Here it is – the G&GR writers’ Super Rugby team of the week for round 5.
The Brumbies and the Rebels had wins whilst the Reds, Force and Waratahs lost but who made the team of the week?
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1. Benn Robinson
Made 11 tackles and helped get the Waratahs scrum on top. If the other forwards had put in his effort, the Tahs might have won.
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2. Pat Leafa
Was part of a dominant Rebels scrum and made 8 tackles missing none. His best game of the year.
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3. Ben Alexander
Scored two tries and took it right to the far more fancied James Slipper at scrumtime. In vintage form but can he do it at test level in 2015?
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4. Will Skelton
Worked hard all day for the Waratahs. Was one of their best in a losing effort. Starting to contribute at scrum time and lineout too. Honorable mention to Steve Mafi who had a blinder but isn’t eligible for Aussie selection.
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5. James Horwill
Easily his best game this year. Had a pilfer, stole a lineout and played a bit of a lone hand in taking it to the Brumbies. We need to see this every week.
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6. Sean McMahon
The Rebels energiser bunny made 23 tackles and was everywhere. A big part of the Rebels victory.[/one_third]
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7. Michael Hooper
A tough selection as none of the opensides stood out. Hooper made a linebreak and provided the pass for the Waratahs first try. Had a pilfer but made too many errors but no one else stood out.
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8. Scott Higginbotham
His leadership this season is greatly improved and he was crucial to the Rebels beating arch rivals the Western Force. Made 15 tackles and missed none.
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9. Nic Stirzaker
Had his best game of the season for the Rebels. Passed well and took good options all night. Limited the mistakes that have proved costly in other games.
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10. Matt Toomua
Matty T was great for the Brumbies in both attack and defence. Had a couple of line breaks and put on a few big tackles. Led the Brumbies around the park to a decisive victory.
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11. Dom Shipperley
Scored a try and got involved as much as he could. Has been consistently good for the Rebels in 2015 and has well and truly put the awful injury he suffered last year behind him.
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12. Mitch Inman
Had an excellent game for the Rebels. His linebreak and deftly timed pass to put Shipperley away for a try was pivotal. As always he made some crunching tackles.
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13. Tevita Kuridrani
Caused nightmares for the Reds all night. His running lines are something to behold, challenging the opposition defence every time he touches the ball.
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14. Henry Speight
Made line breaks, beat defenders and produced offloads. Henry did everything but get across the tryline. Defended strongly as well in a good all round game. [/one_third]
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15. Mike Harris
Scythed through the Force defence for the Rebels first try and was a threat all night. Kicked well both in general play and from the tee. His contribution to the Rebels this year has been superb. G&GR Player of the Week.
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