mobanmarketIt was a mixed week for the Australian sides, with the Reds scoring a crucial win against the Stormers ahead of their South African tour, before the Brumbies and Waratahs lost matches to start an all-Aussie Super Saturday.
The Rebels then rounded out the day on a high, scoring a bonus-point win in their clash against the Sunwolves to maintain their spot at the top of the Australian conference.
Here’s who stood out for the Aussie teams in Round 8.
1. JP Smith
A South African product himself, Smith highlighted South African forwards’ belief that Aussie packs are soft and was on a personal mission for the Reds on Friday night. His efforts paid off, with the Reds holding their own in the set piece against a monster Stormers pack and Smith helping his team get on a roll in the second half.
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa
After coming off the bench behind Alex Mafi for the past couple of rounds, Paenga-Amosa won back his starting spot for the Stormers clash and made the most of it, scoring his fourth try of the season in the Reds’ win. Will be out to cement his starting position on the tour of South Africa as he pushes for a World Cup spot.
3. Ruan Smith
Like twin JP, the Reds’ loosehead, playing South African teams brings out the best in Smith and he had arguably his best game of the season against the Stormers, helping the Reds to a crucial win. Played 54 minutes before being substituted for Taniela Tupou and his imput will be crucial again over the next fortnight against the Bulls and Sharks.
4. Adam Coleman
Solid as always, especially in the lineout where he won plenty of ball, not just on the Rebels throw but pilfering from the Sunwolves in the bonus-point win. Made his presence felt on both sides of the ball.
5. Rob Simmons
Simmons turns 30 next week but age is doing little to slow down the former Red, who played 80 minutes in the Waratahs’ loss to the Blues on Saturday. Finished with 15 tackles and just two misses in a strong game.
6. Luke Jones
Continues to impress in his return to the Rebels whether in the backrow or at lock. Talk continuing to build about a Wallabies recall to add to his three Tests, either in the Rugby Championship or at the World Cup and presented a good case as a lineout jumping no.6 against the Sunwolves. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto also strong at blindside in the Reds’ win against the Stormers.
7. Angus Cottrell
Captaincy is agreeing with Cottrell, who put in a second consecutive outstanding game after a strong showing in the Rebels’ win against the Reds. Busy throughout his 55 minutes on the field, especially early in the second term after the Sunwolves scored and briefly threatened to push back into the game.
8. Mike Wells
Less than a month into his comeback from the sevens circuit, Wells showed he has adapted quickly, mixing it well with the Blues’ forwards despite the Tahs’ three-point loss. Along with fellow loose forward Jack Dempsey, Wells played strongly in a pack missing the rested Michael Hooper, making 14 tackles in an 80-mimute effort.
9. Tate McDermott
Is becoming more and more comfortable at this level after grabbing his opportunity starting for the Reds ahead of Moses Sorovi. Created Queensland’s best scoring chance of a scoreless first half against the Stormers, backed himself to dart over late in the second half to seal the win and created a late try for Paenga-Amosa in his most complete Super Rugby performance.
10. Quade Cooper
Another impressive performance from Cooper, who continues to outpoint his Australian rivals at flyhalf. Scored a try himself just before halftime and set up several others for teammates in the Rebels’ bonus point win as he continues to revel in Dave Wessels’ flat attacking set-up and his reunion with scrumhalf Will Genia.
11. Toni Pulu
Playing just his second game of the season after fracturing his cheekbone in round one, Pulu set up Tevita Kuridrani for a consolation try at the end of the match, following on from a strong running effort, making 67m from five carries. A yellow card in the second half was a low point, with the Crusaders rallying to win after being down at halftime.
12. Samu Kerevi
Lasted just under 20 minutes at inside centre before shuffling to 13 after Reds winger Filipo Daugunu broke his arm but regardless of where he played, he was outstanding. Scored a try, made 101m in attack, three clean breaks and beat seven defenders as well as inspiring those around him. Killed it.
13. Tevita Kuridrani
Was one of the Brumbies’ best in their loss in Christchurch, scoring a try and running for 73m in a commanding performance. Showed he’s a lock for the World Cup and could yet pair with fellow Fijian product Kerevi in a devastating midfield combination.
14. Sefa Naivalu
Named at outside centre for the Reds, Naivalu was forced to shift to the wing after Daugunu’s injury early in the match but stayed involved in the game in a good sign for coach Brad Thorn. With Daugunu likely to be sidelined for the next six weeks, Naivalu is likely to stay on the flank, although the return of Chris Feauai-Sautia could still see him pushed into the centres at some stage.
15. Reece Hodge
Has thrived since shifting to fullback for the injured Dane Haylett-Petty after his own comeback from injury. Scored a hat-trick, ran for more than 100m and made two clean breaks in a performance that will create selection headaches for Rebels coach Dave Wessels once he has a fully fit squad available.
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