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The final round of the regular season saw the Chiefs spank the Rebels, the Jaguares claim second spot, the Brumbies bash the Reds, the Sharks edge the Stormers and the Hurricanes pip the Blues.
Here are the players that produced.
15. Tom Banks – Seems to get better and better, and more confident, with each week. With Israel Folau gone and Dane Haylett-Petty badly out of form, should he be the Wallaby first-choice 15?
14. Shaun Stevenson – Just a hat-trick in a peerless display from the winger. After tearing the Crusaders apart a fortnight ago, he backed it up with a devastating display in Victoria. A joy to watch in full flight.
13. Anton Lienert-Brown – A dazzling display against the Rebels in Melbourne. One try, tons of line-breaks and generally just menacing the opposition all night.
12 Teihorangi Walden – The Highlanders inside centre was brilliant both with ball hand in hand and scavaging at the back of ruck. He was rewarded with a try and his ball steal helped create another. Was also strong in defence.
11. Sebastian Cancelliere – Two tries for the Argentine in the Jags’ thrashing of the Sunwolves. A pacy winger with an eye for an intercept as well.
10 Handre Pollard – Was on song for the Bulls. Set up several tries, scored one himself and kicked well, finishing with an individual haul of 18 points. Quality. Josh Ioane and Jack Debreczeni also had fantastic matches.
Handre Pollard of the Bulls (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
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9. Brad Weber – Did it all at AAMI Park. Great service, ball-running and support player all night. Did not take a single wrong option.
8. Isi Naisarani – Tackled himself into the dirt and broke tackle after tackle with his carries. Did not stop trying. The only Rebel to leave the field with his head held on Friday.
7. Hanro Liedenberg – Bagged a brace against the Lions. Carried strongly and got involved all over the park. Gets in ahead of the tireless Sam Cane.
6. Rob Valetini – Has been one of the unsung heroes of the Brumbies’ 2019. A big, powerful flanker who could be on his way to a Wallabies debut.
5. Rory Arnold – Another big shift from the Wagga Wagga giant. Easily the best lock in Australia and vital to the Brumbies chances of making the semis.
4. Tom Franklin – Energetic, enthusiastic and like an energiser bunny that never quits. A standout for the Highlanders.
3. Angus Ta’avao – Has gone to new levels since his move to New Zealand Waratahs fans will be asking, why didn’t he play like this for us?
2. Folau Fainga’a – the best hooker down under. Has had a fantastic season and keeps the Brumbies’ set-piece humming.
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1. Ezekiel Lindenmuth – By far the best player in a beaten Blues side. Made 18 tackles and scrummaged well. At 21 has a bright future.
