his all-around influence, solidifying his role as one of the Premiership's top props.

2. Julian Montoya (Leicester Tigers)

Julian Montoya's inclusion is a testament to his reliability and leadership in Leicester Tigers’ emphatic derby triumph. A pillar of stability in the set-piece, he anchored the scrum and ensured pinpoint accuracy at the lineout, providing the perfect platform for his team to dominate.

Beyond his technical excellence, Montoya's presence as a leader kept the Tigers composed and in control, seamlessly connecting the forwards and backs. In a high-stakes clash, his influence was unmistakable, proving once again why he is such a vital cog in Leicester's machine.

3. Thomas du Toit (Bath Rugby)

Thomas du Toit announced his return to Bath's starting lineup in emphatic fashion, bulldozing over for his 20th try in club colors—a remarkable feat for a prop. A key figure in Johann van Graan's setup, the South African combines raw power at the scrum with surprising mobility, making his presence felt well beyond the set-piece.

Whether crashing through defenders or anchoring the pack, du Toit's all-action style adds a vital edge to Bath's forward play, and his latest display only reinforced why he remains one of the Premiership's most well-rounded tightheads.

LOCKS

4. Ben Bamber (Sale Sharks)

Ben Bamber has really begun to find his rhythm in the Premiership, and his performance against Newcastle was a testament to his growing confidence. The former rugby league player made 12 key tackles, providing crucial support for Sale's forwards as they gained the upper hand in the physical exchanges.

His defensive maturity was evident, showing an understanding of the game that's becoming more refined with each outing. Bamber's work at the breakdown and around the park was a standout, showcasing the promise that's beginning to shine through in his performances. Quinn Roux was also solid, but it was Bamber's all-around effort that really stole the show.

5. Joe Owen (Bristol Bears)

Joe Owen played a quietly important role in Bristol Bears’ win, contributing to the build-up of their second try while maintaining solid defensive work despite the high scoreline. His standout moment came with a crucial try-saving tackle, preventing Exeter from scoring. Owen’s performance wasn't one to steal the spotlight, but his steady presence in both the scrum and the loose ensured he played his part.

BACK ROW

6. Hanro Liebenberg (Leicester Tigers)

Hanro Liebenberg has been a rock for Leicester Tigers all season and delivered another standout performance in their East Midlands derby win. Often flying under the radar, the South African was a constant presence, dominating at the lineout and making a significant impact on both sides of the ball.

His three interceptions were a testament to his intelligence and defensive awareness, while his nine carries for 52 metres helped create vital openings. Liebenberg also won four turnovers, a critical contribution in stifling Northampton’s attack. His all-around display was integral to Leicester’s commanding victory, reinforcing his status as one of the most underrated players in the squad.

7. Guy Pepper (Bath Rugby)

Guy Pepper once again showcased why he's one of the most exciting young talents in the Premiership, delivering a relentless all-action performance in Bath's win over Gloucester. His work at the breakdown was near unstoppable, earning a yellow card for Christian Wade and securing three turnovers in key moments. Beyond his defensive grit, Pepper also made his mark in attack, opening the scoring with a well-taken try in the sixth minute and adding eight carries to his tally.

With 10 tackles to round off an immense shift, he continues to make a compelling case for England selection. Will Evans also impressed for Harlequins, but Pepper's all-around influence made him impossible to leave out this week.

8. Olly Cracknell (Leicester Tigers)

Olly Cracknell was a relentless force in Leicester Tigers’ dominant derby win, steamrolling through Northampton's defense with a series of destructive carries. Virtually unstoppable at times, he set the tone early with a well-earned try after just 12 minutes, capping off a performance full of hard running and line-breaking power.

While his defensive work wasn't at its sharpest, Leicester's clean sheet meant it was of little consequence. Cracknell's physicality and work rate were crucial in Tigers' statement victory, and if he maintains this form, he'll be a key figure in their playoff push.

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