A crazy round saw the Tahs upset the Crusaders, the Reds beat the Brumbies, the Chiefs post a massive score and sad news for the soon-to-be-departed Sunwolves.
Here’s the team of the week.
15. Damian McKenzie
It was a difficult choice, as Israel Folau impressed for the Waratahs, but McKenzie was simply brilliant. He set the Chiefs alight, setting up tries at will and kicking nine from ten with the tee.
14. Rieko Ioane
Also a tough decision as Wes Goosen bagged a brace for the Hurricans, but Ioane is back into his stride with the Blues with another two try-haul.
(AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy)
He’s got his confidence back and then some.
13. TJ Faiane
A teenage prodigy, the Aucklander is really hitting his straps now. Was tough with his carries and got the ball singing along the back line.
12. Alex Nankivell
Thrust into the starting line-up at short notice, the Chiefs centre did not waste his chance with a handy brace.
11. Solomon Alaimalo
Another Chief who makes the team. The giant 23-year-old finished with two tries and being such a large human was difficult to put the ground, though he did spend ten minutes in the sin bin.
10. Bernard Foley
Led the Waratahs around the field well and kicked strongly to held notch a massive upset.
(Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
Hat-tip to Beauden Barrett with a try and four goals in a great Hurricanes win.
9. Nic Groom
Had a stormer for the Lions as they toppled the Sunwolves in Singapore. Only small but plays well about his weight. Tate McDermott was also excellent again for the Reds.
8. Daniel du Preez
Was impressive for the Sharks as they saw off the Rebels on home soil. He grabbed his side’s first try – a powerful effort – and was busy in a see-sawing encounter.
Scott Higginbotham also caught the eye in Brisbane.
7. Akira Ioane
OK, he might be more suited to No.8 than blindside, but Ioane is effective wherever he plays. The 23-year-old is having a great season and has the hands of a back but the brute strength of a forward. Big talent.
6. Tom Robinson
Continues to impress with the Blues. The big redhead is emerging as one of the top flankers in the Land of the Long White Cloud, and has some speed to burn too.
5. Brodie Retallick
Captain fantastic Retallick led from the front in the Chiefs’ huge win. He crossed twice and his set piece was excellent in his team’s outstanding effort.
4. Izack Rodda
Stole key line-outs for the Reds and pulled off some punishing hits in defence.
3. Karl Tu’inukuafe
The Blues loose-head had a big impact off the bench and getting his side’s set piece right.
2. Nathan Harris
Massive display for the Chiefs rake, who put on a clinic against the Bulls.
1. James Slipper
Was outstanding at both scrum time and with the ball in his hands, helping set up a lovely Brumbies try. One of the best in a beaten ACT outfit.
Phantom
Roar Rookie
Foley wasn’t even the best Australian 10. He certain wasn’t up to barrett standard either.
AP
Roar Rookie
Can't see how Folyey made this team. Did a couple of good things however the organization of the backline and attack was terrible. Watch the game as see where the Tahs were 22mtrs out and retreated with ball in hand while trying to attack back to inside their own half. This can’t happen in a test or we will be flogged. The ball was getting passed one or 2 out to players standing still and nothing was done at speed. These issues are the 9 and 10’s responsibility.
Robbo
Guest
Yes agree Foley bombed a try and missed two easy goals. Also did not run the ball
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Beale is a massive risk. Fixed that for you James.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
I'd disagree he's better than most. He's better than a few random guest accounts on here say sure. But you'd say the same about Quade too. Jock for example. But Big Dave only sees what he wants.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
You are an diplomat Harry. Wisdom of Solomon there- cut the game in half. Next you will be brokering a peace deal in the Middle East. (Though that may be easier than resolving the WB 10 conundrum.)
pm
Roar Rookie
And am i the only one who thinks Liam Wright should be in the squad? Still a bit green, i get it, but i think there's a lot to like, maybe the post-world cup squad i guess...
pm
Roar Rookie
Those Ioane boys are awesome right now. I think they are going to demolish NH teams who haven't scouted them much come World Cup
pm
Roar Rookie
I like it except I think Beale should be replaced by (hopefully) Petaia); if not - Toomua maybe. I have liked Belae a lot at times but his kicking, and attack in general, seems to have become directionless/non-strategic
pm
Roar Rookie
I think so too, and as someone here mentioned recently (can't remember who, sorry) keeping him as the wallabies starting 7 and protecting Pocock a bit - having him play 20-50 minutes a game as a big impact player off the bench - is probably the smart move. Having said that I really think there has to be a place for Higginbotham, even if he's not as his best, in the Wallabies team right now. He just offers a different dimension to the team at 8
Big Dave
Roar Rookie
But that field goal...
The Slow Eater
Roar Rookie
By all accounts Foley is a really good bloke. That game against England in the 2015 World Cup was sensational. He is simply not up to it now. For many reasons.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Agreed he is better than most say. He does some good things. But he is very limited. I also wish he was better than he is. But it's a moneyball thing. His net position is nt good enough. Like Koroibete - he makes errors that take away from good positions. And they both keep getting picked by Cheika despite them.
Jock the sock
Guest
QCis always the best just like the 2011 World Cup
Big Dave
Roar Rookie
I understand the criticisms and reservations. He isn't as good as I want him to be but nor is he as bad as many make him out to be. If I watch the last game I see two tries from perfectly weighted kicks, nearly got one himself after a great chip and chase (curse that curiously unslippery patch of SCG turf), consistently good, long general play kicking that kept forcing the Crusaders to work their way back. I won't blame him for the Tahs getting too lateral at times because that is as much Gordon (in the second half) and Beale as anything. He had two turnovers, I don't remember them. Defensively he missed a couple. It wasn't a world-beating performance but it was good imo, particularly given he was up against the best team in the comp.
jameswm
Roar Guru
I can only think of 4 automatic picks. 7. Pocock 9. Genia 12. Kerevi 14. Folau Rodda is close. Don't know if this is a good or bad thing.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Larkham was a long way short of flawless. Had horrible kicking game at times (I remember one in the wet at Wales), lost possession in contact, dropped the ball cold several times, hot and cold in defence.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Dave I am a long time Waratahs fan and supporter of Foley. He’s had some good games, like that WC game v England. He’s kicked some big goals, like GF v Crusaders, and WC QF v Scotland. Actually, I think I’m balanced re Foley. A guy here at work knows him well, top guy, very professional I think. But just not good enough, and prvoen over and over to be NGE at international level. We then have people getting carried away by a couple of good things, whilst missing the rest. I’ve offered to re-watch the game and I’ll happily admit if I am wrong. I’d love him to succeed. But he’s a proven poor defender, gets kicks charged down, has a poor long pass, has now lost speed (used to be lightening over 20m), short kick. I don’t see all that changing. If he could get the attack going consistently well, I could live with it. But we’ve lived with his mediocrity for too long I’m afraid. See jeznez below – also a long time Waratah fan, wouldn’t have Foley in the Aussie 23.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Very close to how I see them as well. I’d probably retain Foley over CLL (although I seem to have missed Lealiifano’s best matches) Nard doesn’t make my 23 though.
Big Dave
Roar Rookie
Yeah I get that the Pooper doesn't work but I wish people would make that argument without needing to denigrate Hooper, he's a very good player and he was immense on Saturday.