With Round Six of the Premiership in the books, we are joined by former England, Northampton Saints and Newcastle Falcons centre Luther Burrell.

“It’s been pretty much helter skelter all year and it’s already clear that there’s very little to choose between the top teams, especially with Leicester Tigers overturning Saracens at home,” Burrell said in review of the round.

“What I am really enjoying is that teams are prepared to open up and give it a craic with ball in hand, a really refreshing approach and it’s great to see Bristol Bears lighting up Ashton Gate with some thrilling rugby.

“We’re at the first break point now and from the six rounds already played it’s pretty clear to me that any of the top eight could be challenging for the play-offs in a few months time.”

Here’s the XV that Burrell has selected after Round Six, in association with eToro, the official investing and trading partner of Premiership Rugby.

 

 

 

eToro Premiership Team of the Week

15 Mike Brown (Leicester Tigers): An immense day at the back for the veteran England full-back to remind us all of his immense contribution to the Premiership. Freddie Steward was hardly missed as Mr Angry pushed his team home. Tyrone Green had some stellar moments for Quins as they beat Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park and Josh Hathaway impressed me for Gloucester.

14 Rodrigo Isgro (Harlequins): Absolutely loving how this wonderful Sevens specialist is responding to Harlequins’ aerial game and dominating the kick chase to create tries. He almost pulled off a worldie of a cross-kick for Green but for a forward pass in the build-up. Christian Wade shone once more for Gloucester Rugby, crossing again.

13 Izaia Perese (Leicester Tigers): A big performance by the big Aussie centre saw him creating havoc in midfield with some powerful carries. He just sees off Kalaveti Ravouvou who crossed twice for Bristol versus Saints.

12 Lennox Anyanwu (Harlequins): A classy display by the young starlet of the Quins midfield upstaged Henry Slade‘s comeback. Anyanwu is someone that England must look at sooner rather than later, especially with rumours of a contract in France abounding. If I could select a player for one moment alone it would be Rory Hutchinson, whose pass off his left hand gave James Ramm a run-in for Saints.

11 Gabriel Ibitoye (Bristol Bears): Another compelling display from Ibitoye who has put in some really consistent and clever performances in every round this season. My runner-up is Ollie Hassell-Collins, who was excellent for Tigers as they overturned Saracens.

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10 Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers): A very tough pick with Finn Russell also shining once more for Bath. But getting teams over the line in big games is a specialty of the double world champion and his calmness was key for Tigers in their biggest win so far this season. Jarrod Evans was outstanding for Quins and also deserves a mention.

9 Tomos Williams (Bristol Bears): A wonderful example of putting pace on the game from nine from Williams as he once again laid claim to being the signing of the season. Exceptional. Young Tom Whiteley had a day to remember as he combined with Pollard to mastermind the Tigers’ win at the StoneX.

The pack

8 Tom Willis (Saracens): He was on the losing side but England cannot afford to overlook his abrasive carrying and athleticism as he shone in defeat. Bristol’s Fitz Harding is arguably the most consistent player in the Premiership and he hit 24 carries in the Bears’ win against Saints, where Henry Pollock also shone in defeat.

7 Will Evans (Harlequins): Evans yet again looked to defy physics over the ball as his stealing and scoring were vital for Quins. Tom Pearson delivered a massive shift in defeat for Saints as his ability with ball in hand set up two tries despite his team’s loss.

 

6 Ted Hill (Bath Rugby): Really impressive both sides of the ball and rewarded with a late call-up to the England squad. Jack Clement goes under the radar for Gloucester but had another impressive outing for the Cherry and Whites.

5 Joe Batley (Bristol Bears): Another try-scoring romp from one of the most likeable guys in the game as he reminded Steve Borthwick of his claims in an impressive display. Stephan Lewies put in a nuts and bolts performance as his effectiveness was again evident against Chiefs.

4 Harry Wells (Leicester Tigers): An absolutely massive shift from a man with over 200 Premiership appearances as he used experience to his advantage. Quinn Roux once again did the hard yards for Bath in their impressive outing versus Sale.

3 Thomas du Toit (Bath Rugby): There’s wingers that wish they had Du Toit’s scoring record! One of the very best around showed why he’ll be a Bok again in November. Afo Fasogbon again demonstrated his progress in a romp for Gloucester against Falcons.

2 Julian Montoya (Leicester Tigers): Leadership and abrasion personified as the big Puma renews his relationship with Michael Cheika at Tigers. Jack Walker is the key reason that Quins lineout is one of the most efficient and consistent around and he’s my runner-up.

1 Francois van Wyk (Bath Rugby): Like teammate Du Toit, Van Wyk’s try-scoring impact was an absolutely key focus in Bath’s win versus Sale. He’s making that impact role his own. Gloucester are always a better side with Val Rapava Ruskin in it and it’s great to see this phenomenal prop getting back from injury.

The Premiership Team of the Week is brought to you by eToro, the official investing and trading partner of Premiership Rugby.

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