Let's hope the winner of next year's World Cup is a little happier to get up and close with Bill © Getty Images

The International Rugby Board has revealed the six photographs shortlisted for the IRB/Emirates Airline Rugby Photograph of the Year 2010 with a range of rugby scenes depicted, including two from the recent Women's Rugby World Cup in England and a group of young girls in India enjoying the sport for the first time.

A statement accompanying the press release declared that, "all six images have the Spirit of Rugby at their core, depicting camaraderie, team work, fellowship, enjoyment and respect"

The shortlist - that emerged from a total of 350 entries submitted from 28 countries - was selected by a panel of judges which included Paul Morgan (Editor, Rugby World), renowned sports photographer Dave Rogers (Getty Images), Barry Newcombe (Sports Journalists’ Association) and Joelle Watkins (Corporate Communications Manager, Emirates Airline) with the winner set to be announced in November.

Now, we weren't too impressed by the selection and in a few minutes we conjured our alternative shortlist which we think trumps the IRB's selection. Click here to see our choices and be sure to let us know your thoughts plus any other images from our archive, or your own, that you think are deserving of a place.

Saracens' Derick Hougaard delivered a kicking master class at Vicarage Road © Getty Images

The dust has just about settled on the latest round of Premiership action, which saw the league's last unbeaten run come to an end with Saracens' victory over Northampton. As a result it is not a surprise to see some of Brendan Venter's charges make our latest Premiership Team of the Week - but who made the grade?

15. Delon Armitage (London Irish)

The Exiles fullback returns to our Select XV on the back of another strong showing - this time against Newcastle where he continued his quest for an international return. The in-form 26-year-old cropped up throughout, notably carving the Falcons open with a chip and chase before putting team-mate Topsy Ojo in for his first try.

14. Topsy Ojo (London Irish)

The first hat-trick of tries in this season's Premiership guaranteed Ojo his place in our latest selection. He may have benefited from a rather generous Newcastle defence but in full flight he is a hanfdful for anyone. A few more performances like this and he may find himself back in the England reckoning.

13. Seilala Mapusua (London Irish)

Back-to-back appearances for the Samoan after yet another eye-catching display. He may not have got among the Exiles' six tries but his influence was felt all over the park with his delightful handling playing a part in at least three of the tries.

12. Brad Barritt (Saracens)

A constant threat with ball in hand, the England Saxons centre took the game to Northampton at every opportunity and racked up some impressive personal stats at the expense of a new-look Saints midfield. The gain-line proved no barrier to the 24-year-old who could be set for a big autumn.

11. Alesana Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers)

A try either side of the break from the powerful Samoan helped heap woe on Leeds but he also made his presence felt in defence - denying Lee Blackett a score, although not everyone at Welford Road agreed that he did.

10. Derick Hougaard (Saracens)

A classy display from the South African in atrocious conditions at Vicarage Road helped Sarries burst Northampton's bubble. His 24-point tally was the highest individual haul this season and his kicking masterclass - including an outrageous 40m drop goal - was supplemented by an industrious display in defence.

9. Rory Lawson (Gloucester)

Tigerish in defence and a mischievous presence around the park, Lawson stepped up to the plate after being handed the captain's armband for Saturday's victory over Wasps.

1. Joe Marler (Harlequins)

The promising loose-head finally got a start in the Quins front-row and celebrated by helping to produce a penalty try in their win over Exeter at the Stoop.

2. Olivier Azam (Gloucester)

The former French international was his usual niggly self around the park and played his part in a strong showing at the scrum and lineout.

3. Carlos Nieto (Saracens)

Along with the rest of the Saracens pack, the Italian prop weathered an early onslaught from a formidable Saints effort before wrestling back control of the game. Nieto's ability to keep Saints loose-head Soane Tonga'uiha relatively quiet at scrum time spoke volumes.

4. George Skivington (Leicester)

The former England Saxons skipper is settling in at Leicester and inked his name onto the scoresheet against Leeds.

5. Jim Hamilton (Gloucester)

Hamilton combined his usual graft and workrate around the field with the not-altogether familiar role of lineout caller to fine effect, did not take a backward step.

6. Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers)

The Tigers' blindside helped heap woe on Leeds with his first try of the season and was an influential figure as the hosts hammered home their advantage at the scrum and the lineout.

7. Jacques Burger (Saracens)

The ever-impressive Saracens flanker has been attracting some glowing reports so far this season and underlined his growing stature with another commanding display at Vicarage Road as part of a fired-up pack determined to derail Saints' unbeaten run.

8. Thomas Waldrom (Leicester Tigers)

The Kiwi's star continues to rise as he racks up a hat-trick of appearances in our side. Grabbed his first Premiership try midway through the Tigers' romp against Leeds and helped put team-mate Tom Croft over for another.

'Our man at the ground' James Sadler has been providing the Twitter world with an insight into ESPN's coverage of the Premiership © @ESPNRugbyTV

The Premiership season is in full swing and so is our coverage of English rugby's top flight. TV viewers in the UK are in for a treat with a total of 43 LIVE games coming their way over the course of the campaign courtesy of our broadcast colleagues and our readers are also set to benefit with not only video highlights and analysis but also an exclusive behind-the-scenes insight from 'our man at the ground' James Sadler. His ESPNRugbyTV Twitter feed will be familiar to those who already follow our MatchDay LIVE service and we hope that the colour he brings adds to your enjoyment of this season's Premiership.

Anyway, enough about us and more about the real stars of the show - rugby's Twitterati.

"Just finished skydive from 14000 ft!!!! Free falling for a minute was so good"
Wallabies and Brumbies star Matt Giteau enjoys some down time ahead of the end of year tour. Did Robbie Deans know?

"Off to a promo for bundaberg rum.. should be fun.. Hope Will genia brings his high chair!!"
The Fainga'a brothers - Anthony and Saia - are the latest to mock their vertically-challenged Wallabies team-mate Will Genia.

"Ethan moody born 5.37am weighing 8 pounds,mum and baby doin great. Thanks to all the staff at ruh bath and all the messages of support."
England and Bath star Lewis Moody delights in the latest addition to his family.

"The world is against me. KFC has actually run out of chicken. Hmmmm probably a good thing..."
Bath's Duncan Bell is thwarted in his attempt to re-fuel following his side's latest Premiership victory.

"I've come to the conclusion that while I was sleeping last night a herd of migrating buffalo broke into my flat and trampled me. Body=Sore!"
Victory comes at a cost for Bath skipper Luke Watson.

"http://twitpic.com/2r6lhf - There I go again looking for worms!"
Bath's Nick Abendanon sees the funny side of being on the end of a crunching tackle.

"Actually might get a Zimmer frame..."
Injured and frustrated, the Sharks' Ross Skeate considers his options.

"Entourage and jersey shore to watch when I get home. The inbetweeners was class last night."
Leicester's Jordan Crane offers an insight into his TV viewing and his life as a whole maybe?

"Nando's was once again amazing!! Great service in the one in Walton aswell! Quiet night in and an early night before the game tomorrow!"
England and Quins scrum-half Danny Care offers his latest glowing endorsment of the chicken restaurant of choice for today's rugby player.

"@danny_care unbelievable you lot. Is there something about Nando's that I just don't get?!
Although Bath's Olly Barkley just doesn't get what all the fuss is about.

Mark Durden-Smith steered proceedings at Twickenham from a mobile studio in the West Car Park during the opening weekend © Getty Images

While the Premiership's finest went toe-to-toe in the opening clashes of the new season earlier his month there was a slightly less brutal but equally intriguing battle beginning off the field between the two rival broadcasters.

The season opened at Twickenham with a new name in ESPN but a familiar face in the form of host Mark Durden-Smith. The 41-year-old began his broadcasting career with Sky Sports and was at the helm of their rugby union output for several years before venturing into the wider entertainment field with amongst other things the short-lived Channel 4 breakfast show RI:SE and the ITV2's I'm a Celebrity spin-off. But now he's back and it's as if he's never been away. His ease with the live environment and comfort with the sport appear to be huge positives for ESPN's coverage.

But Durden-Smith is just one member of a crew labelled the 'A-Team' by one observer. In this 80s TV-themed picture, Durden-Smith is 'Face', grey-haired commentator Nick Mullins is 'Hannibal', the BA-styled muscle comes from Ben Kay while the livewire that is Austin Healey is 'Murdock'. Which leaves Sarra Elgan as the ever-changing but no less welcome female sidekick. We'll be able to decide come the Premiership Final - that they will offer exclusively - if their 'plan has come together'.

The Sky Sports line-up has a tried and tested feel with Simon Lazenby - who filled Durden-Smith's shoes - in the hosting chair alongside the assured analysis of Dewi Morris, Will Greenwood and Stuart Barnes who also form part of the standard-setting commentary team alongside Miles Harrison. This talent pool also form the basis of the midweek magazine show and appointment-to-view that is The Rugby Club - an avenue yet to be explored by their rivals.

ESPN's bid to shake-up the coverage of the sport involves the use of a mobile studio based on that pioneered by their College GameDay show in the United States. And free of the confines of a purpose-built studio high up in the stands or above The Shed at Kingsholm or wherever, their coverage definitely has a fresh feel. It debuted in the West Car Park at Twickenham where a few thousand drunk fans largely behaved themselves in the background - shame some didn't inside the stadium - but time will tell if the novelty for the presenters and viewers remains come a wintry night at Kingston Park or Edgeley Road.

In terms of analysis, ESPN also have a trump card in Healey who has carved himself an impressive reputation with stints on the BBC. He can expect to be kept busy in the coming months and his cross-channel banter with Sky's Greenwood - on-air, on Twitter or wherever -could bring something new to both productions. The relationship between both channels in general appears quite friendly due largely to economic factors and Sky's promotion of ESPN games is a generous act that can only help the newcomer and the Premiership in general.

Kay is the wildcard having recently retired from the game but he has already shown a natural ability to provide clarity and insight whilst also giving his former Leicester team-mate Healey plenty of his own medicine. He may lack the authority of Barnes but the Sky Sports veteran has experience on his side.

Behind the microphone, Sky Sports' Miles Harrison also has an able foe in Mullins. Both can boast BBC backgrounds but Harrison has long since made his home in the pay-per-view realms and on the back of Sky Sports' ground-breaking production has cemented his place as the best commentator in the game.

Sky Sports' award-winning production also includes the obligatory telestrator and the 'minutemaster' scoring timeline but ESPN's 'Axis', used previously elsewhere by the network, is a welcome addition to Premiership coverage. As for the clock that counts down rather than up? Hmmmm.

Anyway. With two of the biggest names in sport broadcasting going head-to-head with their coverage of this season's Premiership the outlook for fans, viewers and the sport in general is bright - almost as garish as the all-encompassing advertising offered by the Premiership's new title sponsor.

How would you tackle the haka? © Getty Images

The superb East Terrace blog has long been a source of merriment at Scrum HQ and we are proud of our long-standing relationship with its author James Stafford that allows us to bring you his offside view of the rugby world before anyone else.

Our regular readers will not need reminding that these often hilarious pieces are works of fiction and their usual outrageous tone normally convinces others of that fact after a paragraph or two. But not always - and on those rare occasions we delight in the East Terrace's ability to fool the wider world.

Amongst our favourites are the Welsh Rugby Union's request that we clarify they didn't use canaries to colour their kit back in 2008 and the Rugby Football Union's demand that we stipulate that manager Martin Johnson was not skipping the recent tour to Australia in favour of a family holiday to Disneyland.

Add to these a report in a Spanish newspaper based on our spoof story that the legendary Bill Beaumont was to make a comeback and no end of concerned readers who actually believed referees would be allowed to alter their interpretation of laws mid-match.

And the latest offering from the world-famous East Terrace has caused yet more ripples with our rivals at Sky Sports - and in particular Stuart Barnes - amongst those brought under its spell - see this from Barnes' latest mailbag:

"Stuart, what are your views on the Haka? Apparently New Zealand's forthcoming tour to England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland has left many in the rugby world feeling 'extremely awkward' about how to respond to the All Blacks' famous Haka.

Officials from one Home Union are paying for their entire national squad to have cross-cultural 'etiquette and sensitivity training' to ensure no upset is caused when they entertain the All Blacks this Autumn - I had to check the date to see that it was not the 1st of April. Is it really as ridiculous as it sounds?

STUART REPLIES: PC enters union. I love the Haka and enjoyed facing it but as much as it is a rugby tradition it is also a psychological weapon used to put New Zealand on the front foot and the opposition on the back. If respect has to be shown for this every other country should have the right to a few minutes of their own motivation with New Zealand forced to stand and look on. I think one of the nations should turn their backs as a statement of contempt - not for the Haka but for the idiots who decided the All Black should have an advantage and anyone wasting money on cross cultural etiquette. Hmm, are you having me on with that CCE line?

Keep the questions coming, enjoy the week. Stuart."

Long live the East Terrace!

Wasps' Tom Varndell crosses for a try against Leicester at Adams Park © Getty Images

The third round of Aviva Premiership action is in the can and it was another full-blooded weekend in England. Our Team of the Week is predictably dominated by Northampton players after their clinical dismantling of Bath - but who else has made the cut?

15. Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks)

The England winger squeezes into our back three after showing the requisite pace and ruthless finishing to inspire Sale to comeback from a 17-6 deficit at half-time against Harlequins on Friday night.

14. Chris Ashton (Northampton Saints)

The Northampton winger was the main beneficiary of a formidable Saints forward effort against Bath at Franklin's Gardens. The England man scored two tries, lacerating the visitor's defence with his devastating acceleration and imaginative running lines.

13. Seilala Mapusua (London Irish)

The Samoan was typically tenacious in defence but it was in attack where he made the real difference. Gloucester held him up over the line once but couldn't prevent him from busting through to help set-up their second try.

12. Dan Bowden (London Irish)

Compared to his London Irish team-mate it was a relatively quiet display from the New Zealander, but for a moment of sublime skill that makes him a worthy inclusion. His audacious long pass cut-out a swarm of defenders and sent George Stowers galloping over in the corner.

11. Tom Varndell (London Wasps)

Fresh from signing a new two-year contract extension with Wasps in the week, Varndell was at his ruthless best against his former club Leicester Tigers. He punished Leicester's poor defence by grabbing two opportunist tries.

10. Dave Walder (London Wasps)

The fly-half inspired Wasps' dramatic comeback against Leicester as he kicked 22 points and created two tries, setting free Varndell for his second and chipping ahead for Richard Haughton's winning score. Special mention also goes to Exeter's Gareth Steenson after another match-winning display from the tee.

9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)

The England scrum-half scored a superb individual try as he led Leicester's assault against Wasps. Youngs proved too nimble for Wasps loose-head Tim Payne as he took a quick tap and sprinted under the posts.

1. Soane Tonga'uiha (Northampton Saints)

The Samoan conceded one penalty to David Wilson in the scrum but it was an aberration in what was otherwise a dominant performance as he gave Wilson and Duncan Bell a torrid time.

2. Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints)

The Saints skipper produced an aggressive and energetic display at Franklin's Gardens, making a big impact in the loose. His late surging runs were crucial to setting up Northampton's first try, eventually scored by Phil Dowson.

3. Brian Mujati (Northampton Saints)

The tight-head prop was instrumental in Northampton's huge tight-five effort which dismantled Bath's experienced pack with apparent ease.

4. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints)

The young lock was as impressive with his workload as he was with his big hits. Lawes made a number of hits that stopped Bath on the gainline as well as some telling carries with the ball in hand.

5. Christian Day (Northampton Saints)

The former Sale lock was in imperious form in the air, adding set-piece proficiency to Lawes' grunt and graft in the loose. His mastery of the restart was especially significant for the Saints and led directly to Chris Ashton's first try after half-time.

6. Tom Johnson (Exeter Chiefs)

Johnson scored the decisive try as the Chiefs overcame Newcastle at Sandy Park. He burst on to scrum-half Haydn Thomas' feed to crash over the line during a strong performance in the Exeter back-row.

7. Phil Dowson (Northampton Saints)

The Saints flanker scored a try and set up another in an excellent all-round display. He made the hard yards around the ruck when required but also had the vision and mobility to link with the backs to great effect.

8. Tom Waldrom (Leicester Tigers)

The bulky Leicester No.8 came agonisingly close to outstripping the Wasps' cover with a lung-bursting run that was halted just short of the line. His direct ball-carrying was a constant threat to the Wasps defence and led to Matt Smith's try.

Saracens' David Strettle showed glimpses of his very best against Sale at Vicarage Road © Getty Images

The second round of action in this season's Aviva Premiership delivered another welcome dose of top tries, crunching tackles and drama - but who did enough to earn a place in our Team of the Week? And did we get it right?

15. Ben Foden (Northampton Saints)

A constant threat in attack, it was his defensive qualities that stole the headlines, in particualr a try-saving tackle on Quins' Joe Marler in the dying moments of their clash at the Twickenham Stoop. Special mention also goes to London Irish's rejuvenated Delon Armitage.

14. David Strettle (Saracens)

The injury-plagued winger celebrated his Saracens debut with an eye-catching cameo in their victory over Sale at Vicarage Road - including a try and a couple of line breaks after he replaced the equally impressive Noah Cato.

13. Phil Dollman (Exeter Chiefs)

The Welshman grabbed two tries as Exeter threatend to register a major upset against Leicester at Welford Road, leading a backline that is not lacking in cutting edge early on.

12. James Downey (Northampton Saints)

The Saints centre claimed the Man of the Match honour with an industrious display in his side's victory over Quins, complementing the languid style of midfield partner Jon Clarke with plenty of hard running and graft.

11. Mark Foster (Exeter Chiefs)

The Chiefs' speedster made it two tries in two appearances with his latest score against the Tigers - he also put team-mate Dollman in for his second score.

10. Jimmy Gopperth (Newcastle Falcons)

Last season's golden boot winner opened his account this season with a windfall of points against Wasps courtesy of five penalties and two conversions.

9. Michael Claassens (Bath)

The South African No.9 supplied a deft chip to put team-mate Nick Abdendanon in for a crucial try in their victory over London Irish.

1. Marcos Ayerza (Leicester Tigers)

The Argentinean came off the bench against the Chiefs to add some significant momentum to the Tigers' comeback both at the set-piece and in the loose.

2. Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints)

The Saints skipper continues to mature as a player and a leader and chipped in with his side's winning try, his first of the season, to keep pace with his front-row colleagues.

3. Carlos Nieto (Saracens)

The Italian tight-head more than held his own against Sale's much-vaunted Andrew Sheridan in their Vicarage Road showdown.

4. Tom Hayes (Exeter Chiefs)

Another superb all-round showing from the Chiefs lock who looks at home on the Premiership stage.

5. Steve Borthwick (Saracens)

The England outcast made his season bow off the bench against Sale and immediately brought stability and composure to the Sarries set-piece.

6. Kelly Brown (Saracens)

The Scotland international caught the eye against Sale as part of an impressive back row trio alongside Jacques Burger and Ernst Joubert.

7. Red Pennycook (Newcastle Falcons)

The 24-year-old openside earned high praise from coach Alan Tait who described his performance in the Falcons' victory over Wasps as "sensational". Pennycook also bagged a vital try in his side's comeback.

8. Thomas Waldrom (Leicester Tigers)

'Thomas the Tank Engine' endeared himself to the Welford Road faithful on his home bow with an all-action performance - putting centre Dan Hipkiss in for a score as well as a dominant display with ball in hand.

New Zealand swept all before them in this year's Tri-Nations but how many of them made our Team of the Tournament? © Getty Images

As the dust settles on the latest battle for southern hemisphere supremacy, check out my Tri-Nations XV selection - do you agree?

15. Kurtley Beale (Australia)
The 21-year-old more than held his own in a talent-heavy Wallabies back division and his dancing feet carried him to two tries while his monster penalty to down the Boks in Bloemfontein will live long in the memory.

14. James O'Connor (Australia)
The 20-year-old's star continues to rise after a series of eye-catching displays. A fleet-footed threat destined for greatness.

13. Conrad Smith (New Zealand)
Always a consistent if not eye-catching performer. A constant presence in attack and reliable in defence. Grabbed two tries to boot.

12. Ma'a Nonu (New Zealand)
An ever-present for the All Blacks who notched two tries and produced his usual mix of defensive grit and creative flair.

11. Israel Dagg (New Zealand)
A bit-part player in this year's Tri-Nations but made the most of his opportunities by displaying his dazzling game-breaking best - grabbing two tries including a crucial match-winner against the Boks in Johannesburg.

10. Dan Carter (New Zealand)
He may have been outscored by Springboks counterpart Morne Steyn, but the All Blacks fly-half underlined his value to his side with 63 points in five appearances to close in on England's Jonny Wilkinson at the top of the all-time Test points list.

9. Will Genia (Australia)
A crucial link man in the Wallabies' backs division - may not have been at his game-breaking best but still helped set their impressive tempo.

1. Tony Woodcock (New Zealand)
A stabilising front row force, Woodcock became the All Blacks' most-capped prop on the back of some solid performances. Quietly effective.

2. Keven Mealamu (New Zealand)
The All Blacks hooker has benefitted from an extended run in the No.2 shirt and repaid that faith with a string of solid showings.

3. Owen Franks (New Zealand)
The younger Franks brother looks destined to be a pivotal player in the All Blacks' World Cup assault.

4. Brad Thorn (New Zealand)
The grizzled campaigner showed there is plenty of life in the old dog yet.

5. Victor Matfield (South Africa)
If the Springboks are to haul themselves off the canvas then their veteran lock will no doubt lead the way - and showed some sublime skill with a chip and collect against the Wallabies in Bloem.

6. Rocky Elsom (Australia)
The Wallabies skipper is so often the driving force behind his side and his efforts brought two tries if not the key victories he yearned for.

7. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
Love him or loathe him you cannot fail to be impressed by McCaw. He may play on the edge but his consistency and ability to inspire are outstanding.

8. Kieran Read (New Zealand)
The strong-running Read made the All Blacks' No.8 shirt his own - industrious in defence and attack and grabbed a match-winning try against the Wallabies in Sydney to cap an impressive campaign.

Northampton's Soane Tonga'uiha grabbed two tries for the Saints against Leicester at Franklin's Gardens © Getty Images

A dramatic opening to this season's Aviva Premiership season saw new boys Exeter stun Gloucester and defending champions Leicester beaten by rivals Northampton. Bath and London Irish set the early pace with bonus-point victories over Leeds and Saracens respectively while it was stalemate between Wasps and Harlequins.

But who were the stand out performers? Check out our Aviva Premiership Team of the Week:

15. Delon Armitage (London Irish)

The Exiles fullback showed glimpses of his best with a try against Sarries at Twickenham and racked up an impressive 111m with ball in hand. Although a first half yellow blotted his copybook, this wasn an encouraging start from England's forgotten man.

14. Topsy Ojo (London Irish)

Speedster Ojo was another to light up the stage at English rugby's HQ with an eye-catching display. The ex-England international bagged one try and would have had another were it not for a sneaky push from Sarries replacement Kevin Barrett.

13. Matt Banahan (Bath)

The tattooed monster that is Bath winger Banahan made an impressive cameo in the centre against Leeds after Olly Barkley was forced to withdraw with a thumb injury.

12. Daniel Bowden (London Irish)

A big summer signing for the Exiles, the Kiwi wasted no time in making an impression in the Premiership with an assured display to help steer his side to an opening day win. He missed a tackle early on but redeemed himself with a good passing display.

11. Mark Foster (Exeter)

The winger helped propel the Chiefs to a stunning upset at Sandy Park with a try against his former club Gloucester.

10. Gareth Steenson (Exeter)

The Northern Irish No.10 was another to rise to the occasion of the Chiefs' Premiership bow with an assured kicking display that brought him four penalties, a drop goal and the conversion for Foster's try.

9. Lee Dickson (Northampton)

The Saints scrum-half upstaged England No.9 Ben Youngs as the hosts handed the defending champions an early defeat at Franklin's Gardens.

1. Soane Tonga'uiha (Northampton)

The Tongan made a flying start in his quest to eclipse his three tries last season with a brace against the Tigers. Power and (limited) pace personified.

2. Schalk Brits (Saracens)

One of the stars of last season's Premiership battle, the South African hooker picked up where he left off with a couple of smart breaks and some great handling - although his lineout throwing could do with some work.

3. Brian Mujati (Northampton)

The Saints' tight-head refused to be outdone by his propping partner and grabbed a try against Leicester - but owes a debt of thanks to team-mate Phil Dowson after a slick offload out of the back of his hand.

4. Tom Hayes (Exeter)

Charged with leading Premiership newcomers Exeter into English rugby's top flight, the Chiefs' lock helped ensure the Sandy Park faithful had plenty to celebrate. He favours the back-row but will have no complaints after round one.

5. James Gaskell (Sale)

The 20-year-old responded to the responsibility of being made the Premiership's youngest skipper by steering his side to an impressive win over Newcastle - after overcoming some early lineout woes.

6. Simon Taylor (Bath)

The injury-plagued Scot kick-started his Bath career with an outstanding display to lay down an impressive marker in an extremely competitive back-row.

7. Tom Wood (Northampton)

The 23-year-old flanker enjoyed a top-notch debut for the Saints with an excellent all-round display to claim the Man of the Match honour. His tackling was first rate.

8. Nick Easter (Harlequins)

Anyone who saw the pre-match footage was left in no doubt that Easter was primed for the big kick off and he backed that up with a solid display and his first try of the season.