A blockbuster Round 2 saw the Brumbies decimate the Chiefs, the Crusaders stay unbeaten, the Jaguares get their first win of 2019, the Waratahs edge the Sunwolves and more.
Here is the team that stood out.
15. David Havili – The fullback cut the Hurricanes to ribbons and barely put a foot wrong. Israel Folau was also strong for the Waratahs with two tries against the Sunwolves, taking his all-time tally to 58.
14. Chance Peni – The rookie showed a clean pair of heels and a flair for finishing and support play in the Brumbies’ big night. He gets the nod ahead of livewire Crusaders flyer Manasa Mataele.
13. Tevita Kuridrani – The Wallaby was back to his best at GIO Stadium on Saturday night. He ran some lovely lines, his passing game was on and did not shirk in defence. A brace was a worthy reward in the Brumbies’ huge win.
12. Ryan Crotty – A classy performance from the Crusaders and All Blacks veteran. He never lets you down.
11. SP Marais – Normally a fullback, Marais kicked five goals to help the Stormers to a last-gasp win over the Lions. His cool kicking kept them in the match.
10. Christian Lealiifano – He threw back the years and sparked the Brumbies annihilation of the Chiefs. Everything Lealiifano threw at them worked, as he nailed kicks from the sideline and cut the defence to shreds with shrewd passing and elegant ball-running. He just gets in ahead of Josh Ioane and Richie Mo’unga.
Christian Lealiifano. (AAP Image/David Moir)
9. Moses Sorovi – The Reds 9 was outstanding against the Highlanders with quick service and smart service. He scored a try, set up others and keep the Queensland rucks moving. A standout in a losing team.
8. Whetu Douglas – In a team of stars and big-names, Douglas stood up. Back with the Crusaders after two seasons playing in Italy, the 27-year-old was unafraid to get his hands dirty and do the tough stuff.
7. Matt Todd – Another outstanding performance from the Canterbury skipper, who was a menace at the breakdown in his best David Pocock-like imitation. Just beats Blues flanker Dalton Papalii to the position.
6. Shannon Frizzell – The flanker had a hand in everything in the Highlanders’ tight win. Apart from two tries, Frizzell’s power and strength was hard for the Reds to handle. Makes it in front of Brumbies forward Liam McCaffrey.
5. Quinten Strange – Another Crusader who enjoyed a dominant night. At nearly two metres tall and 112 kilograms he made his presence felt both at the lineout and in open play.
4. Scott Barrett – The All Black crossed twice and tackled himself hoarse in the Crusaders’ victory. At 25 he seems just to get better and better.
3. Owen Franks – Works hard across the park and remains a weapon in the set-piece for both his province and his country. At 31 he’s still getting the job done.
2. Armand van der Merwe – Another strong afternoon for the Sharks hooker, which continued another try. van der Merwe is making a name for himself as a regular try-scorer.
1. James Slipper – the Wallaby engineered a complete scrum demolition of the Chiefs. A powerhouse evening from the ACT prop. Pips inclusion in front of Joe Moody.
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