Here it is – the G&GR writers’ Super Rugby team of the week for round 20.
After a Lions-imposed hiatus, the Aussie teams turned in some great matches in the last 2013 Super Rugby round. Who made this week’s team?
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1. Benn Robinson
As always scrummaged well and was effective in the tight breakdown contest. Added an expanded running game, including a great line-break which should have set up a winning Waratahs drive.[/one_third] [one_third last=”no”]
2. Saia Fainga’a
Heavily involved in a very strong Reds forward pack. Constantly putting his hands up for hit-ups and threw very well at lineout time. [/one_third] [one_third last=”yes”]
3.James Slipper
The Reds captain delivered his characteristic workhorse display. Was also very consistent at scrum-time opposite Robinson. He must be pushing ahead of Alexander for Wallabies contention.[/one_third]
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4. Will Skelton
A shortened game for Skelton but proved to be a game changer when he got on. Got through a mountain of carries and some enterprising offloads. Was consistently effective in bending the opposition line.[/one_third] [one_third last=”no”]
5. Cadeyrn Neville
Extremely influential in the Rebels’ come from behind victory, Neville showed his damaging ball-running throughout the game, helping generate quick-ball for the backs. [/one_third] [one_third last=”yes”]
6. Matthew Hodgson
Added a smart quick-tap try to his usual strong defensive effort. Led a determined Force pack from the front.[/one_third]
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7. Liam Gill
In a strong week for Aussie opensides, Gill narrowly got the nod. Was a destructive force on the Waratahs breakdown while also demonstrating some strong running. [/one_third][one_third last=”no”]
8. Gareth Delve
In his last Rebels game, Delve turned in an inspired performance. Huge running game, was instrumental in a famous win. [/one_third][one_third last=”yes”]
9. Nick Frisby
Showed some great skills this week, sniping cleverly around the ruck for a few line-breaks. Directed the Reds forward pack well and always gave accurate, timely service. [/one_third]
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10. James O’Connor
Despite a tumultuous week, O’Connor displayed his undeniable skills, setting up three Rebels tries to spark their miraculous comeback. [/one_third] [one_third last=”no”]
11. Nick Cummins
MOTW performance. Was everywhere for the Force- chasing down kicks, taking bombs, coming in-field for hit-ups. Was already a great performance before he brilliantly broke the line and offloaded to set-up Rasolea’s try. [/one_third][one_third last=”yes”]
12. Junior Rasolea
Speaking of which, in a fairly slow week for Aussie inside centres, Rasolea stood out due to his great support play and footwork to score his first Super Rugby try. [/one_third]
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13. Tom English
Adapted seamlessly to outside centre with a standout performance. Two classy finishes, beating defenders with speed, agilty and a late overs line running off JOC.[/one_third][one_third last=”no”]
14. Pat Dellit
While Woodward was also good, Dellit worked hard the whole game, very strong in contact during multiple runs and the pressure he put on the Highlanders back three chasing kicks was vital in winning the field position battle. [/one_third][one_third last=”yes”]
15. Ben Lucas
Linked up very well in the backline this week, demonstrated great elusive running and solid as a rock positionally. [/one_third]
