Round four of Super Rugby is done and dusted with the Rebels and Waratahs taking the derby victories.
Who stood out for the Aussie teams last weekend?
1. Harry Johnson-Holmes
Johnson-Holmes and the Waratahs scrum have been under all sorts of pressure in 2019 but they stood up against the higher-rated Reds pack on Saturday night. The loosehead is getting better with every game and though there's a long way to go, this effort will have given him plenty of confidence going into round five.
2. Folau Faingaa
The Brumbies had to lean back on their rolling maul again last weekend and Faingaa has become as effective as any when it comes to finishing those set pieces. Faingaa has four tries inas many games after mauling win on Friday night. Certainly not doing his World Cup chances any harm.
3. Sekope Kepu
Kepu has been carrying the weight of the Waratahs pack on his shoulders and similarly to Johnson-Holmes, would have found a big confidence boost in the form of some scrum wins against the Reds. One of the most valuable players in Super Rugby.
4. Rob Simmons
Simmons found a bit of grit in the win over the Reds, something that he has lacked in recent years. Made 15 tackles against Queensland in a strong defensive performance.
5. Adam Coleman
Coleman returned to the Rebels' starting side last Friday night and he made the most of his opportunity. The second rower made his presence felt against the Brumbies on both sides of the ball.
6. Ned Hanigan
Hanigan had one of his best games of Super Rugby against the Reds on Saturday night. The no. 6 has beefed up in the off-season and that showed at the SCG with the flanker making a physical impact. Scored an opportunistic and finished with 15 tackles and a turnover.
7. Michael Hooper
Hooper has had a slow start to the Super Rugby season but the Test captain was certainly back to his best against the Reds. A beast in defence, making a game-high 23 tackles against Queensland and winning two turnovers.
8. Isi Naisarani
Naisarani is pushing his Test claims each and every week in Melbourne after another impressive outing. Had an equal-team high 12 carries against the Brumbies.
9. Will Genia
Will Genia nearly single-handedly won the game for the Rebels against the Brumbies on Friday night. The halfback provided the spark the Rebels needed in the second half in Melbourne, scoring an important try and setting up the match-winner late in the second stanza.
10. Bernard Foley
Foley was impressive against the Reds after a patchy start to the year. The Waratahs used the ball well off the foot and Foley was a large part of that in a game where the Reds had the lion's share of possession.
11. Curtis Rona
Rona showed some of his potential in Saturday night's derby, with a special try adding to an important Waratahs win. The winger also made seven tackles and won a turnover in the clash.
12. Billy Meakes
Meakes was at his imposing best against the Brumbies on Friday night, playing to his strengths in Melbourne. Meakes' combination with Quade Cooper seems to improve with every match and his defensive capabilities are a major asset for the side.
13. Samu Kerevi
Kerevi has handed the promotion to the captaincy with ease, comfortably among the best in Queensland's side every week. Again broke the line against the Waratahs and genuine opportunities. Showed great vision to come from a position well behind play and shoot through to score an important try for the Reds.
14. Jack Maddocks
Maddocks said post-match he didn't have the involvements he might usually have liked, but when it comes to finishing, he is becoming one of the best. His score to win the game was one of the best of the weekend.
15. Isaac Lucas
Little was expected of Lucas coming into Saturday night's derby but he proved exactly why he earned his first first run-on start for Queensland. A smart and effective footballer who has a big future ahead of him.
