Round 18 was the last of the regular season and it wasn’t a good one for some of our Australian teams. The Waratahs got spanked by the Highlanders, the Rebels did even worse against the Cheifs and the Brumbies put on a strong display to put away the Reds. Enjoy our last Super Rugby team of the week for the 2019 season!
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1. Scott Sio (Brumbies)
It was a hundredth game to remember for Sio who was part of a strong scrum and got through 9 tackles.
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2. Folau Fainga’a (Brumbies)
The Brumbies hooker has the put his name on Wallabies number 2 jersey and had another strong performance this week. He ran 10 times making 15m and 2 clean breaks.
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3. Allan Alaalatoa (Brumbies)
Along with Sio, Alaalatoa contributed to a strong scrum and also made 7/8 tackles.
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4. Rory Arnold (Brumbies)
It’s a shame Arnold is headed overseas as this has probably been one of his strongest in Australia. He stole one at lineout time, made 7/7 tackles and used his enormous arms to dot down a 5 pointer.
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5. Sam Carter (Brumbies)
The usual workhorse shift from Carter with a little bit more punch. Got through 9 strong tackles.
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6. Angus Scott-Young (Reds)
Starting at number 8, the Reds backrower was shifted to 6 when Salakaia-Loto went off with a head knock. He put in a strong effort making 13/13 tackles.
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7. Jahrome Brown (Brumbies)
Not even expecting a run this season, Brown turned into one of the Brumbies best. This week he ended with 15/16 tackles and 3 runs for 11m.
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8. Isi Naisarani (Rebels)
One of the only Rebels that looked like he wanted to be there this week. Outside of giving away a penalty, he didn’t step a foot wrong. He made 13/13 tackles and got through an enormous amount of work with ball in hand making 17 runs for 75m.
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9. Joe Powell (Brumbies)
Solid service and starting to get a bit more confidence and running with ball in hand more often with 4 runs for 15m. Has his name on the Wallabies reserve halfback spot.
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10. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies)
Lealiifano is doing all he needs to do. He doesn’t overplay his hand and that was the case again this week. He distributed well, cleared well, distributed when he needed to and even made a few little runs.
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11. Tom Wright (Brumbies)
I think Wright has found his position in Rugby. He looked completely at home this week and killed it. He has scary good footwork and is strong into contact. He ran for 124m beating 4 defenders with 3 clean breaks. He also got his name on the score sheet with a great intercept try.
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12. Samu Kerevi (Reds)
The Brumbies had planned to stop Kerevi and it worked to an extent. He didn’t have the influence he would have liked to have but still managed 15 runs for 48m. He beat 5 defenders on the way and made 2 clean breaks.
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13. Tevita Kuridrani (Brumbies)
Another strong performance by Kuridrani this week. Made 8 tackles and ran for 33m. One of those strong carries lead to a try for the Brumbies.
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14. Jock Campbell (Reds)
Another good performance from Campbell. One of the Red’s best in attack. He ran for 73m from his 9 runs.
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15. Tom Banks (Brumbies)
Has been huge for the Brumbies this season and made a huge 140m this week. He had 4 defenders beaten with a clean break and 2 offloads.[/one_third]
On the fringe of selection:
Bryce Hegarty – Another change of scenery has been great for Hegarty. He had another strong showing with 64 run metres with 3 defenders beaten and 2 clean breaks. He also kicked 4/4 with the boot.
Liam Wright – I look forward to watching him in future seasons because this kid is a star. Not one that is too flashy but gets through a ton of work. He made 13/14 tackles and scored a 5 pointer.
Billy Meakes – Did the best he could with what was on offer. Made 13/13 tackles and 25 run metres.
Disappointments:
The Rebels and the Waratahs – What else can you say about these teams except for that they were disappointing. The Waratahs have been poor all season and who knows what has happened to the Rebels in the past month. This week wasn’t that different with the Waratahs losing by 37 points and the Rebels losing by 51 points. The players who are looking to represent Australia need to pick up their game or Australia could be in for some serious problems.
