The second round of Super Rugby kicked off this week with the Reds going down in an inspired effort away to the Highlanders in Dunedin, the Waratahs scraping past against the Sunwolves and the Brumbies notching up a half century against the Chiefs. Here is my Wallaby Watch Team of the Week.
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1. James Slipper (Brumbies)
Second week on the trot where Slipper has proved a handy signing for the Brumbies. 7/7 tackles and 4 runs for 4 metres. Did give away a penalty at scrum time but the Brumbies pack won 9/9 scrums on their own feed.
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2. Damien Fitzpatrick (Waratahs)
One of the only small shining lights of the Waratahs this week. He hit 100% of his 9 lineouts as well as racking up a whopping 68 run metres in his 4 clean breaks. Gets the spot for his accuracy at lineout time.
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3. Alan Ala’alatoa (Brumbies)
Done enough this week as no other Australian THP stood up. 4/4 tackles but did give away two penalties.
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4. Izack Rodda (Reds)
Playing for his father this week who sadly passed away, Rodda played an inspired performance which included 12/13 tackles and 8 runs for 20m. Some beautiful support play let him finish a scintillating try from the Reds.
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5. Rory Arnold (Brumbies)
Some nice grunt work from Arnold this week. 6/6 tackles and helped put the Brumbies on the front foot.
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6. Angus Scott-Young (Reds)
Pipped Valetini this week with a big defensive effort. Couldn’t look past his 17/19 tackles.
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7. Liam Wright (Reds)
Another who contributed hugely in the defensive line, Wright made 12/12 tackles. Also stole one at lineout time.
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8. Caleb Timu (Reds)
To cap off an all Reds backrow. Timu made 16/16 tackles and 5 runs for 22m.
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9. Moses Sorovi (Reds)
The Reds halfback was tidy around the ruck only making one handling error and directing play well. Making 34 run metres with his excellent support play managing to set up a try and snatching one for himself.
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10. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies)
Winding back the clock he put his name back in Wallaby selectors mouths this week with an incredible attacking performance. 60 run metres, 3 defenders beaten, 2 clean breaks, an offload and two try assists. Also kicked a handy 5/6 conversions.
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11. Chance Peni (Brumbies)
After getting the opportunity to start this week due to injuries, he took the most of his chances finishing off two nice tries. Made 67 run metres from 6 runs.
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12. Samu Kerevi (Reds)
Looked dangerous every time he touched the ball. 13 runs for 76 metres with 2 clean breaks, 5 defenders beaten and 2 offloads. Seemed comfortable being able to distribute the ball. .
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13. Jordan Petaia (Reds)
Managed to knock up a ton for run metres at 103m from 10 runs. Topped the defenders beaten category for the Reds at 7.
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14. Andy Muirhead (Brumbies)
Played a nice supporting role in the Brumbies attack this week. 57 run metres with 4 defenders beaten, a clean break and 3 offloads.
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15. Tom Banks (Brumbies)
How was that try?! Topping off an all Brumbies back 3, Banks played an integral part in the Brumbies backline tearing apart the Chiefs. 80 run metres, 6 defenders beaten and 3 clean breaks.
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On the fringe of selection:
Tevita Kuridrani – Another very solid week from the Brumbies 13. 5/5 tackles, 62 run metres with 2 defenders beaten and 4 clean breaks.
The rest of the Brumbies forwards – Fainga’a, Carter, Valetini, McCaffrey and Cusack put in a extremely good effort to put the Brumbies backline on the front foot and were deadly with their rolling maul. This was more of a group effort than individual standouts.
Israel Folau – Picking up 2 tries and 96 run metres is unlucky but got overshadowed by Banks.
Disappointments:
Harry Johnson Holmes – After a promising week 1, Johnson Holmes had a decent showing with 4/4 tackles and 22 run metres. Sadly his performance was dampened by giving away 2 scrum penalties against a weakened Sunwolves pack.
Kurtley Beale – Coming back into the side after being rested round 1, Waratahs fans were expecting Kurtley to light up Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium. He scored a try after collecting a wayward kick and also brought up 55 run metres. His attack was far too lateral and often dragged the defence across with him cutting down space on the outside.
Bernard Foley – Another week where Bernard Foley has been completely outclassed by Australian flyhalves. 6/10 tackles and only kicking 2/4 conversions.
