This week we had the Waratahs go down against the Sunwolves and the Rebels put the Reds to the sword. Here is our team of the week
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1. Jean-Pierre Smith (Reds)
With all scrums reasonably even across the board this week, he held strong and made 8/8 tackles.
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2. Anaru Rangi (Rebels)
Was very good in the lineout again winning 13 with his throws. Made 6/7 tackles and 6 runs.
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3. Sekope Kepu (Waratahs)
Quite a tidy game from Kepu. 8/8 tackles with 6 runs for 5m. Holding up in the scrum and looking better around the park each week.
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4.Matt Phillip (Rebels)
Another strong performance from Phillip. 5/5 tackles and 20 run metres.
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5.Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Reds)
Has been busy in recent weeks. Another good showing with 9/9 tackles and 10 runs for 25m.
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6. Luke Jones (Rebels)
Jones has shown that he isn’t afraid to do the dirty work. Each week puts in a huge defensive effort and this week was no different. 16/18 tackles and a huge 3 lineout steals.
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7. Michael Hooper (Waratahs)
He seems to be almost holding the team together at the moment. 8 runs for 33m and 19/20 tackles.
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8. Isi Naisarani (Rebels)
Every week puts in a big effort with ball in hand. 13 runs for 58m. Also chimed in with 9/11 tackles.
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9. Will Genia (Rebels)
Even with a busted cheek, Genia marched his team around and made sure they Rebels got the win. A pretty tidy night with only 1 handling error in slippery conditions. 8 runs for 37m also.
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10. Quade Cooper (Rebels)
Quade gets the last laugh against Brad Thorn and he deserved it. Managed two try assists and also had 13 runs for 26m with 1 defender beaten, 1 clean break and an offload..
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11. Sefa Naivalu (Reds)
A solid game from Sefa. The wingers were reasonably close this week with none being outstanding. 44 run metres with 2 defenders beaten, 2 clean breaks and 2 offloads.
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12. Billy Meakes (Rebels)
The 9,10,12 combo from the Rebels is looking awfully good in recent times. Although he wasn’t the star this week, Meakes played a nice supporting role with 26 run metres from 5 runs and also made 7/9 tackles.
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13. Samu Kerevi (Reds)
He snuck into the team this week. The Rebels did a fantastic job of keeping him out of the game but he went looking for work in the second half and still managed to out perform the other Australian 13’s. 7/10 tackles and 8 runs for 35m.
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14. Cam Clark (Waratahs)
Managed to make a few nice runs up the sideline. Clocked up 53 run metres with 3 defenders beaten and 3 clean breaks. Also picked up a try.
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15. Israel Folau (Waratahs)
Racking up a huge 106 run metres with 11 defenders beaten, 3 clean breaks and 2 offloads, Folau was really the only big spark in the Tahs backline.
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On the fringe of selection:
Filipo Daugunu – He deserved the 14 spot this week with 64 run metres including 7 defenders beaten. Due to this being a Wallaby Watch and the fact that he isn’t eligible for the Wallabies, he misses out.
Adam Coleman – Had a decent week in the row. 7/7 tackles and a lineout steal but he has more in him.
Angus Cottrell – If it weren’t for Hooper and his big defensive effort, Cottrell would have gotten the 7 spot. He made 13/14 tackles but did give away 2 penalties.
Disappointments:
Mack Mason – He was given the starting spot to make a claim and show that he is THE backup 10 for Foley at the Waratahs. He had an absolute shocker. Making 4 handling errors and looking lost.
Kurtley Beale – With a young 10 inside him, Beale needed to take the reigns more when Mason was failing. He failed to do this and was too busy lifting him arms when he thought the Waratahs deserved a penalty or thought they had knocked on.
Tetera Faulkner and Sam Talakai – Yes both of the Rebels props held well in the scrum but they don’t really do anything around the park. 5/6 tackles and only 4 runs between them.
