Aviva Premiership - Round 2
Premiership Team of the Week
ESPNscrum
September 13, 2010
Saracens' David Strettle exploits a gap in the Sale defence, Saracens v Sale, Aviva Premiership, Vicarage Road, England, September 12, 2010
Saracens' David Strettle showed glimpses of his very best against Sale at Vicarage Road © Getty Images
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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?

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.

© Scrum.com

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