Team of the Week: Premiership Rugby Round 8

Today at 07:40 AM

The Premiership kicked back into action this past weekend, with five festive firecrackers lighting up the chilly December afternoons. It was an opportune time for the England hopefuls to stake a claim for a place in Steve Borthwick’s squad for the 2025 Guinness Six Nations, and we’ve pieced together our Team of the Week following the fixtures.

15. Joe Carpenter (Sale Sharks)

The exciting England fullback got on the score-sheet for a try in the first half, and he also set up Olly Woodburn for a try against his old club. A solid effort from the Sale man, who will be gunning for an extended run with the England team this coming February and March.

14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints)

One of a few stand-out players for Northampton Saints, despite the East Midlanders ending up on the losing side of the score-line. Freeman crossed over for a try, and showcased his international class despite the heavy defeat.

13. Kalaveti Ravouvou (Bristol Bears)

A stunning effort from Kalaveti Ravouvou in the Bristol midfield, despite being overshadowed by his centre partner and player of the match Benhard Janse van Rensburg. Watching the match for Ruck was Midlands Reporter George Wellbelove; “A couple of tries and a barnstorming performance at outside centre. His partnership with Janse van Rensburg is second to none.”

12. Seb Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby)

Taking the 12 spot in our Team of the Week, despite heavy pressure from his West Country rival Benhard Janse van Rensburg. Matt Priest was at Kingsholm to witness Seb Atkinson’s star-making performance; “Today’s Man of The Match, Atkinson was excellent, stepped up massively as he always does, one of the players of the season for Gloucester and its clear to see his full of confidence.”

11. Ollie Hassell-Collins (Leicester Tigers)

Fighting off his opposite man Gabriel Ibitoye to our eleven shirt this week, Hassell-Collins grabbed a brace against the Bears, yet he could not win the match by himself. RUCK Midland’s Reporter George Wellbelove said; “Two early scores and was able to show off his blistering pace and strength. Good performance.”

10. Fergus Burke (Saracens)

After a stunning outing last time at the StoneX, when Saracens put the Bulls to the sword in the Champions Cup, Burke followed this up with another unplayable performance in front of home fans. Ruck’s Midlands Reporter Tom Harrington made the trip down to North London for this one; “A brace for the fly-half, excellent in attack constantly changing how he played, making every opportunity for his side.”

9. Harry Randall (Bristol Bears)

Excellent to see Randall at his very best, with the England hopeful winning the positional battle against Alex Mitchell. The two scrum halves will be jostling to be Steve Borthwick’s number nine for the 2025 Six Nations, with RUCK’s Midland’s Reporter George Wellbelove impressed by Randall’s effort at Ashton Gate: “Gave his halfback partner lots of quick ball. Absolute livewire and a job well done. 9/10”

1. Rhys Carre (Saracens)

RUCK’s Midland’s Reporter Tom Harrington was impressed by two of Saracens’ front row forwards, following his trip to London for the Leicester Tigers defeat; “Excellent in attack from the prop, one try for himself and dominant in mauls.”

2. Theo Dan (Saracens)

Harrington: “A try for the hooker and setting up another for his front row, physicality proving dominant for Englishman.” It will be another big year for Theo Dan, as he is expected to be England’s replacement hooker for the 2025 Six Nations, and could well take a starting role for the Summer Tour of Argentina and the USA, with Jamie George set for Lions duties.

3.  Kirill Gotovtsev (Gloucester Rugby)

The replacement tight-head entered the fray at the 35th minute mark, following an injury to England prospect Afolabi Fasogbon. RUCK Reporter Matt Priest was impressed by the overtime shift from the prop; “A first half substitution saw Gotovtsev come on earlier than many would've thought but he picked up exactly where Fasogbon left off and was superb in the scrum.”

4. Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby)

Getting an 8/10 for his efforts in the eyes of Ruck Reporter Matt Priest, Freddie Thomas continues his meteoric rise in Cherry and White ahead of a return to Warren Gatland’s Wales squad. “Thomas commanded the lineout expertly and was a calm and collected head throughout. He was immense for Gloucester tonight and is having himself a superb breakout season and if he keeps this up, deserves his place in the Wales six nations squad.

5. Jonny Hill (Sale Sharks)

Jonny Hill returned following a lengthy suspension on the side-lines earlier this month, with the lock once again building momentum for an England return. After getting his first start of the season against Racing 92 last weekend, Hill grabbed a try against his former club of Exeter Chiefs, in a strong performance in the Premiership. Is a Six Nations bolter appearance on the cards for Hill?

6. Steven Luatua (Bristol Bears)

The veteran workhorse was excellent for Bristol, with his no-nonsense approach to winning the hard yards integral to the foundations of the fast-flowing victory. Bristol mean buisness this season, with Luatua at the helm of the efforts. Pat Lam’s side are eyeing up their first Premiership title as they sit at second for the Christmas break, whilst level on points with the league leaders Bath.

7. Ben Earl (Saracens)

Ruck Midland’s reporter Tom Harrington said; “Score from open play for the backrow, strong carries in attack.” The succinct summary of Ben Earl’s performance were enough words on the page, as the England back row once again let his actions do the talking for the Men in Black. One of the Premiership’s best players, who has his sights set to be a Lions Test match starter next Summer.

8. Alfie Barbeary (Bath Rugby)

The Bath man has had a turbulent few months, with injury lay-offs and suspensions hindering his momentum. Barbeary returned from a concussion for the heavy win against Newcastle Falcons, and lit up the match with a barnstorming performance from the back of the pack.

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