It was a mixed weekend for Australian rugby teams in round 12.
The Brumbies and Reds took wins while the Waratahs and Rebels fell just short.
Who stood out from the Aussie sides?
1.Scott Sio
The Brumbies scrum was immense on Saturday night, laying the platform for the win over the Blues. Could flip a coin between James Slipper and Sio here, both were superb.
2. Folau Faingaa
A hat-trick off rolling mauls has propelled Faingaa to the top of Super Rugby’s try-scoring tally with 10 for the season. The Brumbies are using their greatest weapon incredibly well each week and it’s reaping rewards.
3. Allan Alaalatoa
Alaalatoa is the in-form tighthead in Australian Super Rugby sides this season and was again superb in Canberra. While the competition between Sio and Slipper is fierce, Alaalatoa is easily the first-picked tighthead each week. His form has surpassed that of his more experienced NSW counterpart Sekope Kepu and Reds no. 3 Taniela Tupou.
4. Sam Carter
Carter played a big role in the success of the Brumbies’ rolling maul and their success at lineout time. Made 15 tackles as well, in a handy defensive display.
5. Matt Philip
Philip is ultra-consistent and he stepped up in the absence of Adam Coleman in Wellington. The lock scored a strong try and made 10 tackles against the Hurricanes.
6. Tom Cusack
The Brumbies’ backrow has been sensational in recent weeks and their performances are even more significant when you consider their first-choice starters have all been injured at times this season. Cusack has a seemingly endless workrate and stepped again against the Blues.
7. Liam Wright
Wright is developing well as a Super Rugby no. 7 in his first regular season. Was a threat in defence for the Reds on a tough night for both sides and is growing in value each week.
8. Pete Samu
Samu has stepped straight into the shoes of Locky McCaffrey at no. eight in the past fortnight and he has been a standout in both outings. It was the forwards that drove the Brumbies’ success on Saturday night and his contributions were critical.
9. Joe Powell
Powell was important in the Brumbies’ win over the Blues. While it was their forwards who inflicted the most damage, Powell’s service and ability to play a strong linkman role was key in keeping the Brumbies on top.
10. Christian Lealiifano
Lealiifano’s value to the Brumbies can not be overstated. The flyhalf’s experience is invaluable to the side and his game management and organisation has helped them throughout the season.
11. Curtis Rona
Rona had one of his best games of the year in Pretoria. Scored a try and nearly had two. Made 85 run metres and had 14 carries for the game and worked hard defensively.
12. Billy Meakes
Meakes only played 21 minutes for the Rebels but made an enormous impact in that time. Finished off a pivotal try and had gone close to scoring just after coming on as well.
13. Chris Feauai-Sautia
Feauai-Sautia has found his groove in 2019 after years of injury setbacks. The powerful centre had 11 carries, beat three defenders against the Sunwolves and was a general threat around the park on a weird night at Suncorp.
14. Henry Speight
Speight hasn’t been flashy for the Brumbies this year but he makes strong contributions when he has the ball. Is direct in attack and it was from him that James Slipper’s try was generated.
15. Kurtley Beale
There were no real standout fullbacks from round 12 but Beale was the best of the lot. Scored an opportunistic try that helped the Waratahs in their attempt to get back into the game against the Bulls.
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