Round five was a big one for Australian Super Rugby teams.
Both the Rebels and Waratahs answered some critics while the Reds were left lamenting another close loss.
Who stood out for the Australian teams in round five?
1. Matt Gibbon (Rebels)
Matt Gibbon often goes unheralded in his work but he is quickly becoming an invaluable part of the Rebels outfit. Melbourne dominated the Highlanders in the scrum and Gibbon was a pivotal part of that.
2. Anaru Rangi (Rebels)
Rangi was destructive against the Highlanders on Friday night, in one of his best games of the year. Has had limited minutes and some injury setbacks but this stint was sensational from Rangi. Sets the tone for Melbourne in his physicality.
3. Jermaine Ainsley (Rebels)
Similarly to Gibbon and Rangi, Ainsley was a dominant force in Dunedin last weekend. Was an immovable bookend in the Rebels scrum and solid around the park as well.
4. Tom Staniforth (Waratahs)
The Waratahs lineout has been functioning well in 2020 and it was a weapon against the Lions. Staniforth stepped up to lead the set piece with the early exit of Rob Simmons because of injury.
5. Matt Philip (Rebels)
Philip is quickly stamping himself as one of the form second rowers in Australian Super Rugby this season and again led the way for the Rebels in Dunedin. Made 31 metres from nine carries and made nine tackles as well. The lock is putting himself squarely in the Test frame each and every week.
6. Lachie Swinton (Waratahs)
Swinton brings an aggressive edge to the Waratahs that they really need. While he made one big error in a late hit midway through their Lions clash that saw him sin binned, for the most part he was one of NSW's best. Scored a try and managed 14 tackles against the Lions, including some pivotal hits as the Lions mounted attack.
7. Michael Hooper (Waratahs)
Hooper is a workhorse and he was as industrious as ever for the Waratahs against the Lions. Played a big role in James Ramm's spectacular team try and also set up an earlier score. Finished with 16 tackles and three turnovers for the night as well.
8. Isi Naisarani (Rebels)
Naisarani has kept up his strong form for the Rebels and was among their standouts on an impressive night.
9. Tate McDermott (Reds)
McDermott continues to play beyond his age in Super Rugby and he had another outstanding game for Queensland last weekend. Finished with his fourth try-scoring game in four weeks and brings spark to the Reds attack every week.
10. Matt To’omua (Rebels)
The challenge has been laid down to Matt To'omua by some of his rival flyhalves and the Rebels 10 responded emphatically. To'omua had his best game of the season, pulling the strings for the Rebels in Dunedin. To'omua takes the ball right up to the line and plays a smart game that is clearly paying off. The race for the Wallabies 10 is going to be a fascinating one.
11. Henry Speight (Reds)
Speight was solid again for the Reds despite a disappointing result for Queensland against the Sharks. Scored a try and had 53 metres from eight carries and was a strong attacking threat.
12. Billy Meakes (Rebels)
There's no stopping @bmeakes from there as @MelbourneRebels beat @Highlanders in Dunedin to get their first #SuperRugby win. #HIGvREB
— RUGBYcomau (@rugbycomau) February 28, 2020
WRAP: https://t.co/5TwIPKtcn8 pic.twitter.com/O6AIOwh0D9
Meakes is incredibly reliable and proved that again for Melbourne in round five. Scored a try and made 33 metres off six carries in Dunedin and made six tackles as well. Emerging as close to the most consistent inside centre in the Australian Super Rugby outfits this season.
13. Alex Newsome (Waratahs)
Newsome had his best game of the year for NSW, playing at outside centre. The speedy back was effective in attack and defence, winning two turnovers without the ball. Very underrated player who is showing his versatility this season.
14. Andrew Kellaway (Rebels)
Kellaway had a breakout game for the Rebels against the Highlanders, showing some of the reasons why he was such a highly-rated young player. Two spectacular runaway tries capped off an impressive performance for the outside back,
15.Dane Haylett-Petty (Rebels)
Haylett-Petty led the Rebels with distinction last Friday evening, Was pivotal in attack, with 14 carries and managed the game well throughout the afternoon.
