1. Allan Alaalatoa
Selected at Loose head ahead of incumbent Wallaby Scott Sio, Alaalatoa didn’t disappoint in his first match in front of his home crowd. The 120kg, 22 year-old was a dominant force at scrum time as the Brumbies overpowered the Hurricanes. His work rate around the ground was impressive making nine tackles, the most of any Brumbies forward.
2. Stephen Moore
An influential match from the Brumbies co-captain saw him make the second most run metres for the Brumbies (38), score a try and even set up Pocock for a five-pointer after catching the Hurricanes napping at line-out time.
3. Greg Holmes
Taken where he left off in 2015, Greg Holmes was his ever reliable self. One of the few highlights for the Reds in a disappointing night was their scrum and Holmes led from the front.
4. Luke Jones
Jones might be lacking sleep these days after the birth of his child, but it didn’t show in his performance against the Force. Jones was solid in both attack and defence and led the way in the lineouts for Rebels.
5. Sam Carter
After an injury-cruelled 2015 season, Carter is back to full fitness and was impressive in his first match for the Brumbies since May 29 last year.
6. Jordy Reid
Given the first opportunity to wear the number six jersey for the Melbourne Rebels, Reid was praised for his tireless work-rate around the ground. There will also be a few sore Western Force bodies as Reid put on some massive hits in defence making nine tackles at 100% efficiency.
7. Michael Hooper
It was Hooper’s first match as captain and Hooper led from the front for the whole match! Crossing over for the Tahs first try of the match from a rolling maul and making a whopping 21 tackles for the match, Hooper epitomises consistency.
8. Jed Holloway
It’s been a patient wait for Jed Hollaway, but he was finally given the opportunity to wear the number eight jersey. Hollaway was lauded for his work rate around the ground making 64 run metres and nine tackles.
9. Tomas Cubelli
Cubelli slotted nicely into the Brumbies backline in his Super Rugby debut. The Argentinian scrumhalf delivered quick ball to his playmakers and showed a lot of flair in attack to cross for his first try in Super Rugby.
10. Jono Lance
Lance starred in a tough night for the Western Force. The Force stuck to their revamped attacking game plan despite many handling errors but Lance was a shining light for the sea of blue, scoring all 19 points.
11. Zac Guildford
Playing his first Super Rugby match since early 2014, Guildford didn’t miss a beat. Making 79 run metres (second behind Israel Folau), Guildford was a threat in attack for his new side.
12. David Horwitz
Making his Super Rugby debut at inside centre, Horwitz looked right at home in the blue jersey, teaming up with flyhalf Kurtley Beale.
13. Tevita Kuridrani
Kuridrani was opposed to young Hurricanes centre Vince Aso for the majority of the night, and while not starring for the Brumbies he finished with a try and eleven tackles.
14. Matt Carraro
Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson knows what he’ll get out of Carraro when he runs out each week. Gibson was tempted to play NRL convert Reece Robinson on the wing in the lead up the match but Carraro showed his worth making a 40m run through the Reds defence and ended up with a try himself.
15. Reece Hodge
Couldn’t have asked for a better debut from the 21 year-old. Thrown in the deep end after Jack Debreczeni was a late withdrawal, Hodge slotted in nicely to fullback, showing off his huge boot and impressive support play with 20 points on the night including two tries.
