Round Four of Super Rugby Pacific saw a host of Australian talent step up amid the mixed results.
The Queensland Reds finished the weekend with bragging rights after their last minute winner over the ACT Brumbies in Canberra.
Meanwhile, the Western Force narrowly went down to the Highlanders, while the NSW Waratahs were outclassed by the Hurricanes.
Rugby.com.au breaks it down and selects its Team of the Week from the Australian teams in Round Four.
Tough to nail down a front-row with so many good options, with Nasser and Nonggorr just setting themselves apart in the win.
Nasser’s defence was rock solid to go with his core set-piece skills, with Nonggorr also providing a great base for the Reds pack.
Replacement Blake Schoupp may have only had limited time on the field but his impact was massive, especially around the breakdown to nearly get them home.
The likes of Tom Robertson, Billy Pollard and Rhys van Nek were also strong for their respective teams.
Williams will give the Highlanders nightmares after his work around the lineout.
In total, he stole four opposition throws, including several early on, to go with a smart try close to the line.
He is joined by Shaw, who edges out Darcy Swain after a tidy outing from the young Burmby that included the opening try.
Razor thin decisions across the board as the back-rowers impressed across the Australian teams.
Brial was a workhorse across his 80 minute stint, getting through plenty of dirty work.
His Reds teammate McReight just edges out Carlo Tizzano, who was superb, but McReight’s leadership and support work to set up several tries were the difference.
Another close decision with Cale and Harry Wilson, the Brumby earning the nod after a double and several lineout steals.
Both halves were massive in Saturday’s result as they push their Wallabies ambitions.
Lonergan controlled the game perfectly at the base of the ruck, sparking the hosts with his smart darts and play-making.
His late absence was felt as Gordon took over the game, scoring the winner to complement his three line-break assists.
Ben Donaldson was all but locked in after his stellar performance in Dunedin before Gordon’s late match winner tipped him over the edge.
Henry delivered a bruising return to the Reds line-up, constantly making metres and tackle busts.
As for Pritchard, his defensive work was excellent before his removal for a HIA, while also breaking the Reds defensive at key moments.
Daugunu and Campbell were superb at the back for the Reds in a critical victory.
It’s easy to forget Daugunu’s try was the reason they had a chance to launch the comeback, set up by Campbell’s brilliant run from his own in-goal.
They both had two line breaks and several tackle busts.
Meanwhile, Jorgensen was one of few Waratahs that impressed, scoring a double to add to his tally.
1. Blake Schoupp
2. Josh Nasser
3. Zane Nonggorr
4. Jeremy Williams
5. Darcy Swain
6. Joe Brial
7. Carlo Tizzano
8. Charlie Cale
9. Ryan Lonergan
10. Carter Gordon
11. Max Jorgensen
12. Isaac Henry
13. Kadin Pritchard
14. Darby Lancaster
15. Jock Campbell
