Here it is – the G&GR writers’ Super Rugby team of the week for round 17.
With four Aussie sides having round 17 to themselves, who makes this week’s team?
NOTE: Reds not included in this round as they weren’t playing in the Super Rugby competition
[one_third last=”no”]
1. Scott Sio
Well and truly deserving of a Wallaby squad call-up with another strongattacking game. Also showed outstanding mobility to make 11 tackles and consistently disrupt opposition ball at the breakdown.[/one_third] [one_third last=”no”]
2. Siliva Siliva
Siliva slotted in aslmost seamlessly for Wallaby Moore. Threw well in lineouts, provided some damaging running and maintained the strong Brumbies scrum. [/one_third] [one_third last=”yes”]
3. Ruan Smith
In only 40 minutes this week added a real attacking spark for the Brumbies, stepping up with a number of powerful runs.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]
4. Will Skelton
Pushed into the starting line-up and had an immediate impact. Showed a good workrate and some huge shots in defence.[/one_third] [one_third last=”no”]
5. Sam Carter
Another playing latching onto opportunity, Carter showed great toughness to make some hard metres in tight and provided an important line-out option. [/one_third] [one_third last=”yes”]
6. Lopeti Timani
Got through a mountain of work this week, constantly putting his hand up for hit-ups. Proved very hard to bring down, giving the Waratahs fast ball all day.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]
7. Colby Faingaa
Scored a tremendous individual try, running straight through the Rebel’s defence. Added a number of effective carries and a heavy defensive workload in a stand-out performance this week. [/one_third][one_third last=”no”]
8. Peter Kimlin
MOTW. Really shined in the absence of Ben Mowen, adding some great runs and increased involvement at line-out time to his effective breakdown work. Absolutely magic offloads, especially his pass to put Speight in the clear. [/one_third][one_third last=”yes”]
9. Alby Mathewson
In a quiet week for halfbacks, Matthewson was constantly probing around the ruck to challenge the Waratah’s defence. Added a number of accurate box-kicks to pressure the back three. [/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]
10. Matt Toomua
Toomua demonstrated his pinpoint long-range kicking game vital in winning the field position battle in Nic White’s absence. Also showed great management skills and put Rathbone in the clear for both of his tries [/one_third] [one_third last=”no”]
11. Peter Betham
Almost unstoppable to bring down this week, making huge metres with his slicing runs. Also unveiled an unexpected pair of booming and accurate kicks. [/one_third][one_third last=”yes”]
12. Kyle Godwin
Despite the Force inexplicably denying Godwin the ball for the most of the game, he still showed great class at every opportunity, putting his teammates in space with some great passes, defending stoically and scoring a long-range try from some good support play. [/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]
13. Mitch Inman
A number of strong runs for Inman, consistently getting the Rebels over the ad-line.[/one_third][one_third last=”no”]
14. Henry Speight
Was given limited ball this week but demonstrated his trademark explosive running when given the chance. Beat two Rebels players with ease for a great try. [/one_third][one_third last=”yes”]
15. Drew Mitchell
Linked up very well in the backline this week, creating space for the Waratahs opening tries with some elusive running. [/one_third]
