Round 12 of Super Rugby Pacific saw plenty of players make a statement as the push towards finals and a potential England call-up gets closer and closer.
The Brumbies continued their incredible form with a commanding victory over the Chiefs whilst the Waratahs overcame a slow start to hold off Moana Pasifika.
Meanwhile, the Reds couldn't hang on to defeat the Highlanders whilst the Force and Rebels were outclassed by the Crusaders and Blues.
With this in mind,Rugby.com.au has selected the best from the Australian sides for round 12.
1.Angus Bell
Bell bounced back from a tough game against the Crusaders, producing a dominant display against Moana Pasifika.
He easily got the best of club legend Sekope Kepu and his replacement Joe 'Apikotoa at scrum-time, earning penalty after penalty to help the Waratahs gain the ascendancy.
Bell was also rock-solid in defence as well as delivering a number of key carries to earn his selection ahead of James Slipper.
2. Folau Fainga’a
Fainga'a was rock solid for the Brumbies as their forward pack powered them to victory.
Outside of one poor throw, the hooker was reliable as ever at lineout time, setting the platform as the visitors powered their way to victory
3. Sefo Kautai
Kautai has stepped up in Allan Alaalatoa's absence, producing his best game at Super Rugby level.
The 25-year-old relished his return to Waikato and was out to remind the Chiefs what they missed out on, dominant with every carry to just beat out Waratahs young gun Archer Holz
4.Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
Salakaia-Loto sent a perfect reminder to Wallabies selectors as he tried to will his side home.
On his return to the starting side, the Wallaby was everywhere in defence, constantly making solid tackles whilst consistently taking the ball over the advantage line.
This was typified by his break in the 50th minute, showing his under-rated pace to break away before finding Jordan Petaia with a great pass, just edging out Darcy Swain in this team.
5.Jed Holloway
Holloway continues to shine for the Waratahs, driving them to the comeback victory.
His lineout work remains elite, nabbing a vital steal whilst standing up in defence.
However, his attacking game has been his major area of improvement, throwing a great cutout bullet pass to find Dylan Pietsch in the corner.
6. Rob Valetini
Valetini was again immense for the Brumbies, providing impactful carries whenever the club needed it.
This was evident just after the break, showing the improved motor to deliver three rapid-fire, quality hit-ups before Len Ikitau sliced through the defence.
His break in the 70th minute was elite late in the game to set up Billy Pollard and secure the win.
7. Brad Wilkin
Wilkin is one of few in the Rebels side who can hold their heads up high after their thumping defeat to the Blues.
The flanker was a turnover magnet, earning four to help keep the Rebels in the contest as the Blues ran rampant.
He was rewarded for a valiant effort with a great try towards the end of the game, holding out Jahrome Brown and Charlie Gamble after they put together strong showings for their respective teams.
8. Pete Samu
Samu celebrated his 50th game in style as he produced an inspirational performance at the back.
His carry in the third minute was key towards setting up the first try, before producing a similar break in the 73rd minute to get the Brumbies on the attack.
He finished with two line breaks, 78 metres and 18 tackles, all team highs, to help secure the victory for the visitors.
9. Nic White
The scrumhalf delivered a masterclass at the base of the ruck, showcasing his class across the 59-minute performance.
His experience was on full display when he caught the Chiefs napping down the short side to open the scoring.
Along with this, White's delivery was perfect, allowing the Brumbies to play up-tempo and keep the hosts on the back foot.
10. Noah Lolesio
Lolesio is yet to have a bad game since returning from injury, marshall the Brumbies around the park.
He looked dangerous whenever taking the ball to the line whilst providing a solid and reliable kicking game.
Lolesio has also returned to his sharp-shooting best after an inconsistent start to the year, missing just one kick from the sideline as he contributed 18 points to the win.
11. Tom Wright
Tom Wright continues his development with another strong performance for the Brumbies.
Wright embraced a greater chance to roam around the park, showing off the rapid speed and great passing game to find Samu inside three minutes, setting up Nic White's dart down the blindside.
He replicated his efforts in the second half, stepping into first receiver and making the perfect read to put Len Ikitau over to seal the win.
12. Bayley Kuenzle
Kuenzle was one of the main attacking threats for the Force as they struggled to match it with the Crusaders.
The young inside centre is still developing his partnership with Kyle Godwin but showed what he can do when it clicks whilst coming up with a number of key tackles.
13. Izaia Perese
Perese was the standout for the Waratahs in their comeback victory over Moana Pasifika.
The centre took it upon himself to kick the visitors into gear after a slow start, running a great line to slice through the defence to open their scoring, before backing it up with a brutal break minutes later.
He also produced an incredible piece of play to set up Dylan Pietsch for the no try of the year, brought back for a foot in touch by a Pasifika player before the turnover.
14. Mark Nawaqantinawase
Nawaqantinawase powered the Waratahs home with an incredible period of play in the second half.
With the game in the balance, the young winger showed great strength to power through tacklers to score in the corner.
From the kick-off, he then broke the line to get the Waratahs on the front foot, producing a similar run four minutes later to set up Dylan Pietsch's try.
15. Jock Campbell
Campbell was electric at the back for the Reds, looking damaging whenever he touched the ball.
He showed off his under-rated acceleration and speed to finish off the opening try of the match, finishing with five tackle busts, a linebreak and 74 metres.
