Here it is – the G&GR writers’ Super Rugby team of the week for the Qualifying Finals.
With a great win by the Brumbies and a disappointing Reds loss, who makes this week’s team?
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1. Scott Sio
Very strong at the breakdown this week, creating a number of turnovers. Also demonstrated his continually improving scrummaging, absolutely dominating the Cheetahs. [/one_third] [one_third last=”no”]
2. Saia Fainga’a
Tried hard in a thoroughly beaten side, showing his strong defence. Also threw immaculately in the line-out to earn the nod over Moore. [/one_third] [one_third last=”yes”]
3.Ben Alexander
A vital cog in a dominant pack. Destroyed opposing loose-head, enabling front foot ball off set-piece for the Brumbies.[/one_third]
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4. Scott Fardy
Strong in all facets of the game this week, won lineouts, influenced the breakdown and provided a strong running game. Also got through a momentous 15 tackles, the most in the team.[/one_third] [one_third last=”no”]
5. Sam Carter
With Horwill clearly hampered by injury, Carter gets in this week with his consistent hard-working and mistake-free game. [/one_third] [one_third last=”yes”]
6. Peter Kimlin
Great game by Kimlin, who was a definite attacking linchpin. Involved from the start with a number of close-in runs. Consistently managed to generate quick ball when in average positions with good footwork and strength.[/one_third]
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7. Liam Gill
A bright spark in a disappointing loss. Stood up big time, giving the Reds steals, important tackles and 10 hit-ups. The hardest-working and most impactful player on the Reds, maintained some semblance of respectability. [/one_third][one_third last=”no”]
8. Ben Mowen
Ran well given a bit more space this week, bending the Cheetahs line on frequent occasion. Also provided his usual suburb work at line-out time [/one_third][one_third last=”yes”]
9. Nic White
While Genia tried hard, White was the beneficiary of a dominant pack and exploited the space given to him well. A few good kicks and creative runs as well as some important cover work in defence. [/one_third]
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10. Matt Toomua
Provided with quick ball, Toomua was always dangerous running hard and flat at the line, continuing the Brumbies quick phase play. Directed the forwards well [/one_third] [one_third last=”no”]
11. Clyde Rathbone
A quiet performance, but enough to get over a battered Shipperley. Ran and tackled extremely hard at every opportunity. [/one_third][one_third last=”yes”]
12. Christian Lealiifano
Despite not kicking his best, was very important defensively. Textbook technique, allowing the Brumbies to come over the top and slow down midfield rucks. [/one_third]
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13. Tevita Kuridrani
Played well in defence alike his center partner. Was also able to add a few good runs, proving very difficult to bring down.[/one_third][one_third last=”no”]
14. Henry Speight
Without the ability to give the award to the entire Brumbies pack, Speight gets MOTW. Extremely explosive runner, breaking tackles and making metres every touch. Definitely a game-changer heading into the championship rounds [/one_third][one_third last=”yes”]
15. Jesse Mogg
Relatively quiet game, but did enough with his booming kicking game and positional play, both important in the Brumbies field position advantage. [/one_third]
