HEC XV: Team of the Quarters
Now that the dust has settled over in Ireland, Spain and France, Planet Rugby thought it was only right to hail the star men of the last eight.
Now that the dust has settled over in Ireland, Spain and France, Planet Rugby thought it was only right to hail the star men of the Quarter-Finals.
If you were otherwise occupied over the weekend then I am afraid you should continue kicking yourself as you missed a real European treat.
Toulouse were mesmeric against rivals Stade Francais, both Biarritz and the Ospreys gave so much, while Leinster and Munster showed how just streetwise they have now become.
But all in all, it was just pleasing to witness supporters from Europe being blessed with some memorable club rugby to finally answer the jewel of the south, the Super 14. Long may it continue!
So without further ado, let us take you through our XV. Please let us know your thoughts and of course your own selections are welcome…
HEC: Team of the Quarter-Finals
15 Clement Poitrenuad (Toulouse) – He carried on from his many faultless Six Nations performances to give Toulouse an extra dimension against Stade. Poitrenaud rarely took contact and was a big part of the rouge et noir's free-flowing attacking machine.
Came close: Paul Warwick (Munster)
14 Takudwsa Ngwenya (Biarritz) – If you didn't catch the American's try on Saturday then take five minutes to look at the highlights as it was a memorable one. Ngwenya has been playing well of late so it was good to see that form carried onto the European stage.
Came close: Aurelien Rougerie (Clermont)
13 Andrew Bishop (Ospreys) – Nicknamed 'glue', the man outside the impressive James Hook broke the line on a number of occasions for Scott Johnson's side against Biarritz. However, all of his good work ended in defeat but here is some consolation for Bishop.
Came close: Keith Earls (Munster)
12 Yannick Jauzion (Toulouse) – What can you say about this man? Very rarely has a below average game in either France or Toulouse colours, Jauzion was at his silky smooth best.
Came close: Damien Traille (Biarritz)
11 Julien Malzieu (Clermont) – Three tries for the handful that is Malzieu. He carried well in Dubin and got the better of his opposite. If only his kicker had done the same.
Came close: Cedric Heymans (Toulouse)
10 Ronan O'Gara (Munster) – It is quite commendable how Mr Heineken Cup answers the questions that seem to consistently be laid at his door. Asked to step up in Paul O'Connell's absence, O'Gara captained, kicked and orchestrated his back-line to victory on Saturday.
Came close: Dan Biggar (Ospreys)
9 Byron Kelleher (Toulouse) – This jersey was going to either a similarly physical Osprey or Tomas O'Leary until Sunday came around. But Kelleher was immense, giving the complete performance at nine before being receiving a rousing applause when departing late on.
Came close: Mike Phillips (Ospreys)
8 Jamie Heaslip (Leinster) – A brace for the in-form number eight, whose reputation remains right up there with the best of them in Europe at the moment. A vital part of Leinster's progression to their semi-final meeting with Toulouse.
Came close: Roger Wilson (Northampton)
7 Thierry Dusautoir (Toulouse) – It was business as usual for the tireless flanker alongside Louis Picamoles and a soon-to-be-mentioned number six. Toulouse and France are building something special right now and Dusautoir is most certainly the site manager.
Came close: Shane Jennings (Leinster)
6 Jean Bouillou (Toulouse) – There is something very Richard Hill about the captain of Toulouse. He works himself to a standstill for his team but often goes unnoticed by the cameramen. However, there is no way his efforts are missed by Guy Noves.
Came close: Julien Bonnaire (Clermont)
5 Patricio Albacete (Toulouse) – The Argentine proved yet again why he has been rated as one of the top locks in world rugby over the past five years. He was such a handful up front and also highly-mobile and intelligent with ball in hand for Toulouse.
Came close: Mick O'Driscoll (Munster)
4 Jamie Cudmore (Clermont) – He was his usual physical self against Leinster and is unlucky not to be competing in the semi-finals. Cudmore combined so well with Thibault Privat in the tight while not shying away from the extra work off Morgan Parra.
Came close: Romain Millo-Chluski (Toulouse)
3 Davit Zirakashvili (Clermont) – The Georgian was a rock for Clermont and complimented solidity with good, strong running in open play against Leinster.
Came close: John Hayes (Munster)
2 Dylan Hartley (Northampton) – His personal duel with Jerry Flannery was a nice subplot and one which Hartley just about edged. Saints' captain seems to have improved his carrying over the past few months and will now need to lift his team for the domestic run-in.
Came close: William Servat (Toulouse)
1 Jean-Baptise Poux (Toulouse) – This final slot was a tough call but the international just gets in, as his combination with Benoit Lecouls and Servat was a big plus for Toulouse.
Came close: Soane Tonga'uiha (Northampton)
Compiled by Adam Kyriacou