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)
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.
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.
RaroAuz
Roar Rookie
What is the Aussie obsession with Angus Ta’avao? Even the game commentators couldn't stop going on about him, like he's a great lost Australian talent. He's Kiwi, born and bred. Played for Auckland, then had a great year with Taranaki, when the Waratahs swooped in. He's always been a good player, but in reality he's behind Franks, Laulala, Tu'ungafasi, and possibly Lomax and Moli now (who can play 3). It's not like he's suddenly become the great lost Tighthead of world rugby.
Athos
Roar Rookie
My bad, i do realize now that those 11 points probably make crusadares earn 12 more team of the week representations xd
Toddyq
Roar Rookie
I know, down under generally refers to Aus and NZ
JSJ
Roar Rookie
The irony was intended.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Talking about Australian hookers, not Kiwi ones, obviously.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Yes. Kremer was very good, he has been in the team in recent weeks. The Jaguares were unlucky not to get more players in, granted, but they did have the easiest opponent in the Sunwolves.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
" who may be looking good in lower level club games in Japan and Europe" I hope you see the irony in that
JSJ
Roar Rookie
jcmasher, I too sadly doubt that any of the Western Force will get a look in. Not sure how, the very minor GRR rules differences could blind a selector to the obvious talents or weaknesses of a say a scrumhalf or flyhalf. The selectors do however seem keen on plucking expensive players from a massively different 13-man code. Or buying out the contracts for old Wallabies who may be looking good in lower level club games in Japan and Europe.
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
Mate I think the problem you’ll have is that there are too many rule changes and rightly or wrongly that, along with the lower level opposition, can be an excuse to not bring any of the GRR players into the mix. I very much doubt any of them will get a look in.
JSJ
Roar Rookie
DNZ , I am quite serious, about hoping that Johnson and Cheika look beyond the 4 Super sides. I watch the Australian Super sides, as well the Force and other GRR games. Issak Fines is an extremely speedy running scrumhalf, who sparks a lot of tries for the Force. He has been in brilliant form this season. Fines is the standout Force talent at the moment, but Andrew Deegan at flyhalf should also be on the selectors radar for the future.
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
Athos, you musketeer, they “only” scored 66!
Athos
Roar Rookie
I kind of get your point here... but to be honest, last week crusaders won their match 77-0, and everyone puts 7/8 crusader players on their team of the week... i really think jags deserve a little more representation this week, its happening the same that alrready happened when they beat the sharks. Just to consider, they put 52 points and got 1 player (the play against no one, i get it) and crusaders put 77 points to someone that acording to the standars should be less than no one.
Toddyq
Roar Rookie
I agree with you regarding Australia, in regards to NZ hookers, he is not near in the same class as Coles or Taylor.
DNZ
Guest
I hope this a facetious comment about the lack of representation the Force get on here.
Kibui B
Guest
He’s talking about OZ, but when take a look at all the NZ hookers, he possibly could be, not one of them has been outstanding all season long....Aumua started one game and Coles just came back so they don’t count.
Toddyq
Roar Rookie
Best hooker down under? Maybe in the top 3 or 4!
Carlin
Roar Rookie
Anton Lienert-Brown and Brad Weber have been superb all year for the Chiefs through what were some challenging times early on. Fingers crossed the All Black selectors recognise Weber and can select him. He has been the best half back in the competition. Tom Franklin has made a large contribution to the Highlanders and has had a really good consistent season.
JSJ
Roar Rookie
Issak Fines should surely be at scrumhalf in the ""team of week"". Silly to exclude GRR stars, by restricting the team selection to just Super Rugby. I hope the Australian selectors dont do the same thing.
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
I'm fine with Fox. There is another one that drives me crazy, not him. I can disagree with people and be OK. (With exceptions, of course as you noted).
JRVJ
Guest
Admittedly, they weren't playing the Varsity. Having said that, the Jags will have a chance to prove their mettle against the Chiefs next week (*), and we will get many more Jags on this list. (*) Saw all your exchanges with Fox. You have the patience of Job, TNVFS.