Close Menu
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Shop
    • Jerseys
    • Training
    • Men
    • Women
    • Kids
    • Headwear
    • Gifts & Accessories
      • Babywear
      • Balls
      • Collectibles & Memorabilia
      • Home & Office
      • Keyrings
      • Pet Accessories
      • Scarves
      • Souvenirs
      • Toys & Games
    • Super Rugby
    • Clearance
  • Wallabies
  • Super Rugby
    • ACT Brumbies
    • Blues
    • Chiefs
    • Crusaders
    • Fijian Drua
    • Highlanders
    • Hurricanes
    • Moana Pasifika
    • NSW Waratahs
    • Queensland Reds
    • Western Force
  • Six Nations
  • Women’s
  • Sevens
  • Podcast

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

What's Hot

Friday’s Rugby News.

May 9, 2025

Lions Squad Named Tonight.

May 8, 2025

Thursday’s Rugby News – the final countdown

May 8, 2025
Facebook Instagram YouTube X (Twitter)
Latest News
  • Friday’s Rugby News.
  • Lions Squad Named Tonight.
  • Thursday’s Rugby News – the final countdown
  • Yowie on the Loose: almost too much rugby news
  • Dementia and CTE: differences, similarities and impact
  • Tuesday’s Rugby News
  • Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #68: that was certainly unpredictable.
  • Friday’s Rugby News.
  • Thursday’s Rugby News – adults running the show
  • 2025 Super Rugby Rd 12 — G&GR’s teams podcast
  • The Dropped Kick-Off 153 – Schmeal – Les Kiss from a Rose
  • Hump Day News – in from the side
  • New Wallabies coach finally confirmed!
  • Tuesday’s Rugby News – 29 April 2025
  • Your G&GR Wallabies Squad.
  • Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #67: another cracking round of Super Rugby Pacific – ANZAC Day style.
  • Friday’s Rugby News.
  • 2025 Super Rugby Rd 11 — G&GR’s teams podcast
  • Nutta on a Thursday – ANZAC 2025
  • Culture club.
Green & Gold Rugby
0 Shopping Cart
Facebook Instagram YouTube X (Twitter)
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Shop
    • Jerseys
    • Training
    • Men
    • Women
    • Kids
    • Headwear
    • Gifts & Accessories
      • Babywear
      • Balls
      • Collectibles & Memorabilia
      • Home & Office
      • Keyrings
      • Pet Accessories
      • Scarves
      • Souvenirs
      • Toys & Games
    • Super Rugby
    • Clearance
  • Wallabies

    Tuesday’s Rugby News

    February 25, 2025

    G&GR readers hate Australians?

    February 23, 2025

    Schmidt extends Wallabies tenure through TRC as search for head coach successor begins

    February 6, 2025

    Tickets on sale for blockbuster Wallaroos and Wallabies home Tests

    February 5, 2025

    Tuesday’s Rugby News, 4 February 2025

    February 4, 2025
  • Super Rugby
    1. ACT Brumbies
    2. Blues
    3. Chiefs
    4. Crusaders
    5. Fijian Drua
    6. Highlanders
    7. Hurricanes
    8. Moana Pasifika
    9. NSW Waratahs
    10. Queensland Reds
    11. Western Force
    12. View All

    Brumbies lob first grenade.

    March 19, 2025

    Hoodoo Gurus: Brumbies beat Blues.

    March 8, 2025

    Super Rugby Women’s Team List: Trial Match v Queensland Reds

    February 5, 2025

    Brumbies and Raiders combine for ANZAC weekend fixtures

    February 4, 2025

    Sotutu Returns to Boost Blues for Highlanders Clash

    February 19, 2025

    MG Motor Joins Blues as Official Vehicle Partner

    February 13, 2025

    Tu’ungafasi Celebrates 150th Cap as Blues Unleash Star-Studded Line-Up at Eden Park Opener

    February 12, 2025

    Blues Team Up with Gerard Roofs for a Strong 2025 Season Partnership

    February 11, 2025

    Chiefs Prepare for Crusaders Clash: Brown’s Debut and Tupaea’s Milestone

    February 19, 2025

    Chiefs’ All Blacks Set for Pre-Season Action Against Moana Pasifika

    February 6, 2025

    Chiefs Unveil New Talent Ahead of Taranaki Pre-Season Clash

    January 30, 2025

    Chiefs’ Rising Star Wallace Sititi Sidelined After Knee Surgery

    January 25, 2025

    Crusaders Ready to Kick Off Pre-Season with Blues Battle in Kirwee

    January 30, 2025

    Crusaders Partner with Moa Brewing Company to Elevate Fan Experience

    January 23, 2025

    Jamie Hannah Commits to Crusaders Until 2028

    January 23, 2025

    Crusaders 2025 Tickets Now Available!

    January 23, 2025

    Fijian Drua to Host Rugby FCLA in Historic Fiji Showdown

    January 20, 2025

    Highlanders Set for Home Opener Against Blues

    February 19, 2025

    Waratahs edge Highlanders in thrilling season opener

    February 16, 2025

    Highlanders Announce Squad for Season Opener Against Waratahs

    February 12, 2025

    Highlanders Gear Up for Waitangi Day Showdown Against Crusaders

    February 4, 2025

    Xavier Numia Commits to Hurricanes Through 2027

    January 29, 2025

    Hurricanes Brew Up Partnership with Flight Coffee for 2025 Season

    January 28, 2025

    Hurricanes Poua Swap Rugby Boots for Riding Boots at Hutt Valley RDA

    January 16, 2025

    Match Review: Qld Reds v Moana Pacifika — Rd2 2025

    February 21, 2025

    Ardie Savea Named Moana Pasifika Captain for 2025 Super Rugby Season

    February 3, 2025

    Ardie Savea Named Moana Pasifika Captain for 2025 Super Rugby Season

    February 2, 2025

    Moana Pasifika Set to Face Highlanders in Pre-Season Opener

    January 29, 2025

    More Tahs misery.

    March 29, 2025

    Tahs best Brumbies.

    March 22, 2025

    Isaac Kailea re-signs with RA.

    March 21, 2025

    U18s & U20s Tahs sides named.

    March 14, 2025

    Reds top of the pops.

    March 29, 2025

    Reds break drought.

    March 22, 2025

    Tom ‘The Laser’ Lynagh: Its the vibe.

    March 22, 2025

    Caslick to start in Reds #100th.

    March 19, 2025

    Force out-Brumby the Brumbies 45-42.

    February 22, 2025

    Jeremy Williams Re-Signs with Western Force for Two More Years

    February 6, 2025

    Club captain Jeremy Williams re-commits to Western Force with new deal

    February 6, 2025

    Western Force Unveils Star-Studded Squad for Brumbies Pre-Season Clash

    February 5, 2025

    Reds top of the pops.

    March 29, 2025

    More Tahs misery.

    March 29, 2025

    Super Rugby Round #7: Bye-bye-bye

    March 24, 2025

    Live: SRP ladder

    March 22, 2025
  • Six Nations

    Six Nations round 4

    March 8, 2025

    Tree Irish legends call time

    February 28, 2025

    Frogs flog Italy.

    February 24, 2025

    Welsh rugby: heartbeat found!

    February 23, 2025

    Poms pinch it.

    February 23, 2025
  • Women’s

    More in store for Qld women’s comp.

    March 21, 2025

    Happy’s Thursday’s Rugby News

    November 28, 2024

    Happy’s Thursday’s Rugby News – progress mixed in with some injustice

    November 21, 2024

    Yowie on the Loose: How long until test rugby restarts?

    October 15, 2024

    Mad Monday with Brisneyland Local #50: limited rugby, but plenty of news

    October 14, 2024
  • Sevens

    G&GR team’s podcast, Ireland and done

    December 2, 2024

    Happy’s Thursday’s Rugby News

    November 28, 2024

    Happy’s Thursday’s Rugby News – US edition marketing the game, Perry Baker, Super Rugby my new dawn.

    October 17, 2024

    Sevens Olympic Heaven!

    July 18, 2024

    Thursday’s Rugby News

    July 4, 2024
  • Podcast

    The Dropped Kick-Off 153 – Schmeal – Les Kiss from a Rose

    April 30, 2025

    The Dropped Kick-Off 151 – did we mention we like the Tahs?

    April 18, 2025

    The Dropped Kick-Off 150 – Angry Italian Hand Gestures 🤌 🤌

    April 10, 2025

    The Dropped Kick-Off 149 – RIP Val Kilmer

    April 4, 2025

    The Dropped Kick-Off 148 – Sprained Ankles and Tah Road Rage

    March 27, 2025
Green & Gold Rugby
Home»Super Rugby»ACT Brumbies»Australian Super 14 Team of week 5
ACT Brumbies

Australian Super 14 Team of week 5

Scott BryantBy Scott BryantMarch 15, 200925 Comments
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr WhatsApp VKontakte Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

MMM - still not injured
MMM - still not injured

1. Benn Robinson (Tahs) – Has gotten the better of his opposite numbers two weeks in a row and shown that he is the number one, no. 1 in the country. More often than not he was scrumming against two opponents, as George Smith would slide up along side the under pressure Brumbies tight-head and actually be in the front row. The ref’s didn’t pick it up but they missed a fair bit, still didn’t stop the Tahs from taking a tight head.

2. Tatafu Polota Nau (Tahs) – A year ago Taffy couldn’t hit the side of a barn with his line-out throws but now looks really comfortable. Had to put in a bit of overtime when he re-appeared after Frier went off with injury. Got the better of Stephen Moore and was still full of running at the end.

3. Laurie Weeks (Reds) – Came up against more than one Springbok front-rower on Saturday night and didn’t wilt under the pressure. He didn’t dominate but then again, wasn’t pushed around either.

4. Will Caldwell (Tahs) – Like Benn Robinson, has dominated his local rivals over successive weeks. The best line-out forward in Australia, it’s sure not his fault the Tahs lost on Friday. I think Nathan Sharpe should be feeling a little nervous.

5. Hugh McMeniman (Reds) – The fact Madness has played the last two weeks is testament to his strength of mind and his character. Single-handedly fixed the Reds lineout this week and created havoc with his defence. Has played three games in a row without injury which for him is an achievement in itself.

6. Scott Higginbotham (Reds) – Got bashed around off the ball a heap by the Sharks so maybe they realised his importance to overall performance of the Reds. Has always been a decent ball runner but is now becoming a far more solid defender. Has the number six spot nailed down which none of the other Australian blind-sides do.

7. George Smith (Brumbies) – His talent abounds…..

8. Tamaiti Horua (Force) – Has been the best for the Force for the last two games. Started at number 6 against the ‘Saders but showed his versatility finishing the game at no. 8. A great ball runner and a legitimate lineout forward. His support play in the second half during the Forces’ comeback was outstanding.

9. Josh Valantine (Force) – Others may play better in spurts, but Valentine is playing the most consistently, and, generally behind a Force pack that is going backwards at a rate of knots. An honourable mention goes to Will Genia’s 50 min effort against the Sharks

10. Matt Giteau (Force) – His talent abounds also….

11. Peter Hynes (Reds) – Was rated by Sharks coach John Plumtree at the after match interviews as the best winger in the competition, that’s a good enough endorsement for me.

12. Berrick Barnes (Reds) – After a few slow weeks at the start of the season, Barnes is now really playing some great rugby. Tackles well, kicks goals, beats defenders, gains ground with kicks, good passing game and alternates between no.10 and inside centre seamlessly – the kind of skills that will probably consign him to being a utility bench player for the Wallabies when he otherwise would probably have been run on.

13. Digby Ioane (Reds) – A winger who looks far better playing outside centre. His best games this season have come when he has shifted to no.13, must be super-fit as his work rate is incredible. The hardest man to tackle in the Super 14 maybe?

14. Lachlan Turner (Tahs) – Not sure what the Tahs can do to get him more ball, but it should be their number one priority (a start might be to get rid of Portley?) Lachie is making the most of his very limited opportunities.

15. Mark Gerrard (Brumbies) – If Gerrado doesn’t get first crack at the Wallaby fullback gig this year then something is seriously wrong. Shows the kind of ability to control a game that is needed of a test match full back.

We are a fan run website, we appreciate your support.

💬 Have you got a news article suggestion? Submit a story and have your say
👀 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.com
🎵 Listen to our Podcasts on Spotify and iTunes
🎥 Watch our Podcasts on YouTube


benn robinson berrick barnes digby ioane george smith hugh mcmeniman mark gerrard matt giteau nathan sharpe peter hynes post match review scott higginbotham stephen moore will caldwell will genia
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr WhatsApp Email
Previous ArticleReds vs Sharks live score
Next Article Genia gets a month off
Scott Bryant
  • X (Twitter)

Mr Consistently Average

Related Posts

Thursday’s Rugby News – the final countdown

May 8, 2025

Tuesday’s Rugby News

May 6, 2025

Thursday’s Rugby News – adults running the show

May 1, 2025

Tuesday’s Rugby News – 29 April 2025

April 29, 2025

<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="1795 https://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/?p=1795">25 Comments

  1. Bobas on March 15, 2009 11:08 am

    Don’t agree with Turner being there. He showed some skills to get that try, but a good winger is never limited in their opportunities.

    Report
  2. Ed on March 15, 2009 12:50 pm

    Think tyrone smith deserves a mention, he has reignited the brumbies backline.

    Report
    • Juan Cote on March 15, 2009 12:52 pm

      He does Ed, but I didn’t think he had near the game Barnes did.

      T. Smith will be a fixture in the Brumbies team in the coming weeks however

      Report
  3. Patrick on March 15, 2009 12:52 pm

    the kind of skills that will probably consign him to being a utility bench player for the Wallabies

    Surely only until the Mortlock era ends?

    Report
    • Juan Cote on March 15, 2009 12:58 pm

      The mortlock era will go on for a while the way he is playing.

      Robbie does like two play makers on the field at the same time so maybe Barnes and Gits will be the new Merts and Mauger?

      Report
      • Patrick on March 15, 2009 4:38 pm

        How strong, after all, does a backline of Gits Barnes Mortlock – Hynes Ioane Gerrard look?

        And it has depth with Barnes backing up Gits, Cooper backing up Barnes, Ioane backing up Mortlock, Mitchell/Turner backing up the back three (and there’s your bench, not even including Smith).

        If nothing else this 3N has made me feel very positive about Australia, much more than the last few seasons.

        Of your forward pack though only Robinson and Smith are automatic picks for an Australian side, although presumably if TPN can keep it up he will be an automatic inclusion in the 22, and McMeninam looks likely.

        Interestingly there are eight changes from your recent Wallaby team, albeit you essentially just promoted your bench. Since most of them were playing in fact against each other, maybe you should revise your starting line-up??

        Report
        • Mark on March 15, 2009 9:03 pm

          Barnes is developing into one of the best insides in the world. He will start there for the Wallabies no question.

          Report
  4. Ed on March 15, 2009 1:27 pm

    not a single tah in the rugbyheaven team of the week. Where has their bias gone?

    Report
    • Bobas on March 15, 2009 8:04 pm

      havent seen em, but makes up for last weeks 10 tahs….

      Report
      • Mark on March 15, 2009 10:13 pm

        The whole ‘winning ugly’ ideology was brutally exposed for the Tahs. They were outplayed all across the park. Their backline was obviously a shadow of the Brumbies and also the Reds. Their forward pack got beaten at the breakdown and allowed Smith and others to run riot. I tend to agree more with the Rugby Heaven TOTW. I think it is probably a bit rich that the list above contains 3 forwards (40% of the pack) from a tahs side that was the only australian side to get thumped on the weekend. Brumbies owned the Tahs in every facet of the game and had half the players selected above? I know you don’t judge individual performances based on the teams results but come on arguing for blanket Tahs representation this week is probably a bit much.

        I thought ben Alexander was awesome. He was everywhere and deserved his rugby heaven spot. Similarly Daley who took it to much better opposition than the tahs faced in the front row and nailed it on debut.

        Report
        • Mark Gerrard on March 16, 2009 10:05 pm

          You cant agree with them leaving me out of the side though…

          Report
        • Gagger on March 16, 2009 11:01 pm

          Thanks for stopping by Gerrardo….

          Report
  5. Gagger on March 15, 2009 10:44 pm

    Just finished watching the Force.

    JC – are you sure about Horua this week? I atually thought he had a bit of a shocker; ran off back of scrum into touch, over-ran Pococks pass, dropped a few and then did the brainfart grubber at the end when the Force had a chance to win it.

    Palu on a bad day (like Saturday) looked better I thought.

    Agree on Gits though. Absolutely fuckin magic. Daniel who?

    Report
  6. CanadianRugby on March 15, 2009 11:41 pm

    No respect for James O’Connor, I thought he was excellent in the Force game. Barnes is currently the better 12, but I think O’Connor should be talked about at least on the bench for the wallabies.

    Also agree about the number of Tahs. The forwards got smashed all around the park. Didn’t think Caldwell was that good, getting pushed around at the breakdown and with the ball.

    Report
    • Juan Cote on March 17, 2009 10:13 am

      I didn’t think the Tahs forwards got smashed, indeed they even took a tight head off the Brumbies.

      Watch for Smith’s work at the scrum to come under scrutiny in the coming weeks. He slides up into the front row and when the Brumbies scrum comes under pressure – like he did a few years ago when Bill Young used to get exposed as a scummaging fraud.

      Report
      • Patrick on March 17, 2009 5:44 pm

        In fairness, he might not be the only flanker in the world to do that!!

        In fact I remember doing exactly that back at school – gets you closer to the halfback as well ;)

        Report
  7. Lance Free on March 16, 2009 3:41 am

    Senor Cote: methinks you’re overcompensating on your selections so that the anti Queensland mob (and Gagger) can’t accuse you of being biased with your choices? The Mighty Horua was far from ‘mighty’ on Saturday – in fact, Houston was the best performed Australian No.8 (well, naturalised Australian, anyway) by a country mile. You’ve acknowledged Genia – he came on fairly early in the piece, and Valentine has a pretty consistent pass (unlike Burgo); however, I thought the former had a terrific match. He was aggressive, took the right options and his support play second to none – another one of those players (like Higgo) who is going forward with each experience…..and more importantly, I’ve never seen him wearing thongs whilst dressed in a suit……can’t say the same about Valentine.

    Report
    • Gagger on March 16, 2009 6:22 am

      LF – Senor Cote does have to tread a fine line and fight off his natural leanings!

      I’ll watch the Reds game (at last) tonight and check out whether it should be an all reds team…..

      Report
      • Patrick on March 16, 2009 1:28 pm

        That kind of fighting natural leanings is exactly what caused me to tip the friggin Tahs, after I went with the natural leanings and tipped the bloody Reds the week before.

        I think I hate the Tahs :)

        Report
        • James on March 16, 2009 9:23 pm

          your not the only one

          Report
        • Juan Cote on March 17, 2009 10:10 am

          Amen to that Paddie….

          Report
    • Juan Cote on March 17, 2009 10:19 am

      Thongs and suits maybe a fashion risk but at least Valo didn’t drop a Jappie flanker on his head and more than likely cop a couple of weeks suspension

      Report
  8. Gagger on March 16, 2009 9:45 pm

    Right, finally managed to see game!

    Gotta admit:

    a) Houston did look pretty damn good – although he’s gotta be able to last more than 50 mins. Ezra didn’t get far.

    b) Lance, think you’re probably right on Genia. Sharp passing, good hussle around rucks and combo with diggers. Although by fuck he was lucky the touchie “forgot” his number after that braindead dump tackle.

    That sure would have put you in a tough spot putting those in as well JC!!

    I’ve got a few questions over Higgenbotham – looks good running but bombed a certain try and seems a bit clumbsy around the tough stuff. Best of a bunch with Mumm and MMM in at lock though.

    Overall, Reds did look sharp. Passes are sticking, they’re backing up well and everyone seems to know what each other’s doing. Very Deans-like. Makes me wonder who much impact he had lobbing up a training or indirectly through the Wallabies.

    Is this being unfair to the Mormon?

    Was a cracker to see the Sharks get rattled. Napoleon Dynamite (Steyn) always drops his bundle.

    Greg Martin though. Please. Calm the farm. It’s becoming nauseating.

    Report
    • Juan Cote on March 17, 2009 10:09 am

      Firm but fair Gagger, that’s my aim.

      Re Marto, his radio show isn’t rating that well so he is doing whatever he can to get noticed, the fact you noticed him proves his strategy is working I guess?!?!.

      He has even sunk to the depths of running against the incumbent Premier of Qld in the upcoming Qld state election (something Lance Free would like to do also)as a means of generating publicity and showed up to a news conference for a high profile candidate from a different electorate with no shirt on, again, something Lance Free would also like to do…

      Re Horua, I thought he battled on well and provided the Force with a great link between backs and forwards. Sure, he did make some errors, but which no. 8 this week didn’t. Also, as you alluded to, he got through 80 mins which no other Aust no. 8 did.

      Report
      • Lance Free on March 18, 2009 12:49 am

        I think Marto must have fancied Pauline Hanson to front up to her press conference semi-nude? Those photos….indeed….even your man-boobs JC would have been bigger than her chest?

        Which political party was it that dumped Little Johnnie’s (Man of Steel) $25 million commitment to redevelop Ballymore as the home of rugby in Queensland…..? Yes, quite….

        Go the Borg – although, to be fair, I have actually had a conversation with him about rugby at a cocktail party once. Unfortunately, not having had the privilege of attending TGS (unlike JC), Laurence didn’t have a clue what I was talking about and it went straight over his head. Not to worry.

        There’s probably not much chance I’d support Botox Bligh – she’s a big-time mungo supporter……along with that Judy Spence hag….trying to defend the indefensible (mungo atrocities)…..bah humbug!

        Report
Latest

Friday’s Rugby News.

May 9, 2025

Lions Squad Named Tonight.

May 8, 2025

Thursday’s Rugby News – the final countdown

May 8, 2025

Yowie on the Loose: almost too much rugby news

May 7, 2025
1 2 3 … 2,595 Next
Latest Super Rugby

Reds top of the pops.

March 29, 2025

More Tahs misery.

March 29, 2025

Super Rugby Round #7: Bye-bye-bye

March 24, 2025

Live: SRP ladder

March 22, 2025
1 2 3 … 790 Next
Latest Six Nations

Six Nations round 4

March 8, 2025

Tree Irish legends call time

February 28, 2025

Frogs flog Italy.

February 24, 2025

Welsh rugby: heartbeat found!

February 23, 2025
1 2 3 … 25 Next
GAGR Podcast
Follow Us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
About Us
About Us

greenandgoldrugby.com is your one stop shop for all things Rugby Union - news, podcasts, opinions, fixtures, events & everything in between.

greenandgoldrugby.com - created by fans of rugby, for fans of rugby.

About
Submit a Story
Authors
Contact
Privacy

Our Picks

Rising rally to overrun Queensland Country

September 4, 2016

Waratahs young leaders to shine

January 18, 2017

Eight ANGRY Observations from tonight’s game

June 18, 2016
New Comments
  • Birdy on Friday’s Rugby News.
  • Birdy on Friday’s Rugby News.
  • Birdy on Friday’s Rugby News.
  • Rod Finnegan on Friday’s Rugby News.
  • Birdy on Friday’s Rugby News.
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Super Rugby
  • Wallabies
  • Podcast
  • Privacy Policy (2023)
© 2025 Ponderosa Publishing Pty Ltd | ABN 76 668 430 386.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.