Here it is – the G&GR writers’ Super Rugby team of the week for round 7.
With a split of two wins and two losses, including a shake-up of the Brumbies, who makes the team this week?
[one_third last=”no”]
1. James Slipper
With a few changes to the Brumbies front row, Slipper gets the nod this week. Held scrum steady and worked tirelessly at the breakdown. [/one_third] [one_third last=”no”]
2. James Hanson
Staked his claim on the Reds 2 jersey, showing off his strong ball-running and getting to a huge number of breakdowns. [/one_third][one_third last=”yes”]
3. Ben Alexander
Didn’t play much but have to give at least one Brumby credit for their total scrum dominance. Alexander also had a number of positive runs in the midfield. [/one_third]
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4. Jaques Potgieter
One of the bright spots in a disappointing Tahs team. Continues his strong form in attack, earning 70 running metres despite most of the forwards going backwards. [/one_third] [one_third last=”no”]
5. Luke Jones
Big game in attack, was a destructive force all game one off the Brumbies ruck. [/one_third][one_third last=”yes”]
6. Colby Fainga’a
Gives the Rebels forwards an extra yard of pace and mobility in the backrow, making a lot of tackles. Was a menace in the defensive breakdown, earning a crucial steal to close out the game. [/one_third]
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7. Beau Robinson
Tireless, hard-nosed game. Was one of the Reds best after coming back into the team, constantly involved, taking 14 hit-ups. [/one_third][one_third last=”no”]
8. Scott Higginbotham
On par with a few no.8s this week but given bonus points for toppling the conference leading Brumbies at captain. Had a few good runs and was a brick wall in defence. [/one_third] [one_third last=”yes”]
9. Nic White
Stood up in a beaten team, giving extremely quick pinpoint passes throughout the match. His kicking game was also in form, may be putting Genia on notice. [/one_third]
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10. Quade Cooper
Once again not the flashiest game from QC but was very involved in attack, leading his troops around well. Five from six with the boot and added a classy drop-goal. [/one_third][one_third last=”no”]
11. Tom English
Did have a few mistakes but just edged out Robbie Coleman for his open-field defence and strong running, especially from the back. [/one_third][one_third last=”yes”]
12. Mitch Inman
Strong effort throughout the match, never takes a backwards step in the midfield. Showed an impressive burst and footwork for his vital try. [/one_third]
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13. Ben Tapuai
Played well again this week, showing his slick footwork into contact to make a few tackle busts and consistently put the team on the front-foot. [/one_third][one_third last=”no”]
14. Rod Davies
Not a very memorable match for Aussie 14s, Davies had the most running metres, chased hard and played the whole game without getting concussed. [/one_third][one_third last=”yes”]
15. Jason Woodward
Big game for Woodward, always dangerous on the counter-attack, booming kicking game and beat two defenders to score and kick-start the Rebels second-half push. Importantly kicked two conversions and six penalties at 100%. [/one_third]
