Here it is – the G&GR writers’ Super Rugby team of the week for round 3.
With three wins and two losses in the Australian conference, who makes the team this week?
[one_third last=”no”]
1. Ben Robinson
Always reliable at scrum-time, added some good touches and was influential in the dominant NSW defense in tight.[/one_third] [one_third last=”no”]
2. Pat Leafa
Strong all-round game in regular season debut, showed his effective leg drive in contact and big motor. [/one_third] [one_third last=”yes”]
3. Paddy Ryan
The Waratahs displayed a dominant scrum so Paddy gets the nod again this week for his efforts.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]
4. Jacques Potgieter
Set the tone defensively with his aggression, dislodging the ball on numerous occasions. Also showed some classy skills in assisting Izzie’s second try.[/one_third] [one_third last=”no”]
5. Luke Jones
Strong carries, popped up everywhere in d and showed tough, effective ruck work. Possible Wallaby bolter. [/one_third] [one_third last=”yes”]
6. Sean McMahon
Outstanding debut that no-one saw coming. Really strong in contact and his pilfering made life torrid for the Cheetas. [/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]
7. Michael Hooper
Rose to the captaincy tag, powerful in defence, great runs securing quick ball for the backs. [/one_third][one_third last=”no”]
8. Scott Higginbotham
Good to see some of last year’s form from Higgers. Great vision for the cross-field kick, linked up with the backline well. [/one_third][one_third last=”yes”]
9. Luke Burgess
Great game from the former Wallaby. Crisp, clean passing off the deck, good combination with Hegardy, gave structure to the forwards. [/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]
10. Bernard Foley
Straightened the attack well and gave time to the outside backs. Growing combination with Beale very promising for Tahs fans. [/one_third] [one_third last=”no”]
11. Henry Speight
Another game that makes you wish he was a Wallaby. Runs so strong, bumping off defenders right and left. Won the battle against Cummins. [/one_third][one_third last=”yes”]
12. Kurtley Beale
Developing into his role at 12, giving the team another playmaking option. Also added danger to the Tahs counterattack from fullback. [/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]
13. Tamati Ellison
Dominated the midfield. Brutal in defence while his hard, straight running consistently pushed the Rebels over the advantage line. [/one_third][one_third last=”no”]
14. Tom English
Impressive all round game, fell agonisingly short of scoring a great solo try but consistently threatening to break the line. [/one_third][one_third last=”yes”]
15. Jason Woodward
Always dangerous in his counterattacking raids, silky passes linking with the rest of the back 3. [/one_third]
