Round Eight of Super Rugby Pacific threw up some wild results as several Australian players stood out.
There were upset wins for the NSW Waratahs and Melbourne Rebels, defeating the Crusaders and Highlanders respectively.
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As for the Queensland Reds, they struggled and eventually went down to Moana Pasifika in the final minutes in Whangarei. The Western Force and ACT Brumbies both had byes.
With this in mind, Rugby.com.au has selected the best from the Australian sides for round eight.
Thompson-Stringer stepped up to fill the void left by Angus Bell.
The Englishmen was consistent at scrum-time, achieving parity with All Black Fletcher Newell whilst not missing a tackle in defence.
It was enough to hold off Matt Gibbon, who continues to impress for the Rebels
Heaven was a workhorse for the Waratahs, going the full 83 minutes playing one of the hardest positions.
His try lit up Allianz Stadium as he burst onto the ball and beat several defenders to slam it down.
Heaven’s work at set-piece time was excellent, not missing a throw and providing a solid scrummaging base
Talakai continues to do his Wallabies hopes little harm.
He worked hard all night to hold his end up at scrum time whilst working hard across the park
Smith was strong for the Reds in defeat, souring his 50th Super Rugby match.
He was efficient with his cleanouts and constantly hit rucks all game to give the Reds quick ball.
He also came up with a crucial lineout steal and made several strong tackles to secure his place just over Lukhan Salakaia-Loto.
Hanigan was at his Wallaby best as he inspired the Waratahs to victory.
He was elite with his work at the breakdown to get the hosts on the front foot.
On top of this, he was constantly putting his hand up for the tough carries and continued to bend the defensive line.
Swinton was a wrecking ball for the Tahs, pressing his claims for a Wallabies call-up.
The backrower brutalised the Crusaders’ defenders with every carry, including a lovely swan dive to score the Waratahs’ opening try.
For this, he holds off Josh Kemeny, who once again impressed for the Rebels.
Gamble powered the Waratahs to victory with another world-class night.
He was a menace at breakdown to go with some tough carries in crucial moments.
Gleeson returned to his best when the Waratahs needed him the most.
The backrower looked damaging with every carry, with his speed and size troubling the Crusaders.
Gleeson also stepped up in defence to help them to victory
Louwrens engineered the Rebels’ first half surge against the Highlanders.
He scored the opening try of the match by catching the visitors napping whilst setting up two further tries.
This saw him edge out Jake Gordon, who once again is quietly pressing his claims for a Wallabies call up
Gordon took the game on and delivered a wonderful win for the Melbourne-based side.
He took the line on 20 times for 134 metres, a great return for a flyhalf to go with his controlled night with the boot.
The flyhalf crossed the line twice as part of a 20 point haul to go with five tackle busts.
Pietsch was electric for the Waratahs, stepping up in all aspects of the game.
His try in the second half helped spark their revival as the Crusaders threatened to run away with the game, having set up Swinton to open their account.
The winger had a pair of line breaks to go with four tackle busts.
Foketi is the glue that brings the Waratahs attack together.
He has a great ability to beat the first man, putting Pietsch through the hole for the opening try.
The Wallaby delivered great service to his outside backs to help spark a crucial win
Daugunu was once again solid for the Rebels in a winning performance.
The centre was rock solid in defence to go with a damaging night in attack
Darby Lancaster is having a dream rookie year in Super Rugby Pacific
The grubber to himself was the perfect option to showcase his pace and he dived over in the corner.
He then showed off the Sevens' skills to release and go again for his second before completing the hat trick thanks to some great hands and pace.
Kellaway had a classy return for the Rebels after cracked ribs.
The fullback keeps breaking tackles and was often there to start an attack whether it was with his silly footwork or his offloading ability.
This just saw him ahead of Max Jorgensen, who once again impressed for the Waratahs.
