Super Rugby Wallaby Watch – Rnd 12

Week 12 of the Super Rugby season saw the Reds scrape in against an ill-disciplined Sunwolves in Brisbane. The Rebels weren’t able to reel back the Hurricanes in Wellington. The Brumbies topped the Blues in Canberra and the Waratahs lost to the Bulls in Pretoria.

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1. Scott Sio (Brumbies)

Onto the park early due to a head knock to Slipper, Sio played like he wanted his starting position back. 4 runs for 31m and 8 tackles to go along with a strong scrum performance.

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2. Folau Fainga’a (Brumbies)

How can you look past a hattrick? Even if they could be attributed to his forward pack. Had a solid running game with 10 runs for 27m and didn’t miss a tackle at 9/9.

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3. Allan Alaalatoa (Brumbies)

Dominated in the scrum. Made 14/14 tackles and managed to play 75 minutes.

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4. Sam Carter  (Brumbies)

A very good showing. Made 15/16 tackles and filled the shoes of Rory Arnold in the lineout.

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5. Matt Philip (Rebels)

The runs he made post 20 minutes were the catalyst for the Rebels getting on the front foot and trying to make a comeback. Made 29m and scored a beautiful meat pie to top it off.

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6. Lachlan Swinton (Waratahs)

Brought something to the Waratahs pack that we haven’t seen in a long time – Aggression. Missed the mark on a few occasions but gave it to a big bulls pack.

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7. Liam Wright (Reds)

Made his tackles (8/8), made 10 run metres from his 4 runs and even though it was scrappy, helped get the job done.

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8. Ned Hanigan (Waratahs) 

Thrown into the number 8 position, not many thought Hanigan would be up to the task. Some beautiful offloading joined up with his running game managed to snag him a try assist.

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9. Joe Powell (Brumbies)

Making 3 times more tackles than any other Australian half-back this week gets him the spot. Had a very tidy game outside of that with no handling errors.

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10.  Bryce Hegarty (Reds)

For a guy that slots into any position that the Reds need him, he is making this one his own. Scoring 17 points, scoring a try and knocking up 55 run metres.

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11. Curtis Rona (Waratahs)

Rona ran 14 times for 85m, beat 4 defenders, 4 clean breaks, 4 offloads and a try.

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12. Samu Kerevi (Reds)

As a senior player and leader, Kerevi should have helped the Reds capitalise on their man advantage a little bit better. He did carry a lot of work for the Reds though making 23 runs for 96m.

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13. Len Ikitau (Brumbies)

The debutant had a cracking start at the Brumbies. Although only running 5 times, he seemed dangerous in attack making 24 run metres.

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14. Jock Campbell (Reds)

It helps when your opposing winger is off for majority of the game but Campbell made a huge 146 run metres. He beat 6 defenders with 4 clean breaks. Sadly, he was pulled up short of the line a few times.

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15. Tom Banks (Brumbies)

45 run metres with 3 defenders beaten off his 8 runs. His big boot helped get the Brumbies in good position throughout the game.

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On the fringe of selection:

Scott Higginbotham – Was very solid with ball in hand and made a very important intercept from the lineout leading to Hegarty’s try.

Pete Samu – Quite a tidy game from Samu without being flashy. 9/9 tackles and 7 runs with 2 offloads.

Anaru Rangi – The way that he runs onto the ball of Genia always gives them a great go forward. Made 9/10 tackles also.

Disappointments:

Harry Hockings – Was looking alright before some more stupid retaliation from an Australian lock saw him sent to the locker room with a red.

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – Couldn’t inject himself into the game. Was pulled 5 minutes into the second half without having really done anything.

Marika Koroibete – When he has to make a tackle he normally makes them, but his decisions in defence are appalling and he consistently picks the wrong man.

Now that round 12 is finished, let’s have a look at what our potential Wallabies team could be going on form. This week, I’ve moved a few players out of position to better reflect what Cheika could be thinking. Check out the next page for the team.