Super Rugby Team of the Week
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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
Just another impressive day at the office from Michael Hooper 📊 #SuperRugbyAU pic.twitter.com/mkcj7uSHQb
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) July 11, 2020
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
Pure class from Aaron Smith as he waits for the perfect moment #HIRvHIG pic.twitter.com/jx6mXWOsCv
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) July 12, 2020
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
A match-winning performance from Richie Mo'unga 🙌#CRUvBLU #SuperRugbyAotearoa pic.twitter.com/R2QSioIJg2
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) July 11, 2020
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.
The line from Rieko Ioane 👌
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) July 11, 2020
But then...
A charge down from the conversion 😲#SuperRugbyAotearoa #CRUvBLU
pic.twitter.com/aoI7J6SUle
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.
Slicing through the line, then the pass is 😍 and what a great finish too! #HURvHIG pic.twitter.com/D9qKjAP0ao
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) July 12, 2020
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
Shocker from James O’Connor off his unfavorable left foot pic.twitter.com/iNjOisovnt
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) July 10, 2020
Bryce Hegarty smashed in a big hit
Access Denied ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/m7GwIPYp7a
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) July 11, 2020
Sensational offload to even up the game for the Reds
What an offload!! That’s how you level things up pic.twitter.com/03mqTJIgQO
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) July 10, 2020
Mark Telea finishes with a one hand try
The pass from Black 🤤
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) July 11, 2020
The one-handed finish from Telea 🔥#CRUvBLU #SuperRugbyAotearoa pic.twitter.com/1Tjx1tI4TA
Richie Mo'unga double pump
Class from the @crusadersrugby 🔥 #CRUvBLU pic.twitter.com/4nmQVAIEcx
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) July 11, 2020
Ennor charges down Black's conversion
The moment everything changed for the @crusadersrugby 🛑 #CRUvBLU #SuperRugbyAotearoa pic.twitter.com/TqV3ShOH9r
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) July 11, 2020
This is what happened directly after the charge down...Mo'unga Magic
Sneaky from Mo'unga 🔥
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) July 11, 2020
pic.twitter.com/w82oEWvX9X
Vince Aso taking names
Great read and execution by Vince Aso #HURvHIG pic.twitter.com/01OPM6RRl2
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) July 12, 2020
Kobus van Wyk sends one straight into the nose of Jordie Barrett