Super Rugby Team of the Week

Super Rugby Team of the Week

With the Crusaders beating the Blues in the top of the table clash in Super Rugby Aotearoa, the Canterbury side move top of the table while in Australia the Reds hold a 1 point lead over the Brumbies despite the 18-18 draw with the Rebels. Here is the Super Rugby Team of the Week

1. Alex Hodgman - Blues

Another fine performance by the Blues loosehead as he and Tu'ungafasi fronted up against Moody and Alaalatoa of the Crusaders.


2. Codie Taylor - Crusaders

Taylor is the form hooker in New Zealand and arguably the world and hasn't let the Crusaders captaincy affect his game. 9 tackles and 12 carries by the numbers but plenty of off the ball work means he beats Ash Dixon and Asafo Aumua into the team.



3. Siate Tokolahi - Highlanders

Tokolahi was on the losing side in a tough game against the Hurricanes but he put in a huge effort around the park making 19 tackles and 4 carries. He made 10% of his teams total tackles for the game. Taniela Tupou came close with his incredible 90 minute display for the Reds



4. Matthew Philip - Rebels

16 tackles and 7 carries by the 6ft 6in lock who was an intergral part of the Rebels machine in Super Rugby AU with a turnover to add to his impressive day he makes it into the TOTW


5. Lukhan Salakai-Loto - Reds

Huge effort by Salakai-Lotu who, with Philip, contributed greatly to their sides 18-18 draw this weekend. 11 tackles and 16 carries by the big man


6. Akira Ioane - Blues

Ioane joins his brother in the TOTW but Akira has forced people to sit up and take note of him again. Since his move to the flank he has forced his way into first choice for the Blues and despite the loss on the weekend he beats Devan Flanders into the side


7. Michael Hooper - Waratahs

The man just does not stop. Hooper made 15 tackles, 13 carries, 2 turnovers and beat 3 defenders with ball in hand. Dalton Papali'i missed out after a fine 60 minutes for the Blues




8. Brynard Stander - Force

Welcome back to Super Rugby for the Western Force and Stander fights off both Ardie Savea and Marino Mikaele Tu'u for the 8 jumper after he was huge against the Waratahs in Super RUgby AU


9. Aaron Smith - Highlanders

Tough to pick between Smith and Perenara this week with both engaged in an epic battle against each other. Smith sneaks it with 3 turnover wins and a fine try to get his side back in contention 




10. Richie Mo'unga - Crusaders

After Mo'unga's performance against the Blues there was no ways another player would be able to dethrone him this week but Mitch Hunt was closer than any other player. Mo'unga was nothing short of sublime this week 




11. George Bridge - Crusaders

Many did not agree with Bridge starting but he certainly shut the doubters up quickly with one classy performance. Solid under the high ball and a number of important defensive plays sees him make the side


12. Ngani Laumape - Hurricanes

Goodhue and Plummer both were in the running but Ngani Laumape dominated the Highlanders beating 9 defenders and winning a turnover as he threatened his opposition for the full 80 minutes


13. Rieko Ioane - Blues

Great finish for his try and a number of positive impacts on the game, Rieko Ioane seems to be settling in the 13 jumper. Vince Aso unlucky to miss out on his return to the starting line up.




14. Kobus van Wyk - Hurricanes

Brilliant performance by the South African against the Highlanders as he bagged another try off a very good finish. 7 tackles at 100% and beating 3 defenders on the day. He was unlucky to not provide a try assists for Jordei Barrett but his no look pass falconed his fullback. Mark Telea unlucky to miss out this week.




15. Jordie Barrett - Hurricanes

Superb game and one that saw him make 6 turnover wins along with a 30m pass for Kobus van Wyk's try and beating 3 defenders. 

Great moments from the weekens action:

James O'Connor fluffs his clearing kick 



Bryce Hegarty smashed in a big hit



Sensational offload to even up the game for the Reds



Mark Telea finishes with a one hand try



Richie Mo'unga double pump



Ennor charges down Black's conversion



This is what happened directly after the charge down...Mo'unga Magic



Vince Aso taking names


Kobus van Wyk sends one straight into the nose of Jordie Barrett

 

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