It was a winning weekend for three of Australia’s Super Rugby teams.
Who stood out in round 16?
1. Scott Sio
Scott Sio is shaping up as one of the Wallabies’ most important players come June, coming into some strong form. Sio was integral for the Brumbies against the Sunwolves, and is back to some of his best rugby.
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa
Paenga-Amosa is doing everything possible to get himself a spot in the Wallabies’ matchday 23, and another star turn in Super Rugby would only have helped. He’s hard around the ground and has also proven dangerous in attack.
3. Taniela Tupou
Tupou had another sensational match for the Reds on the weekend, showing his X factor and 2018 development in equal measure. Notched a super try and was dominant in the scrum as well.
4. Matt Philip
Philip has had a patchy season but found some of his 2017 form against the Blues. Combined well with skipper Coleman in the second row and his physicality helped the Rebels set the tone early.
5. Adam Coleman
Coleman is finding his mojo again, one of the standouts for the Rebels in Auckland. The Rebels captain led the way for his team against the Blues, and that’s exactly what they need.
6. Lachie McCaffrey
McCaffrey has barely put a foot wrong for the Brumbies since returning to Australia. Scored a try and forced a turnover as well. He is as tough as they come and becoming more valuable than ever for the Canberra side.
7. David Pocock
Pocock only played 60 minutes against the Sunwolves, but that’s all he needed to make an impact. Had the first try of the match and caused headaches in the breakdown all afternoon.
8. Caleb Timu
Timu changed the game when he was injected against the Waratahs, scoring a barnstorming try, running over Nick Phipps along the way.
9. Joe Powell
Powell had his best game of the season against the Sunwolves, delivering speedy service for his teammates and being a general threat in attack as well.
10. Bernard Foley
Foley has been one of the most consistent Australian players this season and was again among the best in Brisbane.
11. Jack Maddocks
Maddocks is going from strength to strength this season and was again a standout for the Rebels on Saturday. The 21-year-old is super dangerous in attack.
12. Billy Meakes
He’s not in Wallabies contention this time around, but Billy Meakes showed glimpses of his best form in round 16. A scintillating double coupled with some gritty defensive work from him put him among the best on ground.
13. Curtis Rona
Rona started the season slowly, but has warmed into a starting spot and was a standout against the Reds. Scored a slick try for the Waratahs in Brisbane and was effective in defence, with seven tackles.
14. Henry Speight
Speight lit up GIO Stadium with an electric double against the Sunwolves. It’s been an inconsistent year for the winger but he was at his best in round 16.
15. Israel Folau
Folau seems to get better each and every week, a prospect that will terrify opponents. Had a double against the Reds, including collecting a super cross-field kick to score in the corner. Look out, Ireland.
