After the exhillarating game on Saturday night, the TOTW could easily and justifiably be either of the Tahs or the Brumbies teams. Consequently, I am picking my TOTW entirely from that game.
I will go with the Brumbies front row as overall they outpointed the Tahs in both open play and at set piece. Special mention though to Faulkner who put in a stirling effort on both sides of the scrum. Well done.
Similarly, I am going with both the Tahs locks as having the edge in general play and being best at lineout time.
The backrow battle was a beauty. Overall, I think Both Valetini and Samu finished on top of their counterparts, though Seu looks the goods while Harris was a rock. Hooper looked like an old man who knew he wasn't up to the challenge from his new opposite and resorted to cynical play and outright illegality just to stay in the game. So, Brumbies backrow for me.
White/Lolesio clear winners in the halfbacks. Tua had a particularly strong game but is ineligible. Nevertheless, Foketi put in a top class effort and wins the 12 spot. Len Ikitau was imperious in his half a game and did enough to win the spot. Wing places were shared between Nawaqanitawase and Toole while both Muirhead and Pietsch were also very good. Jorgenson was very impressive and has the skills to go all the way to the top, but Wright just bested him over the whole of the game.
So, the TOTW is :
1. Slipper
2. Lonergan
3. Ala'alatoa
4. Holloway
5. Hanigan
6. Valetini
7. Scott
8. Samu
9. White
10. Lolesio
11. Toole
12. Foketi
13. Ikitau
14. Nawaqanitawase
15. Wright