NRC: Round 2 team of the week

Tue, Sep 12, 2017, 5:42 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Jed Holloway was a standout for the Rams. Photo: Getty Images
Jed Holloway was a standout for the Rams. Photo: Getty Images

It was another exciting week of NRC, with an historic Fijian Drua win and some impressive derbies.

Who were the standouts in round two?

1. Sef Faagase - Queensland Country

Sef Faagase was among the wider Wallabies squad earlier this year, and has vindicated that call with his provincial form. Another impressive scrum outing in the Queensland derby.

2. Hugh Roach - Greater Sydney Rams

Roach has made the most of a regular starting spot in the NRC and had reward for his form, with  the match-sealing try for the Rams on Sunday.

3. Tetera Faulkner - Perth Spirit

Faulkner was released from the Wallabies squad late to play for the Spirit but he had an immediate impact, packing down in the scrum.

4. Lukhan Tui - Brisbane City

Brisbane City battled against Country. Photo: Getty ImagesTui has been the standout for Brisbane City in the NRC in the opening two rounds, after a knee cleanout curtailed his chances of a Wallabies debut in June.

5. Sam Carter - Canberra Vikings

Carter has responded to his Wallabies squad omission by showing his wares for the Vikings. Was steady in the lineout and did the grunt work around the park as well.

6. Samu Saqiwa - Fijian Drua

A forward with scoring potency is a valuable thing and a double for Saqiwa on Saturday afternoon showed he has that in spades.

7. Mosese Voka - Fijian Drua

Voka was a weapon at the breakdown for Fiji in Melbourne and is quickly becoming the form openside in the competition.

8. Jed Holloway - Greater Sydney Rams


It’s been a while since fans have seen a fit Jed Holloway but the Rams captain was in full flight on Sunday as his side claimed the Benn Robinson bell. Just shades Isi Naisarani for this spot.

9.James Tuttle - Queensland Country

Tuttle is considered the next long-term Reds halfback and he has shown why in the opening two NRC rounds. Clean service was key to Queensland Country capitalising on their rabid defence and clinching their first derby win.

10. Paceli Nacebe - Fijian Drua

Nacebe was switched from fullback to flyhalf in Fiji’s clash against the Rising and he was the ultimate spark for an already firing attack. Came away with a 20-point haul in the clash, which proved much of the difference.

11. Apete Daveta - Fijian Drua

It’s no secret the Fijians have some incredible wingers but Daveta has shown pace and smarts for the Drua. Notched a double against the Rising, in a standout performance.

12. James Dargaville - Canberra Vikings

The Vikings are undefeated so far in 2017. Photo: Michael Daniel PhotographyThe Vikings have relied on their Super Rugby players to lead the way in the NRC and Dargaville did exactly that against the Spirit on Sunday afternoon, earning praise from coach Tim Sampson

13. Hunter Paisami - Melbourne Rising

A bone-crunching hit from the Rising centre set the tone in defence for the Melbourne side against rampaging Fijians, a highlight in an impressive outing.

14. Chance Peni - Perth Spirit

Peni was a revelation for the Force this year and showed his quality against the Vikings in Canberra. Scored his side’s opening try and is giving a taste of

15. Josh Turner - Sydney Rays

It was a tough day for the Rays but Turner delivered in the back field, showing his incredible speed. Skills still need some work but he was influential on Sunday.

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