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.
samalavich
Roar Rookie
true numpty but lets keep things in perspective, it was the canes scrum....
Fionn
Guest
I didn’t actually see that match mate!
Fionn
Guest
Didn’t get to see that one!
Lara
Guest
Your FH selection is interesting. Hunt played a perfect link for the Saders, give the ball to someone else to provide the magic n play low risk rugby yourself. Hunt might have been playing under instructions but the Sader’s were on 2 cylinders all night. Surely someone else was better this weekend.
Markus
Roar Rookie
Then you would be excited to hear about Allan's 5-year extension with Rugby Australia.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Marks off for boring play I think. Could be a template for a post Cheika northern hem. friendly coach :-)
frisky
Roar Rookie
What !! Only one Brumbies in this pick. After the pack monstered teh Auckland Blues, and teh forwards scored all 4 tries, I would have expected to see a couple in there, especially the front row.
numpty
Roar Rookie
Nice summary
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Best to either watch the games or write the piece sober. Too many ; “ if the dog hadn’t stopped to leak moments in this spiel. Check the scoreboards not selective lost opportunities. Angus Gardiner was abysmal. Philip was far better than Rhodda. As was Jones . They are the form Aussie locks. On the Rebels : They don’t need HP or Toomua unless there are injuries. Hodge is not a 12 and is better than HP at 15. Meakes is a 12 and a good one. He was getting complacent. Quadie is Quadie, sometimes brilliant, some time SH, mostly very good. On the Islanders: Rugby tends to have the religious players , the NRL the rest. Be thankful for the Israel Folau’s. The under 20s did well. Keep them well away from Mickey Mouse. Summary. There’s not between the Rebels and the Brumbies. Between them they have all our best players, with the exception of Kerevi and Kepu. The Reds are the future as is Brad Thorn. The Tut Tahs, the past and the never will be’s.
numpty
Roar Rookie
Could equally throw in the Rebels props. Tetera faulkner I believe it was dismantled the canes scrum.
Fionn
Guest
Hmmm, I may be biased, but I cannot agree with Ala’alatoa not making the team. Seeing him do a number on both the Blues’ props, including Big Karl, was something special. He is a guy that the Wallabies need to lock down for a long time into the future.
Bleedsgreenand gold
Roar Rookie
Hemopo was absolutely dynamic against the Chiefs. In one passage of play in the second half, he carried the ball three times by backing up twice, the last time after being tackled. Talk about reloading quickly. Excellent example of how attacking forward play should be carried out.