There was plenty of emotion in the final round of Super Rugby.
Who were the best in the Australian conference over the weekend?
1. Pek Cowan
The Force front row dominated the Waratahs on Saturday night and Cowan was a crucial part of that. Has been very consistent this season.
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau
The June Series showed Polota-Nau is considered Australia’s in-form hooker and he was once again the leader for the Force on Saturday night.
3. Tetera Faulkner
Similar to Cowan in that he has been consistent all year and put in a dominant performance against a heavyweight opponent.
4. Matt Philip
The Force’s second row has been developing nicely this season and Philip looked far superior to his NSW counterparts in Perth.
5. Adam Coleman
Coleman has stepped up in 2017 and this last clash was evidence of that. There’s a reason he’s one of the most highly sought after players in the country.
6. Sean McMahon
McMahon looks to have played his last Rebels game and went off in the right style, with a typically influential performance.
7. Matt Hodgson
Little to say here. A fairytale send-off for one of the Force’s favourite sons.
8. Amanaki Mafi
The Rebels are apparently close to re-signing the backrower and he continues to show why he’s so valued.
9. Michael Ruru
Ruru has put a injury-riddled mid-season behind him to finish strong for the Force, with another impressive match, against the Waratahs.
10. Jono Lance
Lance showed some pace to score a long-range try against the Waratahs and was instrumental in the back end of the game.
11. Alex Newsome
Newsome has found his way at the Force and it took him just 52 seconds to find the line against the Waratahs. Rising star.
12. Bill Meakes
Meakes has been one of the most abrasive of the Force players this season and was again troublesome against the Waratahs. Brumby Andrew Smith was a close second, making 20 tackles against the Chiefs.
13. Mitch Inman
Inman’s final Rebels game was an influential one. Was important in defence, though the Rebels couldn’t quite get over the line in the end.
14. Izaia Perese
The Reds can look to the future in 2018 and Perese is it. The 20-year-old is a superstar in the making and proved that again with a strong contribution on a tough night.
15. Dane Haylett-Petty
Haylett-Petty has worked his way into the year after injury curtailed him pre-June. Was one of the leaders for the Force against the Waratahs. Brumby Jordan Jackson-Hope also showed a bit in Hamilton.
