Team of the Week: Premiership Rugby Round 13
04/01/2025 11:40 AM
Round 13 of the Premiership Rugby season delivered another thrilling weekend of action, with standout performances across the league. From Gloucester’s attacking masterclass against Bristol to Bath's statement win over Harlequins, fans were treated to high-flying rugby, whilst the likes of Exeter, Sale and Sarcacens opted to grind out the hard-fought results.
Several players put their hands up for international selection, while others reaffirmed their status as key figures for their clubs’ push to the play-offs. With the British & Irish Lions tour looming and England's summer squad also starting to take shape, every performance carries added significance in this final week before the European break. Here's our Team of the Week for Round 13, highlighting the top performers from another action-packed weekend of the English top flight.
15. Santi Carreras (Gloucester)
Gloucester's dynamic fullback wasted no time making his mark, orchestrating two try assists within the first eight minutes of their clash. His first was a perfectly weighted kick over the last defender, allowing Christian Wade to gather and finish in style. The second showcased his quick hands and spatial awareness with a well-timed offload. Carreras ended the match with three assists in total, underlining his superb playmaking ability and influence in Gloucester's emphatic victory.
14. Christian Wade (Gloucester)
Wade etched his name into the history books with a sensational hat-trick, securing the record for the most Premiership hat-tricks of all time, surpassing Chris Ashton. His electric pace and finishing ability were on full display as he capitalized on Carreras’ creativity and Gloucester's attacking intent. Having previously played for Racing 92 and even tried his hand at the NFL with the Buffalo Bills, Wade's return to top form raises an intriguing question – could he force his way back into the England setup, particularly with the Lions tour siphoning off many of Steve Borthwick’s top stars?
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
Slade played a pivotal role in Exeter's hard-fought victory over Newcastle, crossing the try line in what proved to be a crucial moment. After struggling with injury setbacks during the latter stages of the 2025 Six Nations, it was refreshing to see him back at full tilt. His intelligent running lines and sharp defensive awareness were key assets for Exeter, and this performance will no doubt bolster his case for a potential late surge into Lions contention.
12. Luke Northmore (Harlequins)
Harlequins' midfield general was a standout in an intense battle against Bath, delivering a full 80-minute shift that showcased his resilience and attacking flair. He capped off his performance with a well-taken try, demonstrating his ability to spot and exploit gaps in the opposition's defensive line. Having recently earned a call-up to the England squad but still awaiting his first cap under Steve Borthwick, Northmore will be eager to make a strong case for selection ahead of the summer tour to Argentina and the USA.
11. Will Muir (Bath)
Muir continued his fine run of form with a dominant display against Harlequins, crossing the whitewash twice in a superb attacking performance. His finishing ability, coupled with his physicality in contact and aerial prowess, made him a constant threat. With England's summer tour looming, Muir's name is increasingly being discussed as a potential inclusion, particularly given his consistency in delivering standout performances for Bath. Will we soon see ‘Horse’ rush out the stables on the Test match scene?
10. Finn Russell (Bath)
The Scottish maestro was at his mercurial best, orchestrating Bath's dismantling of Bristol with his trademark vision and flair. One of the highlights of the weekend came when the ball fell off the kicking tee mid-game, but Russell improvised brilliantly, slotting a composed drop goal instead. His passing accuracy and game management were exceptional, reaffirming his status as a frontrunner for the Lions' number 10 jersey later this year.
9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester)
The Welsh international once again made the Team of the Week, demonstrating his class and composure at scrum-half. He dictated the tempo effectively, linking up well with his forwards and backline to keep Gloucester's attack firing. Additionally, his two successful conversions highlighted his capability with the boot, making him a well-rounded threat for the Cherry and Whites.
1. Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks)
Rodd put in a typically robust shift in Sale's narrow win over Northampton, anchoring the scrum with authority and contributing heavily in the loose. His work rate in defense and his ability to carry effectively ensured Sale had a strong platform to build from in a tightly contested affair.
2. Jamie George (Saracens)
The experienced hooker set the tone early for Saracens with a crucial third-minute try in their victory over Leicester. His leadership in the forward pack was evident, particularly in the set-piece, where his pinpoint line-out accuracy and control in the maul played a vital role in Saracens' dominance. It will be exciting to see the former England captain take his leadership back to the famous red shirt of the British & Irish Lions.
3. Max Lahiff (Bristol Bears)
Despite being on the losing side, Lahiff delivered an impressive individual performance. The well-spoken and ever-entertaining tighthead showed his versatility by grabbing a try, maintaining a strong presence in the scrum, and putting in a solid shift in open play. His ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game continues to make him a valuable asset for Bristol, with the front row comfortably a fan favorite at Ashton Gate.
4. Ross Molony (Bath)
The Irish lock was a key figure in Bath's dominant win, getting himself on the score-sheet while also excelling in the tight exchanges. His line-out efficiency and ability to disrupt opposition ball ensured Bath maintained control throughout the contest. A solid all-round effort from the Irishman.
5. Jonny Hill (Sale Sharks)
Hill delivered a performance that will have caught the eye of England selectors, particularly with the summer tour approaching. He dominated the aerial battles and was a rock in the set-piece, helping Sale edge a tough encounter against Northampton. His physicality and carrying ability further cemented his reputation as a formidable presence in the engine room. It’s been a rough road for Hill, with a 10-week suspension and a knee injury hindering his form. Will he make his first England cap since 2023 this Summer, only Steve Borthwick knows for sure.
6. Hanro Liebenberg (Leicester Tigers)
For the second consecutive week, Liebenberg earns a spot in the Team of the Week after another industrious display in the back row. His relentless work rate saw him contribute significantly in defense and at the breakdown, making life difficult for Saracens despite Leicester ultimately falling short.
7. Juan Martin Gonzalez Samso (Saracens)
The Argentine flanker was in the thick of the action against Leicester, scoring a 10th minute try and maintaining an impressive level of intensity throughout the match. His defensive work rate and tackling efficiency were key in Saracens’ victory, and with Argentina set to take on the Lions and England this summer, he'll be eager to carry this form onto the international stage.
8. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints)
The teenage sensation once again underlined his immense potential with a breathtaking moment of skill, scoring a remarkable kick-and-collect try that would be impressive from any back, let alone a forward. Pollock's meteoric rise continues, and with England's summer tour on the horizon, it seems inevitable that he will earn his first Test start. His defensive contributions were equally commendable, ensuring his all-around performance stood out despite Northampton's loss.
EDITORS PICKS
- Alun Wyn Jones and Owen Farrell included on list of worst British & Irish Lions
- Nigel Owens snubs Bakkies Botha and Martin Johnson when naming the greatest hardman he refereed
- 4 Players Who Could Miss the 2025 Lions Tour – It's Not Looking Good
- Owen Farrell to Switch Allegiance and Play for Ireland at 2027 Rugby World Cup
- Duhan van der Merwe's Lions Tour Hopes in Jeopardy – Nightmare for Andy Farrell
WIN A TRIP TO THE 2025 LIONS:
HE PACKAGE INCLUDES
- 2 x Return flight tickets from the UK to Australia
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 2nd Test in Melbourne
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 3rd Test in Sydney
- 4 x Night's accommodation in Melbourne with bed & breakfast (24-27 July)
- 7 x Night's accommodation in Sydney with bed & breakfast (28 July-3 Aug)
- 2 x Flight tickets Melbourne to Sydney including airport hotel group transfers
- 2 x Tickets to watch a private function with Lions legends
- Additional events to be announced
The winner will be part of the Lions supporters group with tour representatives on hand to oversee everything.
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