Round Ten of Super Rugby Pacific was filled with tense encounters as all five Australian sides tested themselves against their Kiwi counterparts.
The ACT Brumbies were the big winners, topping the previously undefeated Hurricanes in Canberra.
Catch every game of Super Rugby Pacific LIVE, ad-free and on demand on Stan Sport.
The Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs let leads slip whilst the Western Force and Melbourne Rebels struggled in New Zealand.
With this in mind, Rugby.com.au has selected the best from the Australian sides for round ten.
Another solid weekend for the Wallabies legend to inspire the victory.
He carries hard across his 62 minute stint, forced back on late after Blake Schoupp’s injury.
Slipper’s leadership was crucial in closing out the game and negated the Hurricanes’ scrum to secure the win.
Heaven has been the find of the season for the Waratahs.
The hooker has gone from being overlooked for a full-time contract to one of their best as he was damaging with his runs, including scoring a great solo try to kickstart the Waratahs.
This along with a productive night in defence had him edge out Billy Pollard, who was perfect at lineout time.
Toomaga-Allen impressed again as he stepped up to the challenge of taking on an All Black front-row.
The prop was perfect with his defence, making every tackle whilst winning some key turnovers.
Swain was crucial in closing out the win for the Brumbies.
He controlled the lineout game and won the key turnover to halt the Hurricanes’ momentum and prevent the comeback.
Swain was also the Brumbies’ top tackler on the afternoon, putting him ahead of Miles Amatosero after a great start from the young gun
Smith toiled away valiantly for the Reds and deserved to come away with the win.
He was amazing in defence, recording a perfect 26 from 26 tackles to set the tempo for the hosts.
The lock was also physical at set-piece time and worked hard across the full 80 minutes.
Wright continues to press his claims for a Wallabies call-up with another inspirational night as skipper.
He also finished the game with 26 tackles, including winning multiple key turnovers, the highlight being one right before the siren that should’ve taken the game to extra-time.
This made his case undeniable despite another strong night from Lachlan Swinton.
Scott thrived in his opportunity to start for the Brumbies.
He often bumped off defenders and worked his way over the advantage line constantly.
Even though he wore the six jersey, Valetini’s performance was too hard to ignore.
The Brumby was at his brutal best as he threw off defenders in a first half that left the unbeaten Hurricanes struggling for answers.
He worked hard to record 18 carries and 14 tackles without a miss to help secure the victory.
Gordon did everything possible to keep the Waratahs in the contest.
The Waratah threatened around the ruck with his snipes whilst his passing game was near perfect.
He just edged out Ryan Lonergan, who recovered nicely from a tough night in Auckland.
Lolesio controlled the game magnificently to put the Brumbies in a winning position.
He was strong when he took the line on, finding himself over in the corner as part of a fast Brumbies start.
The flyhalf then set up Tamati Tua to help them race away in the game in the opening quarter.
Ryan was fearless on his starting Reds debut.
He set the tempo with an audacious 26th minute chip and chase to send Josh Flook away downfield, his impressive finish for a second try in the 60th minute, and his key tackle on Cole Forbes in the 65th minute.
But nothing can top his third try - a scything, swerving run that left All Blacks winger Mark Tele'a grasping at air and the Brisbane crowd in raptures.
He finished with three line breaks and five tackle busts to go with the hat-trick
Tua has emerged as one of the best inside centres in Super Rugby after his game-winning performance against the Hurricanes.
The Brumbies inside centre left no prisoners against his Kiwi countrymen, scoring an early try and bending the line countless times in attack
Tua finished with 16 carries, two linebreaks and didn’t miss a tackle in a fine display marking All Black star Jordie Barrett.
Flook was rock solid for the Reds throughout the evening on his return.
He made strong metres from his carries and limited the effectiveness of their midfield.
Sapsford continues to shine for the Brumbies on the wing.
He has an innate nature to break the first tackler and get into space, tormenting the Hurricanes.
His try in the 18th minute helped extend their lead as they hung on for victory
Wright was once again strong at the back, unstoppable with ball in hand.
He had nine tackle busts and two line breaks from his 11 carries, delighting the Canberra faithful on countless occasions.
Wright’s Wallaby stocks are only on the rise, influential in the win over the Hurricanes.
