The GAGR Super Rugby Team Of The Week – Round Three

Team of the Week

Here it is – the G&GR writers’ Super Rugby team of the week for round 3.

[one_third last=”no”]

1. Toby Smith

Scrummaged well against a wallaby incumbent and contributed to a few team penalty wins at scrum time.  Pips Scott Sio for TOTW due to his higher work rate around the paddock.[/one_third][one_third last=”no”]

2. Stephen Moore

A solid return for Squeaky.  Good service at scrum and lineout time and will get back to his best soon.  Outshone his opponent in all aspects of the game. [/one_third][one_third last=”yes”]

3. Sam Talakai

Strong performance from the tight-head Prop.  Dominated his Highlanders opponent at scrum time and provided good mobility at the breakdown for  such a big man. [/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]

4. Luke Jones

Played a strong forwards game, taking the ball over the advantage line, solid scrumming and almost scoring a try in his 50^th Super Rugby Cap.  Nice nose job too[/one_third] [one_third last=”no”]

5. Rory Arnold

Solid performing in the lineout and in the tight.  His work in the tight at scrumtime helped set the solid platform for the Brumbies to dominate the maul. [/one_third][one_third last=”yes”]

6. Scott Fardy

Was a menace at the breakdown and played some smart rugby to upset the Rebels momentum.    Solid at the set piece. [/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]

7. Jarred Butler

Scored a good try off some industrious Brumbies forwards play.  Typically found at the bottom of a breakdown, were you would like to see most Flankers.  Great all round performance [/one_third][one_third last=”no”]

8. Ben McCalman

He toiled hard in a well beaten pack, providing both grunt in attack and defence.  Only real forward to look threatening with ball in hand.  Higgers misses this week for a yellow cad (albeit unlucky).[/one_third][one_third last=”yes”]

9. Will Genia

An industrious effort by the Reds scrummy.  Made some good runs and provided good service to O’Connor.  Close to scoring  a cheeky try after some lazy Highlanders work at the scrum.  Perhaps starting to rediscover his form that made him arguably the best nine in the world.   [/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]

10. James O’Connor

First games in Reds colours and he didn’t disappoint.  Steered the team well, linking with the backs at key moments and put the gas on for a good 60m run.   Will become very comfortable in the Reds backline this year.  [/one_third][one_third last=”no”]

11. Chris Feauai-Sautia

Had some good linking runs with Will Genia to give the Reds good field position, especially in the first half.  Made some good hits on the Highlanders and toiled well in a losing team.[/one_third][one_third last=”yes”]

12. Christian Lealiifano

Had a  good game with the boot and made some good runs in the second half to set of good field position.   Hopefully the kicking yips stay away come Wallaby time.[/one_third][one_third last=”no”]

13. Tevita Kuridrani

Industrious play with Jarrad Butler to put down the ‘try’ that set up the Brumbies in the first half.  Defended like a beast and very little got past him.  The hit of Naivalu was a bell ringer.[/one_third][one_third last=”no”]

14. Dom Shipperly

Dom made some solid metres in the wet with limited ball, defended well and managed to keep Joe Tomane relatively quiet.  Used his experience at key points in the match, including after the siren to keep the rebels in it.[/one_third][one_third last=”yes”]

15. Mike Harris

Solid effort with the boot scoring 15 points.  Smart mix of runs and kicks kept Robbie Coleman guessing.  He is starting to form as a good play maker pairing with Jack Debreczeni. [/one_third]

Special mentions to: Scott Sio, Sean McMahon, Ita Vaea, Nathan Charles and James Slipper.

Probably the first and only time I’ll ever get to pick a GAGR team of the week without a single Waratah.  As a Mexican, it felt good!