A crazy Round 12 saw no shortage of talking points with two dramatic draws, the Jaguares win and the Reds come from behind to get the result.
Here’s the side that seized the moment.
15. Ben Smith
Was his energetic self for the Highlanders. Might be getting on but has lost none of his enthusiasm or rugby smarts. As safe as houses.
14. Wes Goosen
Notched a try and set one up for the Hurricanes. Such a handy attacker with an outstanding turn of pace. Electric at times.
13. Lukhanyo Am
Defended well in a Sharks side that took it right to the Crusaders and almost upset them. The 25-year-old should be locked in as Springbok for the upcoming Test season.
12. Samu Kerevi
The Reds skipper is having a quality 2019. If he plays well, the Queensland side wins, with his strong ball carries a trademark.
11. George Bridge
Might have been switched to fullback during the game, but Bridge was excellent. Handed the move well and is a class act.
10. Mitch Hunt
Scored the vital last try and converted it to get the Crusaders a draw. Was one of a number of No.10s to catch the eye this week, with Highlanders player Josh Ioane finishing with 16 points and Sharks man Curwin Bosch starring as well.
9. Aaron Smith
The All Blacks veteran was back to his best. Three try assists only show part of the tremendous performance he put on against the Chiefs. Tomas Cubelli was also effective for the Jaguares.
Highlanders scrum half Aaron Smith offloads. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)
8. Duane Vermeulen
Helped the Bulls beat the Tahs. Crossed for one try and was a one-man wrecking ball at times. New Zealand captain Kieran Read was brilliant for the Crusaders too.
7. Matt Todd
The Crusaders’ back row was on song, even though they couldn’t continue their long winning streak. Todd was in everything, a constant threat at the breakdown and with ball in hand.
6. Luke Jacobson
Was phenomenal for the Chiefs, smashing opponents left and right with some tremendous tackling. Only 22 but has a very bright future ahead of him.
5. Izack Rodda
Brad Thorn’s most reliable operator. Always throws himself into matches and is a disruptive force. Never shirks the tough stuff.
4. Jackson Hemopo
An offloading machine who is absolutely thriving at the Highlanders. Only debuted for the All Blacks last year, but will be surely adding to his three international caps.
3. Angus Ta’avao
Grabbed a brace for the Chiefs in their thrilling draw with the Highlanders.
2. Folau Fainga’a
Scored a sensational hat trick as the Brumbies beat the Blues in Canberra. Benefited from a devastating set piece and a magnificent maul.
1. Lizo Gqoboka
The Bulls man led a powerful scrum in the win over the Waratahs. Was tough to bring down when he ran the ball and generally made a nuisance of himself.
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