Here it is – the G&GR writers’ Super Rugby team of the week for round eleven.
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1. James Slipper
Gave Ben Franks a pasting at scrum time, made some handy runs and earned some pilfered ball – all in the first half! James has the gold loose-head jersey sewn up.
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2. Tatafu Polata-Nau
Not only did Tatafu perform well at the set piece, he caused havoc with some blistering runs and bone-crunching defence in the first half.
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3. Sekope Kepu
Played a strong props game, menacing both in the set piece and breakdown. Sekope showed some of his old flanker talent with clever runs around the park. Just pipped Greg Holmes for TOTW honours.
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4. Will Skelton
A good 80min game from the man mountain. Will put his massive frame to good use, sucking in defenders on numerous runs towards the try-line. A scary prospect at full speed for any opposition defence.
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5. Caydern Neville
The two pilfers in the first half, combined with his solid all-round game gets Caydern a spot in the TOTW. Starting to show some promising form.
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6. Sean McMahon
Another workmanlike game for Sean; 10 runs for 49 meters with 7 tackle busts and 9 tackles. A handy time to shine, right under the nose of the Wallaby coach.
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7. David Pocock
Was everywhere around the ground pilfering ball, making runs or supporting ball distribution to the backs. Oh, apparently David scored three tries.
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8. Ben McCalman
Kept good control of the ball behind a shunted pack. Ben made the most of his opportunities with some good runs and solid breakdown work.
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9. Nick Phipps
The quick service from the ruck and scrum base that Nick provided helped drive the up-tempo Waratah game in the first half. Provided good service to Foley all night.
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10. Jack Debreczei
Growing in confidence with every game he plays. Jack kicked three monstrous penalty goals and showed creative fair to set up Inman/Hegarty for the Rebels try.
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11. Nick Cummins
Credit where it’s due; Nick played both 6 and 11 for most of the match, had some good runs and put in a good try-saving tackle late in the match. Perhaps starting to hit some form? .
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12. Kurtley Beale
Proved to be handful for the Rebels defence with some handy runs and good counter attack from the Waratah 22. Kurtley combined nicely with Michael Hooper to set up the Adam Ashley-Cooper try.
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13. Samu Kerevi
Two tries and some handy run, Samu showed class beyond his years against a quality Hurricanes midfield. A potential star of the future.[/one_third]
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14. Henry Speight
A much better player when he has space out wide. Henry scored a try and almost got another under the sticks. A constant menace for the Highlanders.
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15. Jesse Mogg
A smarter kicking game helped to set good field position for the forwards to attack. Glimpses of his brilliant counter attack pace were also on show. Starting to build nicely for the business end of the competition.
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Honourable mentions to:
Every other open-side flanker: Hooper, Gill, Fugilstaller, Reid and Hodgson. All of them made this the flanker’s round!
Jaques Potgieter His defensive work in the first 25 minutes was immense. Clearly a man on a mission to distrupt the Rebels rhythm – and it worked.
Sefanaia Naivalu: Despite the cynical yellow card, Sefanaia caused Betham and Naiyaravoro all sorts of problem out wide. With his great chip-and-run game, who knows what he could so closer in to the action?
