We are getting to the business end of the season and this round we saw the Rebels embarrassed, the Brumbies truimphant, the Jaguares dominant once more, the Stormers victorious and the Bulls and Highlanders share the spoils.
These are the players that made their mark.
15. David Havili
Never seems to make a mistake and is just a class act. Also a brilliant kicker. More All Blacks caps are surely on the way. Emiliano Boffelli was also electric for the Jags and is very unlucky to miss out.
14. Braydon Ennor
Grabbed a hat-trick and only a dodgy, bouncing ball stopped him getting a fourth meat-pie. Ennor dominated Jack Maddocks in defence all night and was lethal with the ball in his hands.
13. Samu Kerevi
In probably his last game in Brisbane before heading to Japan, Kerevi was all-class once more. The Fijian is literally able to get an offload away every time he is tackled. Just a pure beast. Ryan Crotty was also eye-catching for the Crusaders in his 150th game.
(AAP Image/Dan Peled)
12. Ngani Laumape
Scored one try and almost had another against the Lions. The Hurricanes centre was a real handful and is the best Kiwi inside centre in the comp.
11. Sevu Reece
Just a hat-trick for the flying Fijian, which included a brilliant chip and chase five-pointer. A match-winner.
10. Richie Mo’unga
Got his backline ticking beautifully and set up a handful of tries with his deft kicks and smart passes. Not flashy, but very talented.
9. Augustine Pulu
Bagged two tries and would have three, if not for a TMO call. Pulu was brilliant for the Blues, dangerous running the ball and his service was great. Set Suncorp alight.
8. Scott Higginbotham
A double was a fitting way for Higginbotham to sign off from Suncorp. A skillful forward who knows how to find his way to the try-line. He gets in just ahead of Stormers forward Jaco Coetzee.
7. Ardie Savea
Came on and changed the game with his presence and enthusiasm. Stole some vital ball and set up a try as well.
6. Pablo Matera
Another big display from the Argentine blindside who has been exceptional this season.
(Photo by Steve Haag/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
5. Marcos Kremer
A key part of the Jaguares constant success. Kremer is a real workhorse who always gets his hands dirty and delivers come set-piece time.
4. Rory Arnold
Led from the front against the Waratahs and physically imposed himself against the opposition.
3. Alan Alaalatoa
Dominated his opposition with strong scrummaging and brutal defence. Another Brumby who stood out.
2. Dane Coles
Just two tries off the bench for Coles, who has taken the hooking role to new levels. His skills are like that of a 10, and he has the rugby brain to match.
1. James Slipper
Has been an integral cog in a terrific Brumbies campaign. Once again Slipper caught the eye as the ACT out-muscled and out-maneuvered the Waratahs.
Pablo
Guest
As newcomer in this forum, I’d like to share some thoughts from a maybe naive/over-optimistic standpoint. As reader of NZ/AU/SA media, I saw a lot of criticism about the level of the Super Rugby these years. Same in forums like this. Comments about the format of the tournament, level of the teams, etc were generally negative about the health and future of the SR.is is like SR is dying... To me, what a FANTASTIC season we are enjoying ! Apart from Crusaders on the top and SW on the bottom, almost everyone were on the race until round 17... SA conference was amazingly tight the whole season... We enjoy fantastic games, specially the last 3 rounds... Last week, as an example, we enjoy at least 4 beautiful individual performances at full back position ( Boffelli rocks !) so that it as mess to pick one for “team of the week”... We are heading to the last round and still four places to be filled... Etc Etc Etc I don’t want to make this too long, as I think the point is clear. Long live to SR ! Hope we can enjoy many seasons like the one we are having this year. Hope crowds come back to the stadiums. Abrazo desde Rosario, Argentina.
smoothy
Roar Rookie
And when you see his facial expressions as he's carrying the ball, you know he's giving everything for the cause!
Lara
Guest
First saw him in the ABs under 21 n he was already looking the goods , but knowing how the Kiwis like their players to mature n not rush things, they will save him for the next RWC....nice to have the time to be patient. Kiwis are great winemakers.
Ben
Guest
I think Carlos comment flew straight over your head Smiggle...
Carlin
Roar Rookie
A couple of weeks ago Hansen said he is the mix. His speed and ability to get on the outside of defenders is brilliant.
Smiggle Jiggle
Roar Guru
Braydon Ennor. Surely a bolter. Can cover 11-14, and does those position well.
Smiggle Jiggle
Roar Guru
Yeah, needs to do the opposite.
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
He’s too quiet! Needs to interact more with the refs. ????
Ben
Guest
I thought Perenara was outstanding and would have him ahead of Pulu. He really drove that Canes team around the park with some inexperienced players at 1st 5, centre, flanker etc. On defence hes like a 4th loose forward and is at the heart of everything the Canes do. I just wish i could see an improvement in his passing after so long at this level. But he is invaluable to that team and showed that again Sunday morning.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
I really like ALB. Not an incredible physical specimen, but a really intelligent and skilful player.
Nobody
Roar Rookie
Have to agree, I love Laumape's work but he is not currently better than Crotty or ALB
thejimmyjones
Roar Rookie
Crotty played at 12 not 13. Goodhue at 13. And the best 12 in NZ by a country mile this year has been ALB with Crotty second. Laumape has been continually shown up in the big games, a player for the future but he needs to develope his passing and kicking game to make the step to the next level