TEAM OF THE WEEK: A stunning gallop

OPINION: Super Rugby is back after the June international break and so is rugby365’s Team of the Week.

After their stunning victory over the Hurricanes, the Brumbies lead the way with four players in our XV this week.

The Chiefs are the next best represented with three players in our selection.

In the backline, we have Solomon Alaimalo at fullback with Bautista Delguy and Andy Muirhead on the wings. The midfield consists of Rob Thompson and Kyle Godwin.

Bernard Foley is our No.10 with Joe Powell at No.9.

In the pack, the loose trio consists of Liam Messam, David Pocock and Luke Jacobson.

Ruan Botha and Guido Petti are in the second row, while our front row has Sekope Kepu, Armand van der Merwe and Dylan Smith.

Team of the Week – Round 17:

15 – Solomon Alaimalo (Chiefs):
He was devastating in space against the Highlanders and he beat a number defenders in the win. He was one of the try-scorers as well.
Bubbling under: Thomas Banks (Brumbies)

14 – Bautista Delguy (Jaguares):
He was almost unstoppable out wide against the Stormers. He made a number of clean breaks and evaded a truckload of defenders.
Bubbling under: Waisake Naholo (Highlanders)

13 – Rob Thompson (Highlanders):
His work rate on attack was phenomenal against the Chiefs. He was hard to contain out wide and he got his team over the gain line with some serious running metres.
Bubbling under: Curtis Rona (Waratahs)

12 – Kyle Godwin (Brumbies)
He was solid on defence against a powerful Hurricanes’ backline and he had some nice touches with ball in hand.
Bubbling under: Andre Esterhuizen (Sharks)

11 – Andrew Muirhead (Brumbies)
He made good use of the space he was given in the win over the Hurricanes. He scored a great try as well.
Bubbling under: Caleb Clarke (Blues)

10 – Bernard Foley (Waratahs)
The pivot was dangerous on attack, especially in the second half with his neat service to his backline against the Rebels. He also made a number of clean breaks.
Bubbling under: Nicolas Sanchez (Jaguares)

9 – Joe Powell (Brumbies)
He was lively as ever against the Hurricanes and he provided his backline with excellent service from the base of the ruck.
Bubbling under: Keisuke Uchida (Sunwolves)

8 – Liam Messam (Chiefs)
The All Black turned back time with his abrasive performance against the Highlanders.
Bubbling under: Amanaki Mafi (Melbourne Rebels)

7 – David Pocock (Brumbies)
He was a menace at the breakdowns in the win against the Hurricanes. He was also excellent on defence.
Bubbling under: Tomas Lezana (Jaguares)

6 – Luke Jacobson (Chiefs)
It was another industrious performance by the flank. He did some good work with ball in hand and he tackled like a monster.
Bubbling under: Pablo Matera (Jaguares)

5 – Ruan Botha (Sharks)
He did his part in an amazing defensive display in the second half against the Lions.
Bubbling under: Sam Lousi (Hurricanes)

4 – Guido Petti (Jaguares)
The big man gave the Stormers plenty of headaches when he ran at them. He racked up over 100 running metres with his carries.
Bubbling under: Rory Arnold (Brumbies)

3 – Sekope Kepu (Waratahs)
He produced a solid performance in the scrums and he did his part on defence.
Bubbling under: Ruan Dreyer (Lions)

2 – Armand van der Merwe (Sharks)
He stamps his authority on each game with his powerful carries and it was no different against the Lions. His work rate on defence was impressive as well.
Bubbling under: Agustin Creevy (Jaguares)

1 – Dylan Smith (Lions)
He troubled the Sharks in a few scrums and was productive around the park.
Bubbling under: Steven Kitshoff (Stormers)

Our individual selections:

Leezil Hendricks XV: 15 Thomas Banks, 14 Bautista Delguy, 13 Rob Thompson, 12 Kyle Godwin, 11 Andrew Muirhead, 10 Nicolas Sanchez, 9 Joe Powell, 8 Liam Messam, 7 David Pocock, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Rory Arnold, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Dylan Smith.

Paul Dobson XV: 15 Solomon Alaimalo, 14 Bautista Delguy, 13 Rob Thompson, 12 Kurtley Beale, 11 Andrew Muirhead, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Liam Messam, 7 David Pocock, 6 Luke Jacobson, 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Guido Petti, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Armand van der Merwe, 1 Dylan Smith.

Jan de Koning XV: 15 Solomon Alaimalo, 14 Bautista Delguy, 13 Curtis Rona, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Andrew Muirhead, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Keisuke Uchida, 8 Liam Messam, 7 David Pocock, 6 Luke Jacobson, 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Guido Petti, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Armand van der Merwe, 1 Dylan Smith.

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