Jack O’Rourke picks G&GR’s Team of the Week for Round 3
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1. Angus Wagner – Force
Bit of a smokey for this week’s loosehead position. Got around the park well and didn’t take a backward step against Tupou. Shoutout to Tom Robertson who made a return from injury for his first Super Rugby AU game.
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2. Tom Horton – Tahs
Impressive on debut, and managed to nab a try for his efforts. A part of a Tahs scrum that stuck it to the Brumbies pack.
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3. Taniela Tupou – Reds
Another strong performance from the Tongan Thor. Got on the highlight reel again for some big hits and a close-range try, and managed 6 runs for 29 metres and 3 tackle busts.
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4. Ned Hannigan – Tahs
Had a much better game in the lock position. Was a part of a Tahs lineout that troubled the Brumbies all night, and stepped up the aggression in both defence and attack.
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5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – Reds
Looks to be taking on a leadership role in the Reds pack, and definitely put in the hard yards with 13 carries for 70 metres, and 12 tackles.
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6. Rob Valetini – Brumbies
Looking very impressive in the no.6 jersey. Bent the advantage line on numerous occasions and scored a very important try for the Brumbies. Wallabies stocks are looking good in the blindside department.
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7. Tom Cusack – Brumbies
Tireless work rate from the backrower. Scored a try, had 14 carries and 12 tackles, and won a couple of turnovers to boot.
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8. Brynard Stander – Force
The Bull gets through some work, and was a part of an impressive backrow that kept the Reds young trio honest. A determined defensive effort cemented him as the G&GR POTW.
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9. Tate McDermott – Reds
Arguably the form halfback in the Super Rugby AU competition. Looked good with ball in hand sniping off the ruck, and is forming a nice partnership with James O’Connor.
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10. Will Harrison – Tahs
Solid performance in a losing side. controlled the game well, and had some touches of brilliance, including a great cross-field kick for the James Ramm try. Scored 13 points off the boot.
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11. Filipo Daugunu – Reds
The Fijian flyer was a walking highlight reel with some tackle busts, try scoring and some impressive defensive hits. Busted out the goosey for his 45th minute try. To cap it off, he charged down a Jono Lance conversion in a critical moment in the game.
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12. Irae Simone – Brumbies
Took on the playmaking role when Lolesio limped off with a hamstring injury in the 33 minute mark. Was solid in defence with 12 tackles, and is putting his hand up as the front runner in the inside centre position.
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13. Joey Walton – Tahs
Shifting to outside centre, Walton looked unfazed, making 17 tackles, and only missing one. Kept the K-Train relatively quiet.
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14. Byron Ralston – Force
The kid has some serious jets. he is on a try-scoring tear at the moment, with another two tries this week, including a 80-metre intercept where he skinned Daugunu. I’m not saying he should be a Wallabies bolter but … well, yes, I am.
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15. Jock Campbell – Reds
Took over the starting fullback jersey from Bryce Hegarty and made it count. On a weekend when all the Super Rugby AU fullbacks played pretty well, Campbell nabbed a try, was solid under the high ball and put in a good defensive shift.
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Thoughts? Opinions? Derisive comments?
