1. Dave Kilcoyne (Munster)

Contributed brilliantly all over the field in what was his first really big test in Munster colours.

Also coped well with a strong Saracens scrum and the visitors only really got on top after his departure.

2. Rory Best (Ulster)

In direct opposition with a man many across the water fancy to be a Test Lion, Ireland’s vice-captain shone. Exemplified the immense effort from the northern province’s defence with 16 of his side’s 129 tackles.

3. Census Johnston  (Toulouse)

Another imperious display from the Toulouse pack and the Samoan was once again at the epicentre of it. Also pitched in with a bonus-point sealing try, which never hurts.

4. Tom Hayes (Exeter)

The Munster man was just as good in Llanelli as he was in week one when the Chiefs fell narrowly to Leinster. This time Exeter went all the way and sealed their first ever Heineken Cup win thanks, in no small part, to Hayes and his unmatched 11 tackles.

5. Nathan Hines (Clermont)

Against his former club, the Aussie Scot also led the way in the tackling stakes and ensured the lurking threat from the visitors never came to pass.

6. Julien Bonnaire (Clermont)

We just can’t get rid of him. Bonnaire has now featured in all three of our European teams of the week this season and this weekend he was better than usual coming close to matching Hines’ tackle count while assuredly winning five of the hosts’ nine line-outs.

7. Chris Henry (Ulster)

Rory Best’s tackle count was only bettered by his openside who not only clocked up 17 hits, but also helped to ensure the visitors consistently had their way at the breakdown. Northampton were slowed to within an inch of their lives while Ulster managed four flowing tries off just 30% possession.

8. Louis Picamoles (Toulouse)

We admit this is a tough call on James Coughlan, but Picamoles was a bottomless well of go-forward ball for the French giants and also presented Johnston with his score after a beautiful offload.

9. Danny Care (Harlequins)

It was only Zebre, but Conor O’Shea’s men absolutely ran riot in the second half as Care made hay off the back of rampant pack. You can only play what’s in front of you and Care made sure the Italians never looked close.

10. Dan Parks (Connacht)

Two drop goals, three penalties and a conversion was more than enough to make everyone west of the Shannon forget about his late miss against Edinburgh. 17 points that are priceless in terms of European Cup memories for Connacht.

11. Fetu’u Vainikolo (Connacht)

The early try helped his team toward the result and his danger with ball in hand was a constant headache for the struggling French side.

12. Paddy Wallace (Ulster)

Really gritted his teeth and put in a massive display to remind everyone just how good he can be. We’ve included Ulster’s midfield as a pair here because they were just that; a dominant duo that gave up absolutely nothing.

13. Darren Cave (Ulster)

This was quite possibly Cave’s best ever game for Ulster. Defended like his life depended on it and attacked fluidly like a man without a care in the world. Played a big role in Jared Payne’s try, which effectively put the visitors out of sight.

14. Fergus McFadden (Leinster)

Despite losing, McFadden put in a heroic display after being shunted out to the wing with Andrew Goodman favoured as a centre. Not only made the most ball-carries for his side, but also matched Jamie Heaslip’s total of 10 tackles and, in terms of metres gained, earned 71 – just one less than Lee Byrne.

15. Jared Payne (Ulster)

Like Rob Kearney in Leinster’s semi-final win in Bordeaux last year, Payne gave a textbook display of how fullbacks can influence a game away from home. Every run, every kick for territory and every pass seemed to shred Northampton to ribbons. Just the latest brilliant display of Payne and Ulster’s unbeaten season.

‘A bit of a statement’: Ulster show their worth

Connacht are a bloody good team declares Biarritz fullback Balshaw