It was a mixed weekend for the Aussie Super Rugby teams.
The Brumbies and Rebels both had decisive wins while the Reds fell short in Hamilton and the Waratahs lost to the Jaguares in Sydney.
Who stood out for the Aussie teams last weekend?
1. Scott Sio
The Brumbies scrum was up against it on Friday night's clash with the Bulls but there was one moment that ultimately proved game-changing for the hosts. Sio won a pivotal penalty against the scrum feed in the 53rd minute that well and truly put the momentum in the Brumbies' hands.
2. Alex Mafi
Mafi continues to prove himself for the Reds this season and was impressive against the Chiefs. The Reds' set piece stood up against the Chiefs and helped create opportunities for the young Queensland side.
3. Taniela Tupou
It was up to Queensland's young forward pack to step up against the Chiefs and Tupou worked hard in attack, especially, in Hamilton. The youngster is beginning to find some of his best form at the right end of the season, with Wallabies season looming.
4. Adam Coleman
Coleman made his return from injury in Tokyo and had an immediate impact. The Rebels' lineout was a major strength defensively and in attack against the Sunwolves and the former skipper was a bit part of that.
5.Izack Rodda
Rodda stepped into the captaincy in Hamilton against the Chiefs with Samu Kerevi rested. The young lock took the responsibility in his stride and had one of his better games of the year. Made eight tackles on top of a strong lineout display.
6. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
Salakaia-Loto has entrenched himself as a six option for the Wallabies with another impressive outing for Queensland. The flanker had 15 carries for 47 run metres, made eight tackles and won a turnover as well.
7. Angus Cottrell
Cottrell switched into the openside flanker role for the Rebels against the Sunwolves and he was a standout in Tokyo. Finished off a strong try early in the piece and was relentless in defence.
8. Pete Samu
Samu has been among the Brumbies' best in recent weeks and was again influential against the Bulls. Helped set up a try and was heavily involved across the park. had nine tackles and two turnovers in defence and 29 run metres.
9. Tate McDermott
McDermott had plenty on his shoulders against the Chiefs and the youngster stepped up to the responsibility. The halfback was slick with his service and tireless in his work as the Reds worked to try and create a last-gasp score.
10. Quade Cooper
Cooper showed off some slick skills against the Sunwolves in Tokyo. The flyhalf had a hand in basically every Rebels try and showed off his trademark passing game in a record-breaking victory.
11. Marika Koroibete
Koroibete has found his groove in recent weeks and notched another double for Melbourne on the weekend. Finished with 113 metres from 11 carries and could have had a hat-trick but opted to pass off this final opportuntiy to skipper Dane Haylett-Petty.
12. Irae Simone
Simone combined with Brumbies Christian Lealiifano superbly on Friday night in a super evening for the ACT backline. The former Waratahs centre was physical in defence and damaging in attack against the Bulls.
13. Tevita Kuridrani
A hat-trick was only the tip of the iceberg of an impressive Tevita Kuridrani outing in Canberra last weekend. Kuridrani finished with 53 run metres and beat five defenders along the way. Also made eight tackles on the other side of the ball.
14. Henry Speight
Speight narrowly missed out on scoring a try for the Brumbies against the Bulls but he was dangerous all night in Canberra. The winger popped up in the right places at the right time nand played a key role in the Brumbes' open approach in the clash.
15.Dane Haylett-Petty
Haylett-Petty would have to be leading the charge for the Wallabies fullback spot after another dominant performance in Tokyo. The Rebels captain had a try and 66 run metres against the Sunwolves in a potent showing.
