A host of Guinness Six Nations stars certainly made their presence felt on their return to domestic duty following the conclusion of the Autumn Nations Series.
With the 2023 Championship kicking off in just two months’ time, Europe’s big-name players will be desperate to see their name on the list when the next set of international squads are announced.
So let’s take a look at those who caught the eye this weekend, starting with the Gallagher Premiership.
Fantasy Risers: Which players increased their value during the Autumn Nation Series?
Scintillating showdown at Kingsholm
England and Scotland go head-to-head in Round 1 of the Guinness Six Nations and two stars who could face off at Twickenham locked horns in the West Country on Saturday.
Gloucester Rugby’s Chris Harris and Tommy Freeman of Northampton Saints found themselves at the heart of a thrilling 34-19 encounter, which Harris’ side ultimately edged.
The Scotland centre was on the end of a brilliant team score for the Cherry & Whites, sitting patiently on Santiago Carreras’ inside shoulder before powering his way over the line from close range to bring the hosts level in the first half.
Equally impressive was wing Freeman, who capped his return to Saints with a quickfire double, though he was unable to power his side to back-to-back away victories.
Freeman played just 40 minutes during the Autumn Nations Series, having been replaced at half-time in the defeat to the Springboks, and looked like a man with a point to prove, crossing twice in five minutes to put Saints in the ascendancy early on.
Not for the first time, the pair underlined their importance to their respective club sides and both will desperately hope they are involved when the 130th Calcutta Cup is contested in February.
Ringrose leads Leinster rally
Leinster captain Garry Ringrose notched a second-half brace as his side recovered from Cian Healy’s sending-off and a 19-point deficit to beat Ulster 38-29 in the United Rugby Championship.
It was certainly a captain’s contribution from the centre, who started the fightback with a sublime individual score on 58 minutes, shrugging off one defender before sneaking between two others to score.
The second was far craftier, as a brilliant dummy bamboozled Stewart Moore and he side-stepped his way around Billy Burns to touch down and level the scores.
Fantasy Risers: Which players increased their value during the Autumn Nation Series?
He was not the only one Andy Farrell would have had his eye on – James Lowe reminded everyone of his talents with a score on his first start of the season.
Ronan Kelleher was also on the scoresheet, as was Andrew Porter, who made a devastating impact late on from the replacements bench.
Fellow prop Finlay Bealham also enjoyed a stellar Saturday, scoring in Connacht’s 38-19 victory over Benetton.
Willis announces Toulouse arrival in style
Jack Willis capped his full Toulouse debut with a try, as his new club saw off Perpignan 34-13 in the Top 14.
The England flanker was substituted after 51 minutes, perhaps with his fitness in mind, with this his longest outing since early October.
First tries do not come much easier, however. Second row Emmanuel Meafou decimated the Perpignan defence before offloading for Willis who jogged over untouched from two metres out.
Willis refused to say whether he would remain with the French club permanently after the match but if he continues as he has started then they will surely be fighting to keep him.
Battle for France No.10 jersey wages on
Willis’ new teammate and current France fly-half Romain Ntamack scored for the second consecutive week as Toulouse tightened their grip on top spot.
And it’s just as well that Ntamack continues to perform at his best, with Matthieu Jalibert hot on his heels.
Jalibert has also scored in successive weeks and continues to give France coach Fabien Galthié a selection headache going into the Guinness Six Nations.
Jalibert is sure to have a chance to shine at some point, just as he did in France’s final November win against Japan, but for now it’s Ntamack who holds the jersey and he is showing no signs of relinquishing that responsibility.
