- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Round 7 saw the Rebels down the Reds at Suncorp, the Crusaders bounce back, the Bulls beat the Stormers and the Sunwolves stunningly shock the sloppy Waratahs in Newcastle.
Here’s the players that stood out.
15. David Havili
Scored twice in the Crusaders’ win over the Hurricanes. Is having a fantastic season at the South Island club. Makes it in front of Damian McKenzie, who again was impressive.
14. Jack Maddocks
Grabbed a brace and made three tackle busts at Suncorp. Has eight tries for 2019 and simply has to be in the Wallaby squad in three months’ time. Maddocks has a potent mix of height and speed, and has become a pure finisher.
13. Jesse Kriel
Scored a try in the Bulls’ result over the Stormers. Gets in ahead of the mulleted Crusader Jack Goodhue.
12. Ma’a Nonu
There’s still life in the old dog. The All Blacks veteran ran rings around the Stormers and combined well with Sonny Bill Williams.
(Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)
11. Semisi Masirewa
Was electric for the Sunwolves against the Tahs. Crossed for a hat trick with an expert display of finishing.
10. Hayden Parker
Gets in just ahead of Richie Mo’unga because of his calm display and leadership for the Sunwolves in their historic win. Parker is also one of the best kickers in Super Rugby for years. Almost perfect with the tee.
9. Brad Weber
Helped the Chiefs topple the Jaguares with a solid performance that included a try assist. Nudges in front of Will Genia to make the line-up.
8. Duane Vermeulen
Had a ding-dong battle with opposite number Dan du Preez. Was outstanding at the breakdown, winning two turnovers to help the Bulls win.
7. Angus Cottrell
A real leader unafraid to get his hands dirty. Was strong in defence and gets through a hell of a lot of work. One of the reasons the Rebels are top of the Aussie conference.
6. Hendrik Tui
One of the Sunwolves’ best in their awesome win. The Aucklander has silky skills for a big man and always keeps defences guessing with his offloading ability.
5. Sam Whitelock
The Crusaders veteran was back to his best to help Cantebury bounce back to form. Might be 30 but still playing with all the dash and daring of a 20-year-old.
(MARTY MELVILLE/AFP/Getty Images)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu
Made it personal against Stormers enforcer Eben Etzebeth. Was great to watch, as the Blues man was on a mission to dominate the Springbok physically.
3. Nepo Laulala
Back from injury and just keeps on getting better. The Chiefs tight-head was excellent at scrum-time and surely the superb scrummager will be wearing black again at the upcoming World Cup.
2. Anaru Rangi
Doesn’t usually get a lot of plaudits but the quiet achiever just goes about his business with minimal fuss. A dependable line-out thrower, Rangi barged over for a try against the Reds in another strong evening’s work.
1. Tendai Mtawarira
Age does not weary him, nor the years condemn the Beast. He might turn 34 later this year but Mtawarira is just as powerful and tough to stop as when he debuted in 2007. One-hundred-and-sixteen kilograms of pure muscle.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.