Super Rugby Team of the Week: Round 13

Mon, May 14, 2018, 8:00 AM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
Israel Folau and the Waratahs fell agonisingly short of an upset win in Christchurch. Photo: Getty Images
Israel Folau and the Waratahs fell agonisingly short of an upset win in Christchurch. Photo: Getty Images

Another week of Super Rugby is in the books and it threw up plenty of surprises.

The Rebels rolled the Brumbies, the Tahs fell agonisingly short against the Crusaders and the Reds were flogged in Tokyo.

Here's who stood out from the pack in round 13.

1. Faalelei Sione - Brumbies

Sione entered the fray for an injured Scott Sio with just over 10 to play in the first term and made an immediate impact.

He scored after a pinpoint pop pass from Tom Cusack two metres out from the Rebels line before following the five pointer with solid scrummaging and four carries for 15 metres and a line break.

2. Anaru Rangi - Rebels


There are whispers circulating that Rangi will be part of Michael Cheika's June Wallabies squad and with performances like this one on Saturday, it's easy to see why.

The Rebels hooker is maniacal in his defensive approach, tearing through mauls to pull down the ball carrier and hammering any runners that dare head his way.

A rising star of Australian rugby.

3. Allan Alaalatoa - Brumbies

Won the battle at scrum time and put his hand up for carries which bent the Melbourne line.

4. Sam Carter - Brumbies

Made lineout life hell for the Rebels, pinching one and disrupting countless others.

Put in a big shift in defence, too, making 13 tackles.

5. Adam Coleman - Rebels

Adam Coleman is finding form. Photo: Getty ImagesRebels coach Dave Wessels lauded his captain's leadership post match and the star second rower is starting to hit his straps on field, too.

After a start to the season plagued by injuries, Coleman made nine carries for 26 metres and was a prime target at lineout time.

6. Angus Cottrell - Rebels

Made a tackle busting run to set up Tom English's first try and was at his industrious best in both attack and defence, too.

7. Tom Cusack - Brumbies

Cusack scored a first half try and set up another, reward for a brilliant performance.

He was everywhere, racking up nine tackles and seven runs for 35 metres, three tackle busts and two line breaks.

8. Michael Wells - Waratahs


Wells is a constant quiet achiever in the Tahs pack and he made several critical tackles as the Crusaders made their historic comeback.

A try assist and 21 metres gained from six carries rounds out a stellar night.

9. Michael Ruru - Rebels

Ruru kicked things up a notch in Will Genia's absence, running the Rebels attack at a pace reminiscent of their hot start to the season.

His passing was accurate, decision making sharp and two try assists were rewards for his best start in Melbourne colours yet.

10. Reece Hodge - Rebels

Reece Hodge slotted the winner in Canberra. Photo: Getty ImagesHodge shifted to flyhalf with 30 minutes to play and that's when the game changed.

Hodge led the push to run the ball from within Melbourne's half and 15 minutes later, a 24-10 scoreline had been locked up at 24-all.

Throw in a clutch kick to win the game and you have a second half masterclass worthy of recognition.

11. Taqele Naiyaravoro - Waratahs

Scored a superb intercept try which stunned the Christchurch crowd and amassed 91 metres from five runs, too.

12. Kurtley Beale - Waratahs

Beale always seems to lift when the Waratahs have their backs against the wall and he came out flying on Saturday.

He caused the Crusaders some serious attacking headaches and was locked in on the other side of the ball, too, making 10 tackles.

13. Tom English - Rebels

Tom English nabbed a double on Saturday. Photo: Getty ImagesEnglish crossed for a critical double in Melbourne's win, racking up 59 metres, four tackle busts and two line breaks from his eight carries.

14. Cam Clark - Waratahs

Clark has found a rich vein of form since returning to the starting XV.

He is making smart reads in defence and making critical tackles which, if he was to fall off, would lead to line breaks.

A proven finisher, 30 metres and two line breaks from his six runs is a solid effort in attack, too.

15. Israel Folau - Waratahs

The stat line says it all - 11 runs, 88 metres, three tackle busts, two line breaks and an offload for the star fullback.

One of the few Australian players that causes panic in New Zealand defensive systems every time he touches the ball.

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