We're a third of the way through the Super Rugby season and the picture is beginning to become clearer.
The Rebels and Brumbies collected wins while it was heartbreak for the Reds and disappointment for the Waratahs.
Who stood up for the Aussie teams in round six?
1. Matt Gibbon - Rebels
Gibbon is quickly becoming one of the Rebels' more consistent players. The loosehead was a key part of an impressive Rebels pack performance against the Lions, who have been known to bully Australian teams around the park.
2. Anaru Rangi – Rebels
Rangi is continuing to press his Test claims in another strong Super Rugby season. The Rebels' lineout wasn't as strong on the weekend as it has been in the past but Rangi was still a physical force to be reckoned with.
3. Taniela Tupou – Reds
It was a tough finish for the Reds on Friday night but Tupou was among their best on the park. Took the game on in big moments and scored a pivotal try for Queensland as well.
4. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – Reds
Salakaia-Loto was influential for Queensland in their clash with the Crusaders. The second rower finished with 15 carries and had 11 tackles without the ball as well. Really building some consistency throughout this season.
5. Matt Philip – Rebels
Rebels coach Dave Wessels says Matt Philip should be on the Test radar this season and it would be hard to find someone to disagree with that view. Philip sets the physical tone for Melbourne every week and is having one of his best years.
6. Rob Valetini – Brumbies
Valetini is clearly enjoying having an injury-run in Super Rugby after some stop-start seasons in years gone by. The flanker had a try and 10 carries for 74 metres in the Sunwolves clash, as well as winning two turnovers.
7. Will Miller – Brumbies
Miller is flourishing with the opportunity to start at openside flanker week in, week out at the Brumbies and they are reaping the benefits. Had a big say both in defence and attack in Wollongong last weekend and is in some fine for min 2020.
8. Harry Wilson – Reds
Wilson has been the breakout star in Super Rugby so far this season. The no. 8 more than stood up against the toughest opponents in Super Rugby on their home turf. Had a ridiculous 26 carries for 73 metres.
9. Ryan Lonergan - Brumbies
Lonergan has been waiting patiently for a starting berth in Super Rugby and he made the most of that chance when it came on Friday afternoon. The halfback not only proved himself with his running game but he showed his kicking prowess with a perfect return in front of the posts. A talent to watch.
10. Matt To’omua - Rebels
To'omua just keeps stringing strong games together in Super Rugby this season and he had another great effort against the Lions. Pulled the strings perfectly and managed the game well against the super-sized South African outfit.
11. Henry Speight – Reds
Speight scored one of the best tries you'll see in Super Rugby, finishing off a sensational team effort for Queensland against the Crusaders. He has brought some valuable experience to the Reds outside back division. His finishing skills are as good as ever and he played a critical role in the Reds' performance in Christchurch.
12. Billy Meakes - Rebels
Meakes goes under the radar sometimes but he is producing solid performances for the Rebels every week. The centre was influential for the Rebels in their win over the Lions, proving himself an asset in attack and defence. He finished with 29 metres off 12 carries and made 15 tackles.
13. Tevita Kuridrani - Brumbies
Kuridrani combined well with Irae Simone in a strong centre effort against the Sunwolves. The Wallabies veteran had 16 carries in Wollongong and made 43 metres, putting in a physically dominant performance.
14. Andrew Kellaway - Rebels
Kellaway is playing like a player with renewed purpose at the Rebels in his second crack at Super Rugby. The winger scored two spectacular tries against the Lions and sits on top of the Super Rugby try-scoring tally this season.
15. Dane Haylett-Petty - Rebels
Haylett-Petty has come into some very impressive form in recent weeks, as the Rebels have built into the year. The fullback is super reliable and nearly scored a very good try before his brother Ross came in over the top to dot the ball down. The Wallabies fullback battle is shaping as an intriguing one as this year unfolds.
