Round 13 of Super Rugby Pacific has been a mixed bag of fortunes for the Australian sides after some tough losses.
It started with the Queensland Reds valiantly going down to the Chiefs, followed by the NSW Waratahs unable to overcome the Highlanders in Dunedin.
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The ACT Brumbies were the big winners, rallying for a much-needed win over an in-form Western Force.
Rugby.com.au selects its team of the week from the Australian sides in Round 13.
A mix of clubs as several front-rowers looked strong, with Robertson strong in defeat for the Western Force, just edging out opposite number James Slipper.
Slipper’s teammate Lachlan Lonergan was back at his Wallaby best, tidy with his tackles along with a nice moment with brother Ryan to set up a crucial try.
Replacement Ranawai rounds it out, with the prop’s impact instant as he scored a try and flipped the script at scrum time after the Waratahs were getting battered in the first half.
A Reds sweep as the pair delivered their best in defeat to the Chiefs.
Uru arguably deserved a try late in the first half but was still impactful across the park for the hosts.
His battering ram partner Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, continues to shine, besting Lachie Shaw, who was again solid for the Brumbies as he continues to find the line.
There were several blindsides you could make a case for, but Valetini’s just stands tall over Joe Brial and Jeremy Williams after inspiring the Brumbies home with a game-high 14 carries for 74 metres, also making double-digit tackles.
It’s a similar case at open side, with Tizzano’s work rate in defeat giving the Force plenty of support and go-forward to inch ahead of Rory Scott and Fraser McReight.
Wilson finishes off the forward pack as the clear star of the Reds’ forward pack, going from strength to strength as he adds to his highlight reel with one of the assists of the year to set up Joe Brial.
Lonergan’s case for a Wallabies start only grows after his match-winning performance at scrum half, adding 17 points and a match-deciding try in the corner.
Gordon partners him after his stellar return from injury. Whilst only on for 30 minutes, the Reds’ likely would’ve had a chance late if not for his impact, making a line break from his first carry and setting up two tries with picture-perfect cut-out balls to Harry Wilson and Treyvon Pritchard respectively.
Paisami is only growing in power, shutting down Quinn Tupaea and limiting his impact to a single tackle bust, whilst out-gaining him in attack (93 v 66 metres on 12 carries each).
Suaalii joins the Red in the midfield after a welcome return to form. While his defence early was sloppy, he more than made up for it after torching the Highlanders defence, making several breaks and had a try disallowed.
Sapsford and Pietsch had a nice battle on the edge, with Sapsford crossing for a crucial try in the win.
Pietsch, meanwhile, was at his attacking best, constantly breaking tackles as he added a real edge to the Force’s attack.
Wright concludes the team, showing signs of his best with four tackle busts and some solid clearing kicks.
Sid Harvey was one of the Waratahs best in attack, narrowly missing out after a tough defensive night against the freakish Caleb Tangitau.
1. Tom Robertson
2. Lachlan Longeran
3. Apolosi Ranawai
4. Seru Uru
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
6. Rob Valetini
7. Carlo Tizzano
8. Harry Wilson
9. Ryan Lonergan
10. Carter Gordon
11. Ollie Sapsford
12. Hunter Paisami
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
14. Dylan Pietsch
15. Tom Wright
