Harvey Norman Super Rugby AU: Team of the Week - Round Eight

Mon, Apr 12, 2021, 6:15 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Queensland Reds hosted the Brumbies in Round Eight of Harvey Norman Super Rugby AU at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane

Round Eight of the Harvey Norman Super Rugby AU Season delivered two classics as teams start to find form ahead of the finals.

The Force managed to grab victory in the final minutes against the Rebels whilst the Reds booked a home final with a come-from-behind win over the Brumbies.

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But who stood out and made our Team of the Week?

1. James Slipper

Returning back to his preferred side of the scrum, Slipper was a menace for the Brumbies at the start of the game, setting the tone early. Like a fine wine, he continues to get better with age.

2. Folau Fainga'a

Managed to find the try-line once again and continued to send a message to selectors after he was not named for the Wallabies camp.

3. Taniela Tupou

Was an absolute monster with ball in hand as always, leaving his imprint on the game and Irae Simone's chest. Continues to improve at scrum time, winning the Reds a crucial penalty late.

4. Sitaleki Timani

Put in a major shift in defence as the Force held off waves of attack from the Rebels. Was his typically reliable self at line-out time to help the Force control the set-piece battle as well as being crucial in getting the ball over the advantage line.

5. Cadeyrn Neville

Continues to justify his selection in the Wallabies camp as he seemed to tackle everything that moved against the Reds. Recorded a team-high 15 tackles and deserved a win for his efforts.

6. Rob Valetini

Valetini seems to lift for the big games and this was no exception. Whilst he has made a name for himself as a strong ball-carrier, his aggression in defence seemed to stun the Reds early on and he was arguably the Brumbies' best in the losing performance.

7. Fraser McReight

An incredible performance by the 22-year-old, seemingly in everything that the Reds did. Sealed the game late after winning the penalty at ruck-time and continues to put pressure on Michael Hooper's hold over the gold number seven jersey.

Read like a book by Tom Banks for a superb solo effort.

8. Harry Wilson

Whilst McReight got all the praise from Saturday's win (and rightfully so), Wilson was immense in taking the ball over the advantage. His 15 carriers was nearly double his closest team-mate and he continues to show why he is the premier number eight in the country.

9. Tomas Cubelli

The Argentinian pair of Cubelli and Miotti worked wonders as they steady the ship for the Force during the tight contest. Probably his best game for the Force and boy did they need it!

10. James O'Connor

Is there a better player in the country than James O'Connor? It's tough to argue against as the Reds captain engineered an incredible comeback. Was unfazed by the intercept he threw to Banks, delivering a similar ball to set up Josh Flook before putting a pin-point kick on for Jordan Petaia.

11. Tom Wright

Wright continues to show no rust after returning from injury, making an impact with every touch of the ball. Scored a well-deserved try after latching onto a cut-out ball from Andy Muirhead

12. Lewis Holland

Holland thrived in his first starting game for the Rebels, with the Sevens star's unique skills proving tough to stop. His passing was crucial in setting up a number of breaks along with beating two defenders of his own.

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13. Josh Flook

Flook was a late inclusion in the starting line-up and took advantage with a brilliant performance. Replacing one of the form centres of the comp in Hunter Paisami isn't an easy effort, but Flook stepped up to the challenge, running for a team-high 75 metres to go with two line breaks and a try.

14. Jordan Petaia

Petaia continues to shine on the wing, turning the contest on a number of occasions. From his 50-22 to a leaping try, the 21-year-old was electric on the wing and instrumental in their comeback, earning Lomu-like comparisons from coach Brad Thorn after the game

15. Tom Banks

Once again, Banks shows why he should be the Wallabies fullback come July. The ability to read and take the 80-metre intercept was elite from a player that continues to improve. His work rate was incredible, running for a mind-blowing 172 metres.

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