European rugby team of the quarter-finals: Who shone brightest on a fantastic weekend of action?

It was nice to have European rugby back after its enforced hiatus, and it did not disappoint. Wins for Saracens, Racing 92, Toulouse and Exeter have set up deliciously poised semi-finals, while a Challenge Cup semi-final line-up of Bristol, Bordeaux, Toulon, Leicester is hardly a step down, either.

Here are the 15 players who made Telegraph Sport's team of the weekend across the seven quarter-final matches that took place over the past three days.

15. Simon Zebo (Racing 92)

The Irishman had always looked more comfortable on the wing than at full-back but after Saturday's display that is no longer the case. Solidity is not usually something with which he would be associated, but he was on Saturday, and added even more sparkle to an already sparkling back division at Racing.

14. Alex Lewington (Saracens)

The Saracens wing probably would never have started the match in Dublin had it been played in its regulation slot in March, before Saracens' player exodus. Mark McCall will be glad that the stars aligned, however, as his pace man was phenomenal. He kept the lethal James Lowe quiet, and ensured Saracens' box-kicking machine was well oiled.

13. Semi Radradra (Bristol Bears)

There is not much left to say about the Fijian who, surely, is currently the world's outstanding player. The Dragons had no answer to his potency, his savage power and pace, and his unfathomable skill level; they are not alone.

12. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)

Of course, the Chief was wearing 13 in his side's win over Northampton, but he had to be squeezed in. Set up Jack Maunder for his try with a trademark burst, strafing and swaying between defenders before finishing with a perfectly timed pass. Crucial to Exeter's campaign for a first-ever European trophy.

11. Cheslin Kolbe (Toulouse)

Without him and Antoine Dupont, Toulouse might have had a nervier time of it against Ulster. Scored two tries, and caused Ulster persistent issues with the ball in his hands. His second try, which gave Toulouse a secure cushion, featured an otherworldly, ankle-breaking sidestep, that left Jacob Stockdale - himself no slouch - grasping at thin air.

10. Alex Goode (Saracens)

It shows the class of the man to play the way he did, out of position, in such a high-profile match against such daunting opposition; he was phenomenal. The fear was that, as a gifted footballer, he might try and overplay, and lose a sense of Saracens' trademark pragmatism, but that was not the case. Should have 50 caps for England.

9. Antoine Dupont (Toulouse)

Europe's pre-eminent scrum-half meandered at times in his side's win over Ulster, but when he blew hot Ulster had no answer. He took his try superbly and only his team-mate, full-back Thomas Ramos, made more metres over the weekend's quarter-finals.

1. Cyril Baille (Toulouse)

Manny Iyogun was heroic for Northampton and Mako Vunipola was his usual granite self for Saracens, but the Toulouse loosehead just pinches it. Caused Ulster problems at the set-piece, but it is around the park where he comes into his own. As dynamic and skilful as any other prop in Europe.

2. Camille Chat (Racing 92)

France's premier hooker is quickly presenting a case as the world's premier hooker. The power that he generates in the carry is frightening. Saracens will have their work cut out this weekend.

3. Vincent Koch (Saracens)

The weekend's outstanding performance. His mammoth scrum effort aside, he marauded around the Aviva Stadium like a man possessed, tackling anything that moved and disrupting Leinster's rhythm.

4. Maro Itoje (Saracens)

Leinster lock James Ryan had warned his team to not allow his opposite number to become a "nuisance" on Saturday, but they did not heed the warning. It seemed at times as if there were 10 Itojes on the field, such was his ubiquity.

5. Jonny Gray (Exeter Chiefs)

The Scottish giant's first taste of European action with the Chiefs, and he did not disappoint. To make 18 tackles and not miss one personifies his tireless effort.

6. Michael Rhodes (Saracens)

It must be awful to play against Rhodes and, for Leinster, it was. A terror at the breakdown and ferociously physical, his high shot on Johnny Sexton was the only blot on his copybook. Incredibly industrious.

7. Jacques Vermeulen (Exeter Chiefs)

His opposite number, Lewis Ludlam, can perhaps feel aggrieved, as he was magnificent for Northampton, but Vermeulen just pips him. Scored two tries at crucial moments to put a much-improved Saints side to bed. Tackled like a train, too.

8. Fritz Lee (Clermont)

Courageous in a losing cause, the Clermont captain reminded us of his understated class once again. He made 15 tackles and carried 11 times, gaining 38 metres.

Player of the weekend - Vincent Koch (Saracens)

There was much to admire in Saracens’ masterful Dublin victory, but in knockout rugby, your set-piece has to be immaculate. Koch dominated Ireland loosehead Cian Healy, tackled ferociously and carried his heart out.

Moment of the weekend

Toulouse’s bull-necked centre Sofiane Guitoune pulling up his shorts while making a clean break in the second half against Ulster. A brave call; he pulled it off and it led to a try.

Try of the weekend - Alex Goode (Saracens)

Cheslin Kolbe’s step dropped jaws in Toulouse but Goode’s shimmy and dummy - out of position - was one for the ages – in his club’s most historic performance.