Super Round delivered some quality performances from the Australian sides, a major improvement from last year's inaugural event.
The Brumbies once again are the standout team, establishing their title credentials with a gutsy win over the Blues.
Watch every game of Super Rugby Pacific LIVE on Stan Sport. Start your Free Sport Trial Now
Meanwhile, the NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds delivered thumping wins whilst the Rebels were valiant in defeat to the Hurricanes.
With this in mind, Rugby.com.au has selected the best from the Australian sides for round two.
1.Tom Lambert (NSW Waratahs)
A very handy replacement for Angus Bell.
Lambert looked damaging with every carry and was a reliable force at scrum time.
He wins a razor-thin decision over James Slipper to stop a Brumbies shutout in the front row (spoilers), with Slipper's the key figure behind their set-piece dominance.
2.Lachlan Lonergan (ACT Brumbies)
A tireless performance from 'Noss' after missing last week with illness.
Lonergan went the full 80 minutes and outside of a few loose throws late delivered a world-class performance.
He got through a mountain of defensive work (16 tackles) and deserved more than a lone try at the back of a dominant rolling maul.
3. Rhys Van Nek (ACT Brumbies)
Van Nek stepped up when Allan Alaalatoa went off in the opening ten minutes with a head knock.
He won two key turnovers in the tight second half when he got into ideal position over the ball and his scrummaging was just what the Brumbies needed.
He'll need to repeat the performance against the Reds this Saturday, with Zane Nonggorr also very impressive in their win over the Force.
4. Nick Frost (ACT Brumbies)
Frost continues to establish his status as the premier Australian-based lock.
His motor is tireless, evident with his great intercept to stop a Blues break in the first half, along with stealing a key lineout.
For this, he edges out Josh Canham, who delivered another promising outing for the Rebels with Matt Philip on the sidelines.
5. Jed Holloway (NSW Waratahs)
Holloway helped flip momentum for the Waratahs with several key plays.
He was denied an early try but made up for it with the final pass to set up Langi Gleeson to put the NSW side in front after the break.
His lineout steal on the 5m line set up Emded's try five minutes later to ultimately help the Waratahs to victory.
6. Rob Valetini (ACT Brumbies)
Valetini remains world-class and rose to the occasion for the Brumbies.
He constantly bullied the ball over the advantage line during his 12 carries whilst was one of several Brumbies to record a mountain of tackles (14) in a gutsy victory.
7. Rory Scott (ACT Brumbies)
Scott is the unsung hero of the Brumbies pack.
He was the leading tackler with 18 and was everywhere around the ruck to ensure Ryan Lonergan and Nic White were constantly getting clean ball.
Scott just earns selection ahead of an impressive Michael Hooper and Brad Wilkin.
8. Langi Gleeson (NSW Waratahs)
In a week when several number eights could've earned selection, Langi Gleeson was the standout.
His 10 carries for 71m were done with ferocity whilst his early thumping tackle proved he can match with the Fijians at their most physical.
The pop pass for Ben Donaldson's try showed the finesse and gave the Waratahs a lead they would not surrender.
On most other weeks, Richard Hardwick would've been an obvious selection after a quality performance whilst Pete Samu and Harry Wilson showed their quality.
9. Tate McDermott (Queensland Reds)
McDermott is the general that leads the Reds' attack around the park.
His constant snipes caused the Force headaches all day whilst delivering perfect service for Lynagh and co to thrive, starting with his try assist to Ryan Smith.
10. Carter Gordon (Melbourne Rebels)
A coming-of-age performance by the young half.
He took over the second half, delivering a perfect grubber for Lachlan Anderson before running the length of the field to light up AAMI Park.
Gordon is starting to feel comfortable taking the line on and it showed in this match, nearly delivering a famous comeback victory for the Rebels.
Tom Lynagh continues to star in his debut season and new recruit Jack Debreczeni delivered a steady outing for the Brumbies.
11. Andy Muirhead (ACT Brumbies)
With all the focus on the wings, it was the unassuming Muirhead that was the standout.
It was the full package with some strong carries, finishing for a try, good scrambling in defence and an excellent short-side run that could have turned into more.
He just earns selection over Filipo Daugunu, who torched the Force for a double.
12. Lalakai Foketi (NSW Waratahs)
Foketi constantly looked dangerous when he took the ball to the line.
He broke countless tackles and got the Waratahs on the front foot when the Drua had all the momentum.
The Wallaby also shut down the dangerous Kalaveti Ravouvou, limiting his effectiveness and ability to put a game out of reach.
13. Josh Flook (Queensland Reds)
Flook continues his development with another starring performance in the centres.
He had elite speed and great game awareness, continuing to show why he is rated so highly by the Reds.
The young centre nearly scored in the first 30 seconds, awarded for his pressure with a try just before the break and his second as time winded down at AAMI Park.
14. Mark Nawaqanitawase (NSW Waratahs)
Nawaqanitawase threatened with every touch and proved a handful for the Drua.
He broke multiple Drua tackles and his ability to offload kept the Waratahs on attack before scoring a well-deserved try late.
This just put him ahead of Lachie Anderson, who showed why he was such a major loss for the Rebels in 2022.
15. Jordan Petaia (Queensland Reds)
Petaia continues to do his Wallabies ambitions little harm
He broke the Force’s line almost instantly whilst his work ethic was on full display when he chased his own clearing kick and ended up crossing the line after beating two defenders.
Tom Wright was also quality for the Brumbies whilst Joe Pincus had a quality debut for the Rebels
