Another big weekend of Super Rugby AU action is in the books.
Who stood up for your side last weekend?
1. Harry Hoopert - Reds
Queensland had the dominant scrum at Brookvale Oval, to the point where Rebels flyhalf Matt To'omua has admitted Melbourne were actively trying to avoid going into scrums in the final period of their Super Time encounter, and Hoopert has just quietly been developing into a very solid Super Rugby player.
2. Robbie Abel - Waratahs
The Waratahs had the most stable of lineouts across Super Rugby AU this weekend and Abel was a big part of that. Been around the game a long time and is filling an important hole for the Waratahs well.
3. Pone Fa’amausili - Rebels
It was hard to miss Fa'amausili on the weekend such was his physical presence. Though the Rebels were bested at scrum time, the tighthead prop showed influence in open play. A huge, momentum-shifting tackle on Bryce Hegarty and a bullocking goal line drop out return were among his highlights from a sensational second game.
4. Matt Philip - Rebels
Philip was pivotal in defence for the Rebels on Friday night. The second rower made 16 tackles in what was an arm wrestle of a game.
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto - Reds
Salakaia-Loto was in the thick of the action against the Rebels, beginning to really establish himself in his return to the second row. Had 16 carries and made 11 tackles on the other side of the ball too.
6. Liam Wright - Reds
Wright continues to establish himself as one of the country's best flankers. Made 14 tackles and won a turnover against the Rebels.
7. Michael Hooper - Waratahs
In what is Australia's deepest position, Michael Hooper continues to prove himself the benchmark. Clinched some critical turnovers for the Waratahs and racked up 15 tackles as well.
8. Harry Wilson - Reds
Wilson just gets better every week and he had another blinder for the Reds against the Rebels. Made the most run metres of anyone in the Queensland side and had a lazy 15 tackles as well. Crazy to think he is only 20. Force no. 8 Brynard Stander was also impressive and just misses out on this spot./
9. Ian Prior - Force
Prior set the bar for his team early, combining with Jono Lance to steer their attack and played a key role in the set up for Byron Ralston's try.
10. Will Harrison - Waratahs
Harrison worked his way through a tough start at the SCG on Saturday night and helped steer the Waratahs to a win. The rookie 10 had a near-perfect night off the boot as well and his accurate kicking helped keep the scoreboard ticking over for NSW at crucial points in the game.
11. Marika Koroibete - Rebels
Koroibete looked threatening on a night where there were few real attacking opportunities. Finished with 46 run metres from eight carries.
12. Billy Meakes - Rebels
Looked like he had won the game for the Rebels when he collected a James O'Connor intercept pass deep into the second half. It wasn't to be but it reflected a strong game from Meakes, who produced a typically effective on both sides of the ball.
13. Marcel Brache - Force
USA international Brache showed his experience against the Waratahs, a consistently reliable presence in defence. He's been one of the players to have stayed with the WA side in their Super
Rugby exile and is a key leader for the team.
14. James Ramm - Waratahs
Ramm has stepped up for NSW this year and is showing some exciting potential on the wing. The former gymnast has spent some time in club rugby in recent years before making his Super Rugby debut this year and that seems to be paying off. The 22-year-old has pace to burn and racked up the metres for the Waratahs against the Force, finishing with 83 metres from just eight carries and beating six defenders along the way. His opposite number Byron Ralston wasn't far off, scoring a brilliant set play try for the Force.
15.Jack Maddocks - Waratahs
Maddocks had another terrific outing at fullback for the Waratahs. Made 87 attacking metres from 17 carries and looks dangerous both with the ball in hand and with some in-field kicks. Could probably do more to get more into the thick of the action as well.
