Vodafone Super Rugby AU Team of the Week: Round three

Mon, Jul 20, 2020, 4:59 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
FOX Sports Rugby commentator Greg Clark reviews all the action from round three of Vodafone Super Rugby AU.

It was a thrilling weekend of Super Rugby AU.

Which players stood out across round three?

1. Tom Robertson

Was outstanding in his first game back in four months. Helped ensure an early advantage in the scrum and his return was especially valuable given the late injury to Angus Bell that forced the youngster out the 23.

2. Tom Horton

Horton was impressive in his first Waratahs start. The hooker scored a slick try to help the Waratahs stay in the game early and was a key part of their strong set piece throughout the night. Had to wait for his Super Rugby chance after injuries earlier this year but is certainly making the most of his chances.

3. Taniela Tupou

Tupou is in the best shape of his career and was again an influential figure in the Reds' win over the Force last Friday night. The tighthead prop helped Queensland get on top in the scrum and put in another long shift, off the back of a 90-minute round two outing. 

4. Ned Hanigan

The Waratahs' lineout was clearly the better of the two teams in their clash with the Brumbies on Saturday night. Both defensively and in attack, Hanigan and skipper Rob Simmons were strong. That edge in set piece definitely helped the Waratahs get to what appeared a winning position until the 78th minute.

5. Rob Simmons

Rob Simmons was fuming after his side's tight loss on Saturday night and he had plenty of right to be gutted by the final score. The NSW skipper was one of his side's best in the clash, a beast at lineout time. Also brought some extra aggression that he is often criticised for lacking.

6. Henry Stowers

Samoan international Stowers is an absolute force to be reckoned with. The no. 6 had 14 carries against the Reds and made a whopping 23 tackles, winning a turnover to boot, an effort that helped keep the Force in touch in Brisbane.

7. Tom Cusack

Cusack doesn't often get the plaudits he deserves playing in a highly-rated backrow but he was tireless in his work on Saturday night. Scored an impressive try and had 14 caries in an influential performance. Made 12 tackles and won a turnover on the other side of the ball.

8. Brynard Stander

Stander continues to be one of the Force's best in every game he plays. Was a pivotal player as the Force dug their heels in to try and stop the Reds running away with the game in Brisbane, an effort that very nearly won them the game.

9. Tate McDermott

McDermott is clearly the form halfback in Super Rugby AU after three weeks. Already widely expected to become a Wallaby, McDermott is not harming his chances of a Test squad berth. The Reds play a fast brand of footy and McDermott is pivotal in setting that tone from each and every ruck. So dangerous with the ball in hand as well.

10. James O’Connor

O'Connor's kicking effectively proved the difference for the Reds this weekend. Queensland's kickers have been working closely with Dave Alred, the man who mentored Johnny Wilkinson. That work ramped up in the wake of a missed opportunity to beat the Crusaders this year, where the Reds outscored the reigning champions four tries to three but weren't able to convert any of those scores. O'Connor was near-perfect off the boot and has been consistent in the flyhalf spot, though he'll be disappointed to have thrown the pass that led to an intercept try for the second straight week.

11. Andy Muirhead

Muirhead is an incredibly underrated player but was super for the Brumbies against the Waratahs. He was carded for a sill offside offence in the first half but apart from that he had a near flawless game. Made 91 metres and beat six defenders in 10 carries at ANZ Stadium. Filipo Daugunu was another contender for this spot on a weekend where wingers really stood up.

12. Irae Simone

Simone just goes about his business but he does a very good job. Made 35 run metres from nine carries against the Waratahs and made 12 tackles as well. Karmichael Hunt just missed this spot after another influential performance for NSW.

13. Joey Walton

Walton has had a tough initiation into Super Rugby AU but looked right at home in the outside centre spot on Saturday night. In a position that demands a lot in defence, Walton stood up to the challenge making a ridiculous 17 tackles, missing just one other. 

14. Byron Ralston

Ralston is a genuine star of the future and is proving every week that he is a superb finisher. He it young enough to have been playing for the Junior Wallabies this year but with COVID wreaking havoc on that program, he is making his stamp on Super Rugby AU. Scored a double, including a spectacular 80m intercept try. Again this spot could have gone to James Ramm or Chris Feauai-Sautia as well - it was a very good weekend for winger.

15. Jack McGregor

McGregor has had some unfortunate luck in his rugby career but he is a very talented player. Scored a nice try for the Force and had a big involvement in the game. If he can stay fit, he can definitely become a big part of Australian rugby.

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