The BKT United Rugby Championship continues to provide thrilling action, and Round 2 was no exception. There were standout performances from some of the most talented players in the league. 

As teams continued to battle it out, a number of individuals rose to the occasion, putting in remarkable displays to help their respective sides gain the upper hand. 

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From record-breaking achievements to game-changing moments, this week's "Team of the Week" is jam-packed with top-line international talent, as well as several up-and-coming players.

Cian Healy’s historic appearance for Leinster, and Alessandro Fusco’s electrifying performance for Zebre, are just a couple highlights in an action-packed round. 

Here, we break down the top 15 players who shined brightest across the league, showcasing their skills, tenacity and undeniable contributions to their teams' success.

1. Cian Healy – Leinster Rugby

Breaking Leinster’s all-time appearances record with his 281st outing for the province, the 36-year-old further solidified himself as Irish Rugby’s greatest player at his position. 

Putting in a serious shift for 52 minutes, Healy, along with the rest of the Leinster pack, got on top of the Dragons at set-piece time. Around the pitch, he carried six times, made seven tackles and dominated at the breakdown.

2. Dave Heffernan – Connacht Rugby

Living in a world where Irish Rugby is blessed with world-class hookers, Heffernan is arguably the most underrated No. 2 among the Irish provinces. 

Combining a top-notch work ethic with an eye for the try line, Heffernan is the glue that holds the Connacht pack together. 

Dotting down for two tries against the Sharks in Round 2, the hooker played a key role in his team coming out on top against the powerful South African side.

3. Asenathi Ntlabakanye – Emirates Lions

Tipping the scales at 155 kilograms, the Lions tighthead is a modern marvel, with his exceptional engine seeing him get through a mountain of work every week. 

Hitting the ground running this season, the 25-year-old had a productive 66-minute showing for the Lions with six carries, 11 tackles and a strong scrummaging performance. 

Given the age profile of the top-line Springboks tightheads, if he can continue this form throughout the season, then an international call-up does not feel unattainable.

4. Ruan Vermaark – Vodacom Bulls

Driving his pack forward, Vermaak does a lot of unseen and less glamorous work to ensure the likes of Cameron Hanekom shine. 

Once again, he is dictating proceedings for his side against a strong Edinburgh side. 

Completing 15 tackles, winning three line-outs and carrying the ball on a handful of occasions, Vermaak did his job superbly.

5. James Ryan – Leinster Rugby

This sends out a timely reminder that despite the world-class showings of Tadhg Beirne and Joe McCarthy in recent seasons, Ryan remains a world-class operator in his own right. 

Aptly named ‘the big cheese,’ Ryan blitzed the Dragons with big-time tackles, an unrelenting physicality at the breakdown and a masterful set-piece showing.

6. Gavin Coombes – Munster Rugby

Just about the only Munster player to depart Parma with his reputation intact, the industrious backrow started at No. 8 and got through a mountain of work. 

For our team, he slots in at No. 6, given his undeniable work rate in Round 2. 

Topping the carries (18), meters made (54), tackles (18), turnovers (one) and tries (two) for the men in red, Coombes looked likely to drag his team over the line, yet it would prove to be all in vain, as Munster fell to arguably their worst result of the Graham Rowntree era.

7. Rory Darge – Glasgow Warriors

Scotland’s captain employed a seek-and-destroy mentality against Benetton with 16 tackles, nine carries and a turnover. 

Capping off this exceptional showing with a try, the openside picked up where he left off last season as a British and Irish Lions front-runner.

8. Jack Conan – Leinster Rugby

The No. 8 bulldozed his way through the Dragons, leading Leinster to back-to-back dominant victories to open the season. 

Such was the level of his dominance that at times, it looked as though he was playing a different sport to the Dragons’ backrow. 

Ending his account with 14 carries, 36 meters made and a try, Conan once again posed the question as to what Leinster’s best backrow balance is when Caelen Doris and Ryan Baird return.  

9.  Alessandro Fusco – Zebre

Simply unplayable… The nippy scrumhalf shredded Munster as he led his club to its greatest victory with two tries, which both were moments of individual brilliance. 

Time and again, Fusco exposed the Munster ruck defense as he got his team on the front foot with a sniping running game, which complimented his top-notch passing game.

10. Dan Edwards – Ospreys

In arguably the most positive development so far in this young season for Welsh Rugby, Edwards is firmly putting his hand up for the No. 10 Welsh shirt.  

Slotting two penalties, three conversions and a drop goal to go with his try, Edwards shocked the Stormers as he guided his team to a huge 37-24 victory to get its season back on track.

11. Canan Moodie – Vodacom Bulls

Watching his international teammates secure the Rugby Championship against Los Pumas, the winger had a strong showing as he returned to the Bulls setup. 

Shredding Edinburgh with 13 carries, a line break, an offload, two defenders beaten and a try, Moodie reminded everyone why he is one of the most exciting prospects in South African Rugby.

12.  Andre Esterhuizen – Hollywoodbets Sharks

Bulldozing his way through Connacht, the Shark's big offseason signing offered a glimpse into what he will bring to the Durban-based side this season. 

At 6-foot-4 and 115 kilograms, Esterhuizen is one of the most physically imposing centers in professional rugby, and he uses this frame to great effect. 

Carrying the ball 16 times for 57 meters with five line-breaks, Esterhuizen was rewarded with two tries in his URC debut.

13. Erich Cronje – Emirates Lions

Entering the round's action, few people would’ve had Cronje on their scratch card as the standout No. 13, yet this is exactly what happened as the 27-year-old got stuck in with 18 carries, two line-breaks and five defenders beaten, all leading to 102 meters. 

This showing catalyzed his team to get its campaign off to the perfect start against a surging Ulster side.

14. Shane Jennings – Connacht Rugby  

Connacht’s rangy and pacy winger is fast becoming one to watch in Irish Rugby and the URC this season. 

Carrying for a whopping 116 meters, Jennings led his team as it downed the Sharks. Scoring his try as he intercepted the Sharks deep inside his own 22 before racing away, Jennings showed his elite pace and finishing abilities.

15. Jamie Osborne – Leinster Rugby

As the saying goes, ‘Never give a sucker a chance.'

Despite being regarded as the best fullback in the world, Hugo Keenan no doubt will be biting his nails watching Osborne rack up impressive performance after impressive performance for both province and country. 

Topping the carries chart (24) as he made over 100 meters, Osborne was everywhere against the Dragons as he exposed the Welsh side’s defense with his deep box of tricks.

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