We’ve taken a look at who leads the way for the United Rugby Championship side so far, along with the tournament’s other top tacklers...

Liam Mitchell – Zebre Parma (32)

Despite suffering two defeats in their opening two games, Zebre have shown applaudable resilience and have refused to roll over without a fight.

Lock Mitchell, a new signing ahead of this season, registered a huge 21 while missing just one in their defeat to Biarritz Olympique, before putting in a further 11 against three-time European champions RC Toulon in Round 2, failing to complete four.

Oliviero Fabiani – Zebre Parma (25)

Fabiani is another player who has led Zebre’s defensive efforts in the EPCR Challenge Cup, making 11 tackles and missing one in their loss to Biarritz.

The hooker started on the bench against Toulon but came on after 12 minutes and would record 14 tackles, missing two, and winning one turnover for his side.

Killian Geraci – Lyon (24)

Lyon have enjoyed more success than Zebre so far in the EPCR Challenge Cup, earning back-to-back victories, but they have also got through plenty of defensive work, racking up 181 tackles.

Lock Geraci made 10 against Gloucester Rugby before 14 at Dragons, missing just three across those two games and earning one turnover.

Beka Saginadze – Lyon (24)

Flanker Saginadze is Lyon’s other representative among the top five tacklers, largely thanks to his performance against Dragons in Round 2.

He had made eight against Gloucester on the opening night – a smaller total in comparison to others on this list – but doubled that tally at Rodney Parade with a terrific defensive display.

Taine Basham – Dragons (23)

Though Dragons have slipped to two defeats in their opening two games, Basham has been one of their better defensive performers – he is responsible for 23 of their 210 tackles so far.

The flanker made 12 at USAP and secured one turnover, before completing a further 11 against Lyon.

Over the opening two rounds of this season’s EPCR Challenge Cup, Zebre Parma have been the competition’s top tacklers, managing a staggering 332.