Ryan Lamb will be steering this week's Team of the Week © Getty Images

After another round of Premiership theatrics, London Irish are still at the top of the pile and Leeds are still at the bottom. There was a whole lot of fighting before that was confirmed though, so why not take a look at the movers and shakers in our latest Team of the Week?

15. Mike Brown (Harlequins)

Forever assured in defence, Brown added an attacking incision to his play against Bath. Despite lacking the pace to scorch opponents, he regularly beat the first defenders and countered with ambition to good effect.

14. Joe Ansbro (Northampton)

With Saints’ first-choice back three unavailable due to international calls and injury, the onus was on Ansbro to add the sparkle out wide. He was Saints’ most dangerous runner and duly scored a crucial try.

13. Anitele’a Tuilagi (Sale)

Sale’s Samoan centre transformed the game against London Irish with his 57th minute try, prompting Sale to roar back into contention. But ultimately it wasn’t enough to change the result at the Madejski Stadium

12. Ryan Davis
(Exeter)

Davis more than filled the boots of Exeter’s injured fly-half Gareth Steenson as the former Bath playmaker inspired Exeter to a morale-boosting win over Saracens at Vicarage Road a with a try and five successful kicks. We’ve shifted him into midfield as his contribution couldn’t be ignored.

11. Lesley Vainikolo (Gloucester)

Vainikolo clinched a dramatic victory for Gloucester over Leicester Tigers with a late try at Kingsholm. The former England winger bulldozed over for the vital score and was a constant threat with his charges into the Tigers’ midfield after coming on as a replacement.

10. Ryan Lamb (London Irish)

Lamb turned in another accomplished performance as he inspired the Exiles to victory over Sale. The young fly-half scored 24 points, including a try, to once again ignite thoughts of a possible international call up

9. Joe Simpson (Wasps)

Wasps’ electric scrum-half once again proved his sprinting prowess as he took the ball from the back of a scrum and raced from inside his own half to score a superb try. And his all round game was good enough to keep him in the mind of England selectors.

1. Nathan Catt (Bath)

The watching Martin Johnson will have been disappointed by the pre-match withdrawal of Joe Marler at The Stoop on Sunday, but another young loose-head with an international future beckoning made a strong impression. Catt was a key component in Bath’s dismantling of Quins’ front-row.

2. Brett Sharman (Northampton)

With Saints skipper Dylan Hartley away with England, Sharman was flung the No.2 shirt and he didn’t disappoint. Sharman played his part in the demolition of Newcastle’s scrum and was also a force in the loose throughout.

3. Brian Mujati (Northampton)

Mujati was once again the cornerstone of Saints’ indomitable scrummaging effort. He gave Kieran Brookes such a torrid time that the young Falcon was controversially withdrawn at half-time.

4. Christian Day (Northampton)

Day continued his strong form for Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens and almost opened up his try-scoring account by using all of his 1.98-metre frame to touchdown in the corner. But the TMO ruled his foot was in touch.

5. George Robson
(Harlequins)

Harlequins’ second-row was immense throughout their 6-6 draw with Bath at the Stoop. He was solid on his own ball and stole two of Bath’s lineouts as well as being a sizeable presence in the loose.

6. Chris Robshaw (Harlequins)

Like any good No.6, the Harlequins skipper revelled in the damp, soggy conditions at The Stoop on Sunday. Robshaw was one of the chief saboteurs of Bath’s hunt for quick ball and as the game became scrappier, he became more influential

7. Tom Rees (Wasps)

With the England openside berth being fought over by Lewis Moody and Hendre Fourie, Tom Rees was free to aid his club’s cause at Headingley. And he scored a decisive try early in the second half, burrowing over from close range.

8. Tom Guest (Harlequins)

Drafted in to replace Nick Easter, who was absent with England, Guest charged into the Bath defence with real gusto and regularly made significant gains.

Saracens' Schalk Brits delivered yet another eye-catching display against Leicester © Getty Images

The weather did its best to ruin the latest round of the Aviva Premiership as a spectacle but we're glad to report that the clubs rose to the challenge of Mother Nature to ensure the league ended on a high note before the start of the European hostilities next weekend.

But which players did enough to earn selection in our latest Premiership Team of the Week?

15. Chris Wyles (Saracens)

The US Eagles fullback has been quietly effective in recent weeks but another good display against Leicester and a growing number of plaudits will ensure he soon emerges from the shadows.

14. Scott Hamilton (Leicester Tigers)

The Kiwi wing/fullback is so often a reassuring and inspirational presence in the Tigers' backline as was the case against Saracens at Vicarage Road.

13. Mike Tindall (Gloucester)

A vintage display from the veteran centre helped the Cherry and Whites score a rare victory over Bath at The Rec. Stung into action by the selection axe the previous weekend, he was a thorn in Bath's side throughout with an excellent all-round display.

12. Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu (Gloucester)

The former Bath centre returned to haunt his previous employers with an influential display at The Rec. An elusive runner and pivotal link-man, he was more than a handful and showed great hands to put Lesley Vainikolo in for a try.

11. Sailosi Tagicakibau (London Irish)

The Samoan came off the bench for the league-leading Exiles and grabbed to two tries to help cement his side's place at the top of the table.

10. Ryan Lamb (London Irish)

The Exiles' No.10 bagged four penalties and three conversions in his side's romp against Leeds but it was the finer details of his performance that suggested the 24-year-old has finally settled in at Irish with more improvement to come.

9. Richard Wigglesworth (Saracens)

Recalled to the Sarries line-up for the clash with the Tigers, the scrum-half rewarded his coach with a high-energy display that gave his side direction and brought him his first try of the season.

1. Joe Marler (Harlequins)

The rising star retains his place in our line-up after a Man-of-the-Match display in Quins' victory over Newcastle. Equally impressive at scrum time and in the loose, it is just a shame that Quins' plans to limit the 20-year-old's work load will slash our chances to see him in action.

2. Schalk Brits (Saracens)

Hailed as one of the best players in the world by ESPN analyst Austin Healey, the fleet-footed South African hooker delivered another outstanding display in his side's victory over Leicester. A seemingly ever-present force in defence and attack, he grabbed a try and was only thwarted when knocked unconscious by the Tigers' defence.

3. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers)

The Tigers' tight-head issued a reminder of his class by handing out a scrummaging lesson to Saracens rival Deon Carstens - with a little help from his friends.

4. Nick Kennedy (London Irish)

Back in the Exiles line-up, the lock was a towering presence and generated some impressive stats - 10 tackles, four lineout wins, one clean break and 30 metres gained.

5. Tomas Vallejos-Cinalli (Harlequins)

The Argentine lock gobbled up an impressive 20m on the hoof and five tackles as Quins out-muscled Newcastle at the Twickenham Stoop.

6. Alasdair Strokosch (Gloucester)

Along with back-row colleagues Andrew Hazell and Brett Deacon, Scotland international Strokosch helped inflict more Friday Night Lights woe on Bath at The Rec. A momentum-robbing total of 13 tackles in the game.

7. Jacques Burger (Saracens)

Arguably the player of the season so far, Burger has made the most tackles in the Premiership this season and extended his tally with a game-leading 12 against Leicester at Vicarage Road.

8. Nick Easter (Harlequins)

The England international may not have the Quins captaincy but continues to lead by example. Another industrious display will enjoy the review of his side's victory over Newcastle having racked up 15 tackles, one clean break, two defenders beaten, two turnover and four lineout wins with one penalty blotting his copybook.

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.

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.

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.