This round we had the Brumbies beaten in Buenos Aires, the Bulls edged, the Chiefs blitzed and the Sunwolves spanked.
These are the players that made their mark.
15. Jordie Barrett
A two-try haul doesn’t show just how good Barrett was for the Hurricanes. The fullback – like his two brothers – is simply electric. How good is the Barrett DNA? Tom Banks was also very good in a bad night for the Brumbies.
14. Sevu Reece
Continues his great 2019. Claimed another two tries for the Crusaders, showing his full skill set of pace, power, vision and athleticism. A top talent.
13. Braydon Ennor
Another Crusader in the mix and it’s not hard to see why, considering their 36-10 win. Filling in for Jack Goodhue, Ennor was outstanding.
12. Anton Lienert-Brown
Was brilliant in a beaten team. Kept the imposing Ngani Laumape quiet and was an offloading machine.
11. George Bridge
A brace for the 24-year-old, who has been a real find for the Crusaders.
10. Domingo Miotti
Another quality display from the Argentine. Has a good kicking game and his decision-making was on song.
9. Tomas Cubelli
Scored one and set up another as he helped the Jaguares down his old team. A quality scrum-half.
8. Dan du Preez
The Sharks man put on a clinic against the Waratahs. Crusaders veteran Kieran Read was also very effective for the South Island side.
(AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy)
7. Ardie Savea
Savea is becoming a regular in the team of the round. His all-action displays make him a constant threat.
6. Luke Whitelock
The Highlanders big man was exceptional in the Otago outfit’s huge win. Tackled himself into the ground.
5. Jackson Hemopo
Like Whitelock, Hemopo was brutally effective against the Sunwolves. Gets around the field well and is great in the air come line-out time.
4. Tom Franklin
Another Highlander who got the job done. He and Hemopo make a powerful second-row combination.
3. Tyrel Lomax
Becoming a regular fixture in this team. Scored a try and again scrummaged strongly. A future All Black in the making.
2. Agustin Creevy
Outstanding at the breakdown and strong in the tackle. Adds real steel to the Jaguares pack.
1. Fraser Armstrong
Led the Hurricanes’ front row well in their demolition of the Chiefs. Only in his second season of Super Rugby but is making his presence felt.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Yep CUW, I do think that Naholo, will be back this coming weekend. I wouldn't dismiss him, as he is a very good striker when in form. I still reckon Shag, will take Ma'a to the RWC in September, as he would be a tremendous asset in more ways than one. The only thing that might stop him, heaven forbid, is injuries.
Fionn
Guest
James I really like your team, but I personally wouldn’t have Maddocks in the 23. Not that fast, not that elusive, not that strong through contact, clueless about when to pass and when to go to ground and incredibly soft in defence (imagine him marking Reiko). Great attacking vision, great under the high ball, pretty quick, excellent ball skills, huge future, but he isn’t and won’t ever be a wing. I think that’s Naivalu’s wing spot. Ultra quick, powerful and strong in defence. Doesn’t have a great step, but is an excellent finisher. And is better at Wallaby than sieor level.
Wally
Guest
Had a laugh, but the sad thing is Wadsy, I think you have nailed his selections!
Wal
Roar Guru
Comments re Havilli came from Brad Mooar the Crusaders assistant coach. And only as a 3rd string cover instead of taking 3 10's to the RWC. Aussie in 2015 and NZ in 2011 only took 2 10's in the 31 man squads. If the worst was to happen Perenara and Havilli could cover in Pool matches. If then like 2011 the injuries are more severe you fly in replacements.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Huge fan of Havilli, have been for a while, but no way should he be a back up 10. Who ever is having that conversation should have their internet taken away. 10s are so pivotal, they should be a specialist. No one talks about back up hookers or back up 9s other than other hookers and 9s, why are 10s any different? Shoehorning part time 10s doesn’t usually work. 10s can be other positions, but other positions can’t be 10s.
CUW
Roar Rookie
LOL _ that is not Daniel - its Robert the 10.
CUW
Roar Rookie
i wonder which Jag wing is the fastest ? Cancelieri was really fast - but then there is Imoff Delguy and another i forget.
CUW
Roar Rookie
ur not serios - right? Havili never played 10 as far as i know - but played in centers and wing. Naholo's boat is sailing i think - he is not playing and was not playing well when he played. NZ must be concerned also with SBW and Franks - their injuries taking time to heal. also crotty is a walking concussion.....
Bobby
Roar Rookie
I reckon, with respect you'll be wrong in 8 of your starters. That team would get flogged at WC
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
“Wallabies have to take some real risks to be a chance of genuine improvement.” Calculated and managed risk is a central plank of performance. Bout time the coach swung the club at the selection table.
Nobrain
Roar Guru
Jaguares tríes: Cancelieri, Orlando, and Creevy. Cubelli was a key participant in the three, but never scored. It was well chosen any way.
The Slow Eater
Roar Rookie
Cooper did nothing wrong on the weekend ????
Wal
Roar Guru
Some names also to consider for the Back 3 - Will Jordan, David Havilli, Naholo, Havilli even coming for conversations around a possible 3rd back up 10
taylorman
Roar Guru
dont forget Nonu...
jameswm
Roar Guru
I don't know that we really need to punt. we just have to pick consistent performers, regardless of reputation. This is the issue with Aussie rugby. If Rangi is in the top 2 consistent performers over the season I'm happy to pick him, and I agree he's going well. Same for McCaffery - though I thought he got found out a bit a couple of weeks ago.
PeterK
Roar Guru
Wallabies have to take some real risks to be a chance of genuine improvement. To me that means taking a punt on players like Rangi, McCaffery in the RC to see if they have what it takes. You can always fall back on players like Higgs or Hooper if required. On a 6:2 bench I would include Hooper but not on a 5:3 bench. McCaffery is very effective both sides of the ball and hard at the ruck. Dempsey is good at ball carrying and lineout and thats it. I am fairly sure he is quicker than Higgs especially over 20 metres.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Rangi is small though. I wouldn't leap at him yet. I'm unconvinced about McCaffery making that step up. I'm hoping Dempsey gets back to his best. Higgs does some good, tough work and I can't see McCaffery being any quicker. Not an easy call there. I've forgotten Hooper and unlike many, I'd consider him on the bench, as he and Pocock can work together for chunks of games, even if their combo is not ideal. Toomua I had forgotten about - agree there as he covers 10 and 12. Kerevi and Hodge cover 13.
Die hard
Roar Rookie
To think Hansen can juggle Crotty, Leinert-Brown, SBW, Goodhue, Ennor, Laumape in the center's leaving Proctor and Thompson aside. And Jordie Barrett, Smith, Ioane and now possibly Sevu Reece in the back three. It hardly seems fair at times. Losing McKenzie doesn't seem so harsh after all.
Daveski 2.0
Roar Rookie
Agree with all that Peter !
Wadsy
Guest
As i said in February just before season kick off. The Wallabies have already been picked Johnson and O`Connor are yes men. Here is Cheikas test 23. Minus Folau .Beale to 15. Cheika does not like Quade Higginbotham Arnold BPA or Thor. He is not a great fan of Hodge Kuridrani and Banks either. Spots also had to found for Ned Jack TPN Tolu Phippsy Simmo and Robbo. 1 Sio 2 TPN 3 Kepu 4 Simmons 5 Coleman 6 Dempsey 7 Hooper 8 Pocock 9 Genia 10 Foley 11 Korobiete 12 Hunt 13 AAC 14 DHP 15 Beale 16 Latu ( Cheika loves his aggression coming off the bench Latu eats Raw red meat for brekkie ) 17 Robertson ( Will be fit and Cheika loves him, quick around the ground but does tend to fold like a deck chair in scrums ) 18 Ala’alatoa 19 Hanigan ( Great in the changerooms ,dry witted humorous country guy, can`t play at the top level yet, but the Sydney media love him so who cares ). 20 Samu /Salakai-Loto ( Unsure if Chuckles wants another short lightweight backrower or a big lumbering one ) 21 Phipps ( can run the water as Genia plays 80 mins and Cheika loves him, must not play any minutes though) 22 Toomua 23 Maddocks