Week 6 of the Super Rugby gave us the Tahs finishing the Crusaders unbelievable winning streak, the Rebels going down to the Sharks in South Africa and the Reds turning it on against the Brumbies. Check out our team of the week!
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1. James Slipper (Brumbies)
Another very impressive performance. Gave it to Tupou at scrum time and looks hungry around the park. Copped a punch to the back of the head which ended his night early.
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2. Damien Fitzpatrick (Waratahs)
After a bit of an off night last week at lineout, Fitzpatrick was back to his precision throwing, hitting 17/17 lineouts. A nice 9/11 tackles too.
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3. Sekope Kepu (Waratahs)
Looked a lot better this week. Stronger in the scrum, not losing one all night. Also handy around the park with 8/8 tackles.
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4.Jed Holloway (Waratahs)
Was great in open play. 23 run metres with 2 defenders beaten, 1 clean break, an offload, a try and even a lineout steal to help his case for set piece.
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5.Rob Simmons (Waratahs)
Although not always dominate in contact, he is consistently involved. 19/19 tackles and was a huge factor in the Tahs winning all 18 of their lineouts.
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6. Ned Hanigan (Waratahs)
A lot like Simmons in the fact that he isn’t always dominate but is quite often involved. 18/20 tackles and pinched two at ruck time.
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7. Michael Hooper (Waratahs)
Every week that he makes this list I talk about his work ethic and there is a reason why. Another huge defensive effort with a big 22/23 tackles. Had 20 run metres with 3 defenders beaten also.
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8. Angus Cottrell (Rebels)
With plenty of Rebels players rested this week, Cottrell was handed the number 8 jersey to go along side the captaincy. Had a strong showing with ball in hand racking up 38m with 3 defenders beaten. Also made 8/10 tackles.
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9. Tate McDermott (Reds)
After making a great impact off the bench last week, he was handed the starting position and didn’t disappoint. Has an extremely good energy which helps lift his pack. Ended up with a big 54 run metres which included a try.
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10. Bernard Foley (Waratahs)
Finally starting to come back into form. Controlled his team around the park and had a nice kicking game. The cross kick for Newsome which ended in a Folau try was on the money.
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11. Sefa Naivalu (Reds)
A strong showing by the fast Reds winger. Finding the ball a little bit more with 58 run metres with 5 defenders beaten.
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12. Samu Kerevi (Reds)
I don’t know what the Reds would do without him. They played exceptionally well around him this week but they would be half the team they are without his spark in attack. Made a huge 15 runs for 77m which included, 4 defenders beaten, 2 clean breaks, an offload and a great try assist.
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13. Chris Feauai-Sautia (Reds)
With a history of bad injuries, some serious time on the park is doing wonders for Feauai-Sautia. Whether it be at 13 or 14 he is thriving playing outside of Kerevi. 56 run metres including finishing a very nice try.
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14. Cam Clark (Waratahs)
Had a very solid week this week. Made 47 run metres with 2 defenders beaten, 2 clean breaks and a try.
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15. Israel Folau (Waratahs)
Scoring a try to make him the top try scorer in Super Rugby history he was back to top form. 66 run metres, 4 defenders beaten, 3 breaks and a try assist.
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On the fringe of selection:
Fullbacks – Tom Banks, Jack Maddocks and Hamish Stewart all had fine weeks this week. Unlucky that Folau had a class week.
Jack Dempsey – What would have rounded out an all Tahs backrow, Dempsey was heavily involved also with 12 tackles and 23 run metres.
Scott Higginbotham – With the World Cup just around the corner, Higginbotham is trying to make his mark to make the squad. Had a strong showing in attack with 24 run metres, 3 defenders beaten and using strength to get over the line for a meat pie.
Disappointments:
Taniela Tupou – He was looking for more work this week, which is what I want to see but made 4 handling errors and gave away 3 penalties. Wanting a lot more from him.
Michael Ruru – Was given the starting spot this week with Genia being rested. Was trying to overplay his hand and got himself caught out too many times.
Billy Meakes – In what wasn’t too bad of a performance Meakes made 35 run metres and 10/10 tackles. He made a horrible 6 handling errors though.
