As we move into the finals of the 2021 Harvey Norman Super Rugby AU season, we're giving fans the opportunity to choose the season's MVP. Five players from each club have been nominated from the list of regular starters in Rugby.com.au's Team of the Week.
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Below are the nominees from each team.
Reds
James O'Connor has led from the front for the Reds throughout their unbeaten start to the season, making 19 tackles busts along with leading the comp with 90 points.
He is joined by fellow backs Tate McDermott and Hunter Paisami, with McDermott pressing his claims for Wallaby selection with his four try assists and 19 tackle busts whilst Paisami's bruising defence and explosive running style secured his nomination.
Rounding out the list for the Reds are prop Taniela Tupou, who continues to firm as the premier prop in the world and Fraser McReight, with McReight's sensational season putting serious pressure on captain Michael Hooper's claims over the number seven jersey.
Brumbies
Ton Banks has been unstoppable at the back for the defending champions, running for 732 metres, nearly 200 more than his nearest rival.
Len Ikitau has also been rewarded for a strong season in both attack and defence, leading the backs in tackles made (68) as well as sitting third for offloads (9), joined by halfback Nic White, who has been essential in guiding the Brumbies around the park.
Back-rowers Rob Valetini and Pete Samu are the final nominees from the Brumbies. Valentini's incredible effort, sitting top ten for carries (62) and tackles (82). earned him nomination whilst Samu's explosiveness, ninth in line-breaks (6), secured his spot.
Western Force
Feleti Kaitu'u has been one of the breakout players of the tournament, looming as a potential bolter for the Wallabies July series against France.
He was joined in the Wallabies squad by Tim Anstee, who earned nomination after his multiple match-winning performances for the Force.
Meanwhile, Rob Kearney and Tomas Cubelli continue to show their class and have been integral to their revival whilst Brynard Stander has been immense at the back of the scrum, sitting ninth for carries (60).
Melbourne Rebels
Marika Koroibete has been back to his dangerous best despite a try-scoring drought, leading the comp in carriers (86), tackle busts (26), offloads (10) as well as sitting second for line breaks (11)
He is joined by the ever-reliable boot of Matt To'ouma and Richard Hardwick, who earned multiple TOTW inclusions for his impressive work rate.
Cult hero Cabous Eloff and towering lock Trevor Hosea are the final nominees for the Rebels, with the pair integral to their impressive defence in 2021.
NSW Waratahs
In a tough season, Carlo Tizzano has stepped up at flanker, easily leading the comp in tackles (136) as the WA product tries to will his team to victory.
He is joined by Dave Porecki, who has made an immediate difference since being elevated to the starting line-up, and firebrand Lachie Swinton, who continues to set the tempo and aggression for their pack.
In his first year back in Australian rugby, Izaia Perese has been unstoppable at centre, which was evident during last week's narrow loss to the Force, whilst winger James Ramm continues to give defences headaches with his blistering speed.
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