There was an array of fantastic individual performances across Round 2 of the Heineken Champions Cup and data from Oval Insights has allowed us to select the best performers in each position…

1 – Fin Baxter (Harlequins)

The young prop starred on his first Heineken Champions Cup start, helping Quins dominate Racing in the scrum and win 14-10 at Twickenham Stoop. Baxter also made five tackles and three carries as he was named Heineken Star of the Match.

2 – Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs)

The England hooker enjoyed a phenomenal 45-minute cameo against Vodacom Bulls at Sandy Park, powering over for a hat-trick of tries as Exeter romped to a 44-14 win. He completed seven carries and five tackles as he became one of only three players to have scored three tries so far in this season’s competition.

3 – Thomas du Toit (Cell C Sharks)

Cell C Sharks made it two wins from two in the Heineken Champions Cup as they triumphed 19-16 at Union Bordeaux-Bègles, with du Toit playing a pivotal role on the South African’s clubs first away trip in the competition.

4 – Rhys Davies (Ospreys)

Lock Davies was at the heart of Ospreys’ stunning 21-10 win at Montpellier Hérault Rugby, completing 14 tackles and winning two turnovers in an inspiring defensive effort against the TOP 14 champions. He was a threat in attack too, making two metres per carry and beating one defender.

5 – James Ryan (Leinster Rugby)

Ryan crossed for Leinster’s bonus-point try in their 57-0 thrashing of Gloucester Rugby in Dublin and was typically dominant in the lineout as the Irish province brushed aside their less experienced opponents.

6 – Caelan Doris (Leinster Rugby)

Doris was another standout performer in Leinster’s dominant display, making 30 metres over six carries and one clean break, as well as winning a turnover and making three tackles. The blindside flanker also displayed deft handling to set up two tries and scored one himself in the final play of the game.

7 – Ben Earl (Saracens)

Saracens needed to dig deep to clinch a 28-20 win at Lyon after they were reduced to 14 men, but Earl was instrumental in their two first-half tries, helping the visitors drive over in a maul, before slicing through out wide to dot down. He also gained 35 metres across eight carries and made nine tackles.

8 – Gavin Coombes (Munster Rugby)

Munster made more tackles (179) than any other team in Round 2 as they triumphed 17-6 at Northampton Saints and Coombes was at the forefront of those efforts, chopping down 25 players in addition to securing a turnover. The No.8 also notched a decisive brace of tries at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.

9 – Antoine Dupont (Stade Toulousain)

The 2021 EPCR European Player of the Year was at the heart of another convincing Toulouse win as they cruised to a 45-19 success over Sale Sharks at Stade Ernest Wallon. Dupont grabbed two tries after flowing moves and set up another, as well as making one clean break and a turnover.

10 – Antoine Hastoy (Stade Rochelais)

The fly-half enjoyed a prosperous afternoon as La Rochelle beat Ulster Rugby 36-29 in Dublin, amassing 26 points – more than any other player in Round 2 – as well as nabbing a try assist with a delicate grubber. Hastoy’s tally came from a first-half try (after a clever nudge through), five penalties and three conversions.

11 – Leolin Zas (DHL Stormers)

Zas finished off one of the best tries of Round 2 as he stepped inside nonchalantly in DHL Stormers’ 34-14 win over London Irish in Cape Town. He was also the provider of the hosts’ second score four minutes earlier, when he pounced on a mistake to tee up Hacjivah Dayimani.

12 – Kieran Williams (Ospreys)

Williams was also key to Ospreys’ win in Montpellier, dancing over the whitewash for the Welsh region’s second try at GGL Stadium. The powerful centre made 2.5 metres per carry, of which he notched six, and successfully completed all nine of his tackles.

13 – Giorgi Kveseladze (Gloucester Rugby)

Kveseladze’s club may have been well beaten at Leinster, but the Georgia international was statistically one of the best performing players on the pitch as he made nine tackles at a 90% success rate, won one turnover and completed 18 passes – as well as four offloads.

14 – Lucas Tauzin (Stade Toulousain)

The wing showcased his finished ability against Sale by splashing over in the corner for Toulouse’s fifth try and assisting another as the French club ran riot at Stade Ernest Wallon. Tauzin gained 65 metres and made two clean breaks as well through his elusive running.

15 – Elliot Daly (Saracens)

The full-back put in a characteristically assured performance against Lyon, threatening with ball in hand as he made two clean breaks – more than any other Saracens player – and gained 36 metres. Daly also kicked a vital long-range penalty at the death to deny the hosts a losing bonus point.