Each week we’ll be looking at the best of the best in Australian rugby and piecing together the top 15 players out of the Aussie Super Rugby sides from the round gone by.
Two wins this week! Four teams, three games and two wins. Australian sides actually won half their games this week, can you believe it?
It wasn’t a great opening to the week with the Force letting in 55 points against the Highlanders to just six of their own.
The Brumbies ground their way past the Kings in Port Elizabeth with a three-tries-to-one 19 to 10 win.
Round 13 came to a close with the Waratahs breaking away in the second half to score a 50 to 23 win over the Rebels.
Spoiler alert, this one is going to be Waratah-heavy.
1. Pekahou Cowan (Force)
One of the very few highlights for the Force in a harsh outing for them against the 2015 Super Rugby champs.
Pekahou Cowan put up fight where few others could, especially against a much more fancied Lander’s pack that dominated for most of the contest.
2. Josh Mann-Rea (Brumbies)
A solid outing from Mann-Rea earns him a spot in the side this week in what was a fairly innocuous round for the hookers.
Strong in the scrum, worked well on the fringes of the ruck defensively and with ball in hand and even snagged a try in the first half thanks to a ripper rolling maul from the Brumbies big men.
3. Allan Ala’alatoa (Brumbies)
Ala’alatoa’s scrummaging and defensive work left a little to be desired against the Kings, but his ball running was a highlight up the guts for the Canberra side on the road.
His powerful legs kept the Brumbies rolling over the advantage line with ball in hand.
4. Dean Mumm (Waratahs)
Yes, Dean Mumm. Rory Arnold might feel a little hard done by with a good outing against the Kings, but it’s Mumm who gets the nod this week.
The 33-year-old brought back some of his old form against the Rebels in what was a very open game, especially in the second half. If he wasn’t threatening the line when he ran, he was breaking it and racking up the running metres.
Not a perfect performance defensively or disciplinary, but one of his better games over a tough couple of seasons.
(AAP Image/NZPA, David Rowland)
5. Will Skelton (Waratahs)
The big man kept himself busy while on the park on Sunday afternoon, using his mammoth frame for the better with some of the more damaging runs in the game.
He even got the chance to show off his wheels when he broke into back play and tried to outrun the ensuing chase.
6. Ned Hanigan (Waratahs)
Hanigan was one of a few real workhorses for the Tahs this week, delivering quality across the park and keeping the Rebels under the pump after a shaky opening to the game.
His ability to break the first tackle was matched by only one other man from either side in a dominant running performance that was backed up with support play and defence.
7. Michael Hooper (Waratahs)
Arguably the performance of the round across all sides, Michael Hooper’s stellar outing against the Rebels was a defining factor in the Tahs’ win on Sunday.
He made the most running metres, line breaks, tackle busts and runs of anyone in the game across both sides, tearing apart the Melbourne defence throughout the game.
His multiple line-breaks helped set up a pair of tries before bagging one of his own off the back of an absolute peach of a counter-attacking movement down the left wing.
8. Amanaki Mafi (Rebels)
Mafi is becoming a very regular name in this list, and for good reason as the Japanese international continues his star-studded season.
Despite an injury scare that saw him clutching at the shoulder, he bounced back in blistering fashion, causing massive headaches for the Waratahs especially out on the fringes.
Some quick thinking off a scrum penalty earned him a five-pointer as well early in the game to give his side the lead.
9. Nick Phipps (Waratahs)
Not the most outstanding performance of all time but steady enough to pip a fairly shallow week for those wearing the No.9 jumper.
Phipps provided solid service and he kept digging around the ruck when the Tahs began to take control of the game. His opening half try was more Bernard Foley than Phipps, but the support play deserved the five points nonetheless.
10. Bernard Foley (Waratahs)
Foley really took control as a running playmaker this week, setting up not only the aforementioned Phipps try but multiple others as the Tahs landed eight tries to three.
He seemed to be everywhere in support and picked his timing in running the pill to near perfection as he looks to find form and the starting Wallaby jumper for the upcoming internationals.
(AAP Image/Daniel Munoz)
11. Marika Koroibete (Rebels)
It would be hard to find a more powerful and damaging winger in Australia at the moment as the former rugby league player continues to find his feet in the 15-man game.
Only Hooper had more running metres than Koroibete, who was given plenty of galloping room out on the left wing throughout the game thanks to a mix of strong ball movement through the centres and pure strength to brush away the fringe defence.
12. Sione Tuipulotu (Rebels)
He came on very early under unfortunate circumstances after the heavy head knock of starting inside centre Reece Hodge, but took his opportunity with both hands.
The 20-year-old has had limited chances on the park since signing with the Melbourne side last season but there’s plenty of potential there, potential that reared its head in Sydney.
Tuipulotu was confident and aggressive with the ball in hand, often breaking the advantage and defensive line whenever he put his weight behind the ball. Just sneaks past David Horwitz for the 12 spot who had a good game but lacked the impact of Tuipulotu.
13. Tevita Kuridrani (Brumbies)
Kuridrani and Henry Speight on the outside have been one of the strongest backline pairings in Australia this season.
The Kings struggled to keep him contained in the second half in particular as he kept finding his way through the line and keeping his side moving forward.
14. Bryce Hegarty (Waratahs)
Hegarty wasn’t on for too long but he made his time worthwhile as the Waratahs jumped away late in the game.
Replacing a struggling Cam Clark out on the wing, he threw himself into the game at a million miles an hour, falling just short of hitting three figures for running metres despite playing half the time of everyone else.
His try after the siren capped off a big night for his side.
15. Israel Folau (Waratahs)
Where has this Folau been all season? The uninterested and out of form Folau that has been hanging around over the past month gave way to someone that looked eager and hungry and put in a performance reminiscent of his debut year in rugby.
He bagged a pair of tries, set up a couple more, made the equal most line breaks and set up just as many. The offloading was unstoppable as was the tackle busts as he continually found a way to poke his nose through the line.
Everything Folau touched in broken play resulted in forward momentum on the counter-attack.
Do you agree with the XV? You’re sporting fans, of course you don’t, so let us know who you think should or shouldn’t be in the side for this week.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
You are right, and and that is a problem, DHP, Hunt, Hodge, Debraczeni, Kellaway, Morahan are all better, full service fullbacks. But Chika's plan calls for an extra #13 at fullback, so those guys get displaced to the wing or ignored. It is almost as though Cheika only watches Tah's and Brumbies games. On the rare occasion that they play the Reds, Rebels or Force, some other players might get noticed. Australia needs Selectors - the 5 SR head coaches and the Wallaby Coaches - that makes 9-10 guys.
MA
Guest
Didn't Foley spend 10min on the sideline?
Cadfael
Roar Guru
He was rucking for the ball not stomping. I.m a Tahs supporter and I had no problem with it.
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
Nice article Connor and as always, you bring in some good selections for us to banter about. :) The two real surprises for me was (a) M.Hooper attacking rucks with some ferocity and even stealing one off the Rebels (who said he wasn't a real #7???) and (b) the limp team effort by the Force 2nd half against a Highlanders team sans Smith brothers and others. Rugby is a tough game. The WA Force were like icarus, flying high after beating the Jaguares then falling in flames against the Highlanders.
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
Well said Sherriff. The one match of B.Hegarty that really caught my eye was when he played fullback about 5-6 weeks ago against one of the NZ teams (My memory is shot, so could be more or less). Injuries forced the Tahs to put Izzy at OC and Hegarty at fb. Some time or another he should be given another match there (SR or NRC), that may be his best position. Hegarty has been given the rough end of the pineapple this year, early on he played 5/8 to cover for B.Foley, but got shafted back to reserves with I.Simone when Tahs leaked tries like a sieve. Although B.Foley played really well, I still think he (and the whole Tahs backline) needs to mix his game a bit more. Straight running with a centre or winger coming in at full pelt at an angle can disorientate a rush defence. Also toss in the occasional short kick over the rush defence and even put up one or two high bombs with organised chasers to ruck anyone who dares to catch the ball. And why the hell they don't put up a bomb to land right on the try line with an airborne Izzy against some hapless defender is beyond me. Worked brilliantly when he was a leaguie, but in 5 years with Tahs and WB, I've only seen it tried 2-3 times.
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
Sadly Piru, your mob didn't. Boy they ran out of gas in that 2nd half. And to add to my displease, I tipped the Force. Humprh! :(
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
G'day Peter, I didn't see all of the Brumbies' match but I agree that J.Powell was really off his game. Mind you I wouldn't burn him at the stake because of a knock-on. N.Phipps did a horrible knock-on off a line-out, his head was turned watching for who to pass to rather than ensuring he caught the damn pill. I thought IC of the Week should have gone to Billy Meekes of the Force; yes his side was flogged but he played a pretty good game apart from one dumb pass off the ground which gave a try between the sticks late in the match. C.Rona also had some good moments, but needs more savvy on defence alignment. I agree with your other comments. A.Alaalatoa ran well but was outmuscled in the scrums and I cannot remember any first-in-the-tackle moments for him. For my money S.Kepu was easily the better player, though its dangerous to compare individuals in two different matches. Dean Mumm is essential to the Tahs for his lineout work, but he really needs a good kick in the K.Pass for his dumb penalties. If he can fix that up, he becomes a very good SR player. Marika Koroibete is starting to look good, but the Rebel's coaching team need to get him to temper his shoulder charge tackles. He tried (and luckily missed) one against B.Hegarty as he scored. They may be fine in Thugby League, but in Rugby he is going to get sent off. W.Skelton plays far better when he has a head of steam and is running onto the ball. He did this against the Rebels and looked way more dangerous than against the Blues. In that match he mostly was standing still as he received the ball and was easily swamped by defenders before he could get any momentum.
Celtic334
Guest
I love Kurindrani as well as Kerevi, but my argument when mates bring up this topic is the following. Kerevi 'could' (i stress could) genuinely be the worlds best 13 one day, Kurindrani although amazing player will never be that worlds best. The Wallabies have only 2 players atm that 'could' (again stress could) be the best player in their position in 3/4 years time. Kerevi and McMahon. The rest could be very good or one of the best, but never will be the best in their position.
Ruffles
Guest
Hello Super Xll !!!! New South Wales 1. Sio 2. Latu 3. Kepu 4. Carter 5. Douglas 6. Dempsey 7. Hooper 8. Timani 9. Gordon 10. Foley 11. Maddocks 12. Meakes 13. Hodge 14. English 15. Beale 16. Fitzpatrick 17. Robertson 18. Michael Ala'alatoa 19. Skelton 20. Holloway 21. Stirzacker 22. Simone 23. Kellaway Queensland 1. Slipper 2. Mafi 3. Tupou 4. Arnold 5. Arnold 6. McMahon 7. Pocock 8. Higginbotham 9. Genia 10. Cooper 11. Perese 12. Magnay 13. Kerevi 14. Folau 15. Hunt 16. Ready 17. Daly 18. Vanzati 19.Rodda 20. Gill 21. Tuttle 22. Mason 23. Placid ACT 1. Toby Smith 2. Silvia Silvia 3. Allan Ala'alatoa 4. Adam Coleman 5. Blake Enever 6. Ned Hanigan 7. Will Miller 8. Curtis Browning 9. Joe Powell 10. Nick Jooste 11. Sefa Naivalu 12. Kyle Godwin 13. Tevita Kuridrani 14. Henry Speight 15. Dane Haylet-Petty 16. James Hanson 17. Tetera Faulkner 18. Sam Talakai/Tyrel Lomax 19. Jarrad Butler 20.Colby Fa'ingaa 21. Ian Prior 22. Tom Banks 23. Marika Koroibete
mattocks
Guest
he will be fullback But he is not, never was and never will be a proper rugby fullback his kicking is poor his positioning in defence as a fullback is poor he is good in the air. put him on the wing, or the bench DHP is by far and away the best fullback in this country, followed by Hunt. Theres a couple who might become good fullbacks but Folau isn't one of them I'll be very surprised if the waratahs win the next two games v Highlanders and Chiefs Whereas the Brumbies should win enough of their remaining games to top the conference Beating the Rebels with all their current injury woes and off field dramas that are incredibly dispiriting is no cause for celebration In fact this whole year for Australian rugby is disheartening. Luckily we can watch the Kiwis who know how to play and as difficult as it is being an Australian rugby fan at least there is still good rugby being played to keep us interested in the game
Jock Cornet
Guest
FOLAU = wallaby15 . No more talk its final .
Paul
Guest
Well given Robertson has an agreement to return to his degree in 2020 if he wishes I don't see what's wrong with him pursuing his dreams. Unless your just the type of person to berate others out of jealously based in your own lack of choices and opportunities
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
I take a deep breath to start my usual anti-Tah's, anti-Hooper anti-Folau rant But this time I don't need to. The guys stepped up and showed that they can play. It was almost like Wallaby selection is just around the corner. I might have gone Ian Prior over Phipps but it was a close race. Without prior's contribution to the Force the result could have been a lot worse. I have been a fan of Hanigan for a while and it was good to see him get some good publicity for a change. Each and every one of Cheika's passengers contributed. I even spotted Hoops in some rucks and Izzy making line breaks, some of which without leading with his elbow. I am not going to go so far as to say they deserve a wallabies Jersey until we see if the can stand up against the Kiwis over the next week or so.
Chasbie
Guest
Mumm,Robertson fancy giving up Medicine his rugby career will be over in 2 years, Horowitz his best game for Tahs, still very poor must be paying for his spot
Hannes
Guest
I thought Coleman played well enough to make the team but it is difficult to shine in a losing side. Unfortunately you had to pick a team and it must have been difficult to find good performance in a weekend like this!
cuw
Guest
Kerevi is just like Cooper - the impact is nullified by the errors . if it was a balance sheet , the final tally will be close to a zero :) Mafi is actually carrying the rubbish - might as well play for the Wolves. LEatch Tui and Mafi for the Wolves plz. with Britz to back up. if only .....
wag
Guest
Connor, the Horrortahs (at home!) could not "sneak past the Kings"!! (to use your terms!) whereas the Brumbies at least beat a non-Aust team AWAY FROM HOME. The Rebels & Force have huge injury tolls --- but I am sure that their best 2 or 3 on the field are better than their NSW counterparts. After all are you not asking for the best INDIVIDUAL performances, - NOT TEAM performances -- aren't you??? Hooper, Foley and Folau are the Waratahs who stood out and deserved to be in your XV. Hegarty, Mumm(!!) Hannigan, Skelton (although better than usual) and Phipps do not deserve their places
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Foley is always excellent at Super level and then is really hot and cold at international level. Folau, just atrocious for the first 12 weeks. Hopefully this great performance sparks something.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
He has a higher impact but these errors make some of it redundant I think.
PeterK
Roar Guru
Kerevi may have a higher error rate but he also has more impact, is more of a threat (has a higher level at his best than Mafi). The reason I would play Kerevi over TK is because Hunt is the 12 in this scenario and they have a good understanding and Hunt is a good defender. If Beale (now out injured) was at 12 I wouldn't play Kerevi at 13.