Take a look at the top stats and performances from round four of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship this past weekend.
The Stormers registered their first victory by slaying the Dragons at Rodney Parade in Newport, while the three Irish teams continue to lead the way.
Ulster maintained their perfect start to the season against the Lions, while Munster and Leinster are just a point behind after beating Connacht and the Scarlets, respectively – with all three provinces preserving their winning starts.
The Ospreys survived a stunning Benetton fightback in Treviso but Zebre are now the only team still waiting for a win after losing to Glasgow Warriors.
There were also home triumphs for Edinburgh and Cardiff over the Vodacom Bulls and Sharks, respectively.
Here, we look at the players who made a difference for their teams in round four and walked away with the player-of-the-match awards for their efforts:
Warrick Gelant (Stormers)
Gelant was everywhere for the Stormers and though they took a while to break clear in Newport, it was not for want of trying, with the fullback a livewire in attack.
Gelant beat more defenders (5) than anybody else on the pitch and was also the stats leader for offloads (4).
Nick Timoney (Ulster)
Timoney has been one of Ulster’s most consistent performers this season and against the Lions he again put down a marker by scoring two tries.
His haul takes him to five touchdowns for the season so far and must be pushing him towards inclusion in Ireland coach Andy Farrell’s plans for the end-of-year Tests.
Ryan Wilson (Glasgow Warriors)
Sione Tuipulotu was a key man for Glasgow against Zebre, making more successful carries (5) and beating more defenders (6) than any of his teammates, as well as scoring his first try for the club.
However, it was captain Wilson who took home the individual honour for his tireless work in the Warriors pack.
Giovanni Pettinelli (Benetton)
Rhys Webb will have been a strong contender for the prize for his role in swinging the match in the Ospreys’ favour, scoring two tries and setting up another.
But the award eventually went to Benetton flank Pettinelli, who was impressive for the hosts in his 50th appearance for the club.
Ciaran Frawley (Leinster)
It was certainly a night for the forwards but Leinster centre Frawley stood out for his distribution in heavy midfield traffic against the Scarlets.
The Skerries man showed some nice touches with ball in hand, often stepping in as first receiver. He also landed a well-struck conversion.
Viliame Mata (Edinburgh)
Bismarck du Plessis was into everything for the Bulls, earning some vital turnovers in the first half.
But the prize went to Edinburgh No 8 Mata, who helped his side to victory with an accomplished all-around display.
Rhys Priestland (Cardiff)
Veteran Priestland showed all his game-management skills to keep his side’s noses in front.
His goal-kicking proved decisive as the Sharks missed kicking opportunities and he surely will be involved in the Wales lineup for their New Zealand clash in a fortnight.
Jack Carty (Connacht)
Chris Cloete was a real livewire for Munster either side of half time, being a terror at the breakdown and almost picking up two tries.
But Carty got the nod for his influence, distributing sweetly and outshining Joey Carbery in their No 10 duel.
Photo: United Rugby Championship
