ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has backed playmaker Noah Lolesio after his statement performance during their win over the Melbourne Rebels.
Lolesio started the game with a point to prove, running a great line to score their opening try.
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However, it's his effort and celebration after his second that got fans and pundits alike talking.
The 23-year-old backed up a stunning break from Tom Wright to dive over untouched before appearing to shrug his shoulders and scream 'Carter Gordon' into the sideline camera.
It appeared to be an emphatic response to his snubbing from April's Wallabies training squad, admitting there was further feeling to the contest going up against arguably the form playmaker from the Australian sides.
"It's a bit personal this game but I will keep it on the field," Lolesio said to Stan Sport at half-time.
Larkham was pleased with Lolesio's performance in the seven-point victory.
"He didn't (mention it was personal) but it's good to see. He's super competitive, there's no doubt about that," Larkham said.
"He's someone that wants to be better and better every week and we see that at training.
"He's challenging himself at training, challenging the guys around him and it's good to see that bit of passion come out with his emotions there. I didn't see (his comments) at halftime but obviously when he scored that try it was good to see."
His counterpart Gordon lifted to the occasion in a classic outing between two of the brightest playmakers in Australian Rugby.
The Rebel threw two great balls to put Lachie Anderson over either side of the half whilst he capitalised on a loose ball to give the Rebels one final chance.
“I think both of them played exceptionally, they were probably the two best players on the field, to be fair, for either side," fullback TomWright said after the game.
“Noah flattening up really early in the game, scoring his own meat pie (try) there. Potentially, he hasn’t been pushing up into that space early in the season and today he took the cuffs off and was playing right at the line. It was awesome for us.
“...It’s good competition, we’d rather be talking about guys pushing for spots than not putting their hand up. It's awesome for the game"
The hosts received a boost with captain Brad Wilkin confident he has avoided serious injury after limping off during the first half
