Waratahs dominate Rd 12 Team of the Week
The Waratahs jumped to the top of the Australian conference after a 31-8 victory over the Bulls and have been rewarded with six players in the round 12 Australian Super Rugby Team of the Week.
1. Toby Smith
A solid contributor to the Rebels' forward pack making nine tackles and winning a turnover. Another consistent display from the Wallabies prop.
2. Stephen Moore
Was only on the field for 55 minutes but managed a team-high 13 tackles and also won a turnover. Moore is in top form ahead of the England series next month.
3. Tom Robertson
A darkhorse for the Wallabies squad next month, Robertson has taken his Super Rugby opportunity with open hands, showing the 21-year-old isn’t out of his depth.
4. Luke Jones
A huge match from the Rebels lock. A match-high 16 tackles that’s sure to keep his Wallabies hopes open for the upcoming Test series.
5. Rory Arnold
Stepped up and covered the early loss of Sam Carter. Scored a try and managed seven tackles in an impressive display for the Brumbies.
6. Dean Mumm
Has continued his return to form in recent weeks since moving to blindside flanker. Mumm amassed 20 tackles, a turnover and scored a try in the Waratahs' fourth consecutive victory.
7. Liam Gill
Another massive game from Liam Gill. Was seen at every breakdown, winning three turnovers and making 12 tackles.
8. Curtis Browning
Playing the most Super Rugby minutes of his career to date, Browning is loving every second. Working in tandem with Liam Gill, Browning wreaked havoc at the ruck and was impressive in defence.
9. Nick Phipps
Proved the difference early on for NSW. That ‘Tahs were locked at 0-0 after 20 minutes until Phipps darted over for one of his two tries of the evening.
10. Christian Lealiifano
Stood up at a time when the Brumbies backline was depleted. Missing Wallabies Matt Toomua, Joe Tomane and Henry Speight, Lealiifano led a young Brumbies attack with poise and class.
11. Rob Horne
Continuing to shine on the wing in what was his best match of the season. Horne make a game-high 122 run metres from the left wing and finished with a tackle efficiency of 100 per cent.
12. Reece Hodge
Can officially say he’s played every position in the backline this season. The versatile youngster continued his try-scoring ways this season, darting over for another five pointer to keep the Rebels in the match.
13. Israel Folau
Developing into the outside centre role with every game. It was another typically superb game from the Wallabies star making 84 run metres from his 12 carries and a try assist.
14. Chris Feauai-Sautia
Was threatening in attack all night, as seen by his impeccable line to break three tackles and score a much-needed try for the Reds.
15. Andrew Kellaway
The former Australian U20s captain finally has his chance at the Super Rugby level since Folau’s move to the centres. Another solid display at fullback from the redhead finishing with 93 run metres from his 13 carries.
