There were some absolutely cracking games of NRC rugby over the weekend. It began with an upset win by Qld Country over their NSW counterparts in the wet on Thursday night and ended with a wonderful free flowing match between the Sydney Stars and Greater Sydney Rams. Plenty of action, plenty of stars – but who stood out? Well here’s our TOTW for Round 6.
[one_third last=”no”]
1. Allan Alaalatoa (Canberra Vikings) – 3 TOTW appearance
Alaalatoa is back for his third appearance in the TOTW after leading the way in his team’s 63-37 defeat of the North Harbour Rays. The Vikings didn’t have it all their own way, but AA was a monster across the park, particularly in the scrum. Sef Fa’agase was excellent at LHP for QLD Country as well in tough conditions.
[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]
2. Alex Mafi (Queensland Country ) – 1
This was 19 year old Mafi’s first NRC start for the season and you couldn’t get more challenging conditions. Whilst it was a tough night for lineout throwing, Mafi lead a massive scrumming perfomance and was strong around the field.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes”]
3. Taniela Tupou (Queensland Country) – 1
Another 19 year old front rower making his NRC starting debut for Queensland Country. The much scrutinised prop was the official Man of the Match and deservedly so. He was massive in the scrum, huge in defence and dangerous ball in hand, scoring his third try in three games. What a prospect. [/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]
4. Phil Potgieter (Queensland Country) – 1
The rugged Toowoomba product stepped up from colts rugby last year into Premier Grade at UQ and has caught the eye in the NRC. His high work rate and physical play was perfect for the conditions found in Newcastle last Thursday night, where his opposite Sam Louisi was also strong.
[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]
5. Tom Staniforth (NSW Country Eagles ) – 1
In a match made for tight forwards, a number of them stood up. Staniforth was one of those players. He hit hard in the tackle and was busy at the ruck, but his running game was particularly effective in the mud. [/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes”]
6. Kane Koteka (Perth Spirit) – 1
Koteka has been one of the Spirit’s very best since debuting for them in the first round last year. On the weekend he was central to Perth’s dominance at the ruck, against a highly fancied Rising backrow, which allowed his team to run away with an impressive 31-21 victory over last year’s Minor Premiers.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]
7. Jarrad Butler (Canberra Vikings) – 1
The Vikings skipper is such an impressive individual. As captain he was central to reinvigorating this team’s culture during the off-season, which has seen a dramatic turnaround in on-field performance. He’s lead the way on the park as well marshalling his team superbly and enjoying his time at the back of a dominant pack. Richard Hardwick, from the Spirit, was excellent as well and unlucky to miss selection.
[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]
8. Ita Vaea (Canberra Vikings) – 4
Four caps in six weeks, is a pretty good indication of Vaea’s current form for the Vikings particularly when you factor in Canberra’s first round bye. He was at it again on the weekend causing plenty of headaches for the Rays. With Wycliff Palu expected to fly home from the RWC, surely Ita is set for a call up?[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes”]
9. Mitch Short (NSW Country Eagles) – 1
Injuries to first choice 9s, Michael Dowsett and Jock Merriman, have given Short the chance to show his wares and show them he did in outrageous conditions last Thursday night. So good was his performance that he came agonisingly close to being named Man of the Match, despite being in the losing team. Marshalled his pack well and sniped dangerously, Short is the TOTW scrumhalf in a week where any of James Tuttle, Josh Holmes, Joe Powell or Ryan Louwrens could have got the gig. [/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]
10. Christian Lealiifano (Canberra Vikings) – 1
The Vikings are relishing the Wallaby snubbing of Lealiifano and whilst the man himself would no doubt prefer to be in the UK, he looks to be loving his rugby at the moment. Whilst his pack remains dominant, Lealiifano is orchestrating everything in the backs and freeing up opportunities for all backline players outside him.
[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]
11. Brad Lacey (Perth Spirit) – 1
Lacey, an Australian Under 20 winger this year, made an impact on the game early with a try saving tackle on former Wallaby Dom Shipperley. It was a massive play as were his two tries later in the first half. Lacey has many fans in the west waiting for him to get his Super Rugby chance. This match showed why. Rays speedy winger John Porch scored two tries and showed off his lightning pace in an eye catching game against the Vikings.
[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes”]
12. Kyle Godwin (Perth Spirit) – 1
Godwin has been slowly building in confidence and form and this weekend gone we saw him back to his best. The skilful and powerful inside back was in the midst of everything for the Spirit side, and was one of the few 12s to get the better of the Rising’s Lloyd Johansson this season. Reece Hodge of the Rays was also very good for his team as they took the game to the Vikings early. [/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]
13. Ed Stubbs (NSW Country Eagles) – 1
This was not a match for outside backs to stand out in, which is perhaps why Stubbs’ performance caught the eye. The conditions meant that the old heads needed to step up and Stubbs’ experience was evident as he worked tirelessly for the Eagles. It wasn’t enough to get the win, but enough to gain him his first TOTW cap.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]
14. Harry Jones (Sydney Stars) – 3
Harry Jones scored a hat trick of tries at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday leaping to the top of the NRC Try Scorers list and again demonstrating his wonderful finishing skills. It’s a rare thing for wingers to win Man of the Match awards but Jones’s three tries and overall class was enough to secure it for him this weekend. His ability to perform week to week, win or lose, must have Tah officials smiling.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes”]
15. Jonah Placid (Melbourne Rising) – 1
Placid is one of the most elusive players in the NRC and it was there for all to see in Perth on the weekend. Whilst his side was largely outgunned across the park against the Spirit, Placid was a constant danger all day long. He scored the last try of the match, handling twice in the movement, and while it was too little too late for his team, it was reward for a classy showing.
[/one_third]
