It was another weekend of mixed fortunes for Aussie teams in Super Rugby.
The Reds pulled off a stunning comeback win over the Bulls and the Brumbies thrashed the Waratahs in Canberra.
Who stood out for the Australian teams in round seven?
1. Angus Bell - Waratahs
Bell is really proving his quality in Super Rugby. The Waratahs had a disappointing afternoon but their front row was dominant against a strong Brumbies pack. While Allan Alaalatoa was forced out of the game early, Bell more than punched above his weight. A genuine future Test prospect.
2. Alex Mafi - Reds
Mafi doesn't get many plaudits but he is really coming along nicely in 2020. The Reds hooker is a key part of one of the most consistent packs in Super Rugby and was again influential for them at set piece time especially last weekend.
3. Taniela Tupou - Reds
Tupou continued his strong form with another superb outing for Queensland. Helped the Reds build a comeback and iced the game with a try in the 78th minute.
4. Harry Hockings - Reds
Hockings is building a consistent vein of form and put in another impressive 80-minute performance for the Reds in Brisbane. Queensland's second row department is looking deeper each week.
5. Cadeyrn Neville - Brumbies
Neville has proved to be a genius pickup for the Brumbies this year. Their lineout has gone through some ups and downs but Neville has been a workhorse every week. Made 15 tackles and scored a nice try as well.
6. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto - Reds
Salakaia-Loto has been shifted in and out of the second and back rows this season but looked settled at six on Saturday night. The backrow laid the foundations for the Reds' second half turnaround and Salakaia-Loto's 13 carries certainly contributed to that.
7. Liam Wright - Reds
Wright silenced anyone who might have questioned his appointment as captain this year with his superb showing against the Bulls. A try-saving tackle on Rosco Speckman turned the match and the flanker set the tone for the rest of his teammates. Phenomenal work from the youngster.
8. Harry Wilson - Reds
If Wright silenced some doubters, Wilson solidified his status as one of Australia's best players right now. The no. 8 has been hailed by some, including Crusaders coach Scott Robertson, as one of the country's best talents and he was immense against the Bulls. Just a shame we're not sure when he'll be back in action.
9. Joe Powell - Brumbies
Powell was back in the starting no. 9 spot last weekend and he was one of the Brumbies' best in a big win over the Waratahs. Scored a brilliant second-half try as well on the way to an emphatic derby victory.
10. James O’Connor - Reds
O'Connor clearly wasn't held back at all by a week's injury layoff as he returned to the starting 10 position. Pulled the strings well for the Reds and helped unlock that backline.
11. Andy Muirhead - Brumbies
The Brumbies wing department is very, very strong and often Andy Muirhead can be forgotten in that conversation. The Brumbies speedster was super effective for the ACT side in Canberra, leading the game in run metres, and opening up attacking opportunities for the Brumbies. Very underrated.
12. Hamish Stewart - Reds
Stewart is finding his groove at 12 and was a perfect right-hand man for O'Connor in Queensland's comeback win over the Bulls. Particularly strong in defence, making 10 tackles along the way.
13. Tevita Kuridrani- Brumbies
Kuridrani was the clear winner in the head-to-head 13 battle against Alex Newsome, in a dominant Brumbies performance. Had 10 carries and made a massive 11 tackles in Canberra.
14. Solomone Kata - Brumbies
Kata is just going from strength to strength in his debut Super Rugby season. Had an impressive double and showed his strength in attack for the Brumbies against the Waratahs. Another great Brumbies pickup,
15. Tom Banks - Brumbies
We've said it before and we'll almost definitely say it again, Tom Banks is an absolute gun. Banks iced Sunday's game with an 83rd minute try but that was only the icing on the cake of another impressive outing. His running game is well-known but his kicking was also damaging this week, especially after an ill-disciplined period for their opponents.
