Super Rugby Rd 14 Team of the week

Mon, May 30, 2016, 6:12 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Israel Folau is making 13 his own. Photo: Getty Images
Israel Folau is making 13 his own. Photo: Getty Images

Who stood out for the Australian sides in Super Rugby Round 14? 

1. Scott Sio

Sio has been in mixed form this season but is finally coming into his own, just in time for Test season. 

2. Stephen Moore

The Brumbies co-captain has been on fire this season and was again a star in the Brumbies’ domination of the Sunwolves on Saturday night.

3. Ruan Smith

Ruan Smith has worked his way into the Brumbies' matchday squad. Photo: Getty ImagesSmith has worked his way into the Brumbies’ 23 and took a starting opportunity last weekend with both hands.

4. Dave Dennis

Dennis has found a formidable home in the second row this season, partnering with Will Skelton in recent weeks. The veteran has been destructive for NSW just when they needed it.

5. Lopeti Timani

Timani has been in superb form this season, with some even counting him as a Wallabies contender. A try against the Force capped off another outstanding showing from him.

6. Dean Mumm

Mumm has been the beneficiary of the Waratahs’ second row reshuffle, rediscovering some form playing at number six. Won two turnovers against the Chiefs in the Waratahs win.

7. Michael Hooper

The Waratahs captain has come under fire this year but a career-first double in a slick performance has him heading into Test season with plenty of momentum. 

8. Wycliff Palu

Wycliff Palu has put plenty of injury worries behind him and become somewhat of an enforcer for the Waratahs in recent weeks. While he might be past the point of playing 80 minutes, he showed he can still have an impact.

9. Nick Phipps

Phipps is a hardworking scrumhalf and that showed again on the weekend. Had some early hiccups but really stood up as the game went on.

10. Christian Lealiifano

Christian Lealiifano is in superb touch for the Brumbies. Photo: Getty ImagesChristian Lealiifano continued his sensational season, with an influential night against the Sunwolves. As well as setting up much of the attack, Lealiifano slotted a near-perfect record off his boot- something few could have imagined only a couple of years ago.

11. Luke Morahan

Morahan showed some silky skills and a deft touch off the boot in a pivotal performance for the Force. 

12. Rob Horne

Horne has been a steadier for the Waratahs this season and another solid performance was proof of that on Friday night. 

13. Israel Folau

The best fullback in the world has become one of the country’s best 13s. Folau was electric in attack against the Chiefs, and vindicating the decision to move him there with every game.

14. Sefa Naivalu

Sefa Naivalu left opponents in his dust on Sunday. Photo: Getty ImagesIf only this guy could play for the Wallabies tomorrow. The Rebels winger was scintillating on the edge for Melbourne against the Force, finishing with two tries for his efforts.

15.  Dane Haylett-Petty

The shining light in a tough season for the Force, Haylett-Petty turned in another strong performance on Sunday. 

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