Team of the Week: Giant slayers

 

It may be that the majority of our selected Waratahs players are bubbling under, but that speaks to the cohesive team effort that was required, alongside some individual brilliance.

 

Wallaby regulars Israel Folau, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Bernard Foley and Sekope Kepu all impressed, as did the likes of Peter Betham, Dave Dennis and Will Skelton for the NSW team.

 

A couple Highlanders, a sprinkling of Chiefs, and even one or two Reds, played out of their skins to earn a spot in the Team this week.

 

We have a few player returning from last week – such as Francois Hougaard for the Bulls, who is proving to be quite a threat to the opposition's try line.

 

Steven Kitshoff is another one who keeps cropping up in our selection – a modern day prop with all the skills you could hope for from a big man, as well as the grunt.

 

Lima Sopoaga's All Black fate may be written in the stars after Aaron Cruden's injury, if he keeps playing like this we may yet see him in England come September.

 

Speaking of All Black wild cards, Jordan Taufua is showing his pedigree, even if it was in a losing Crusaders team. Has he got what it takes to wear the Black jersey?

 

 

15 – Nehe Milner-Skudder (Hurricanes): He was earmarked in the NPC for great things and since he has been given his shot, he has more than lived up to the pre-season hype.

Bubbling under: Israel Folau (Waratahs)

 

 

14 – Francois Hougaard (Bulls): The Bulls made a bold move playing Hougaard on the wing and it is certainly starting to pay dividends. He knows his way to the try line and he keeps teams guessing.

Bubbling under: Peter Betham (Waratahs)

 

 

13 – Malakai Fekitoa (Highlanders): One of our regulars in the weekly selection. What more can you say about the man? He has everything you want from a centre, and he knows how to use it.

Bubbling under: Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs)

 

 

12 – George Moala (Blues): Moala looked to be the spark for the Blues incredible second half comeback. He powered through the Highlanders backs, offloaded well and made plenty of metres.

Bubbling under: Burger Odendaal (Bulls)

 

 

11 – James O'Connor (Reds): Looked like the O'Connor of old as he came off his wing searching for work. A real threat on attack when he feels like it!

Bubbling under: James Lowe (Chiefs)

 

 

10 – Lima Sopoaga (Highlanders): He too has returned to our selection this week after another solid display, and who knows, with Cruden injured, could we see him in a Black jersey?

Bubbling under: Bernard Foley (Waratahs)

 

 

9 – Brad Weber (Chiefs): Weber has quietly gone about his business in this break out season for the scrumhalf. He has looked threatening and linked well with a Chiefs team full of stars.

Bubbling under: Will Genia (Reds)

 

 

8 – Wycliff Palu (Waratahs): The big Aussie wrecking ball also looked like his old self. He has been quiet for some time now, but definitely raised his game against the Hurricanes.

Bubbling under: Scott Higginbotham (Rebels)

 

 

7 – Sam Cane (Chiefs): As one All Black legend No.7 plays out his career, a new one starts to shine. There has always been much promise from Cane, and he is consistently impressing this season.

Bubbling under: Schalk Burger (Stormers)

 

 

6 – Jordan Taufua (Crusaders): At only 23-years-old, Tafua is an All Black for the future, and would be a perfect foil for someone like Sam Cane. Even in a Crusaders team that was off colour, Tafua was immense.

Bubbling under: Marcell Coetzee (Sharks)

 

 

5 – Brodie Retallick (Chiefs): He is not the World Player of the Year for nothing. Retallick adds so much to the Chiefs team, and half of that goes unnoticed as donkey work.

Bubbling under: Dave Dennis (Waratahs)

 

 

4 – Eben Etzebeth (Stormers): The big Sprinbok has been desperate to hit the highs he is capable of, and it looks like his form is returning just in time for the World Cup.

Bubbling under: Will Skelton (Waratahs)

 

 

3 – Sekope Kepu (Waratahs): Kepu is the epitome of an all-action prop. Great with ball in hand, a dependable tackler and of course, a solid scrummager.

Bubbling under: Ben Tameifuna (Chiefs)

 

 

2 – Adriaan Strauss (Bulls): When ever there is a physical battle to be had, you can count on this man to deliver. Strauss fronted up to the Sharks pack and even showed them a thing or two!

Bubbling under: Stephen Moore (Brumbies)

 

 

1 – Steven Kitshoff (Stormers): Mr. dependable, Kitshoff is one of those players you could easily imagine in a Springbok jumper, but sadly know it won't happen anytime soon.

Bubbling under: Reg Goodes (Hurricanes)

 

 

 

Michael de Vries XV: 15 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 14 Francois Hougaard, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 George Moala, 11 James Lowe, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Sean McMahon, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Ben Tameifuna, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Steven Kitshoff.

 

Paul Dobson XV: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Peter Betham, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Burger Odendaal, 11 James Lowe, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Scott Higginbotham, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Luke Jones, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Steven Kitshoff.

 

Tauriq Ebrahim XV: 15 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 14 Tim Nanai-Williams, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 James Lowe, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Nic Stirzaker, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Will Skelton, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Steven Kitshoff.

 

Andrew Duncan XV: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Tim Nanai-Williams, 13 Johann Sadie, 12 George Moala, 11 James O'Connor, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Rudy Paige, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Brodie Retallick,4 Eben Etzebeth 3 Ben Tameifuna, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 James Slipper.

 

Jan de Koning XV: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Francois Hougaard, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Samu Kerevi, 11 James O'Connor, 10 Dan Bowden, 9 Will Genia, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Schalk Burger, 6 Akira Ioane, 5 Dave Dennis, 4 Mark Reddish,  3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Reggie Goodes.

 

Warren Fortune XV: 15 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 14 Peter Betham, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Burger Odendaal, 11 James O'Connor, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 James Slipper.

 

Darryn Pollock XV: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Francois Hougaard, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 George Moala, 11 James O'Connor, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Scott Higginbotham, 7 Schalk Burger, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Reggie Goodes.

 

 

Team of the Week: Super Rugby, Round Nine: 15 – Jesse Kriel (Bulls), 14 – Francois Hougaard (Bulls), 13 – Juan de Jongh (Stormers), 12 – Damian de Allende (Stormers), 11 – Nemani Nadolo (Crusaders), 10 – Lima Sopoaga (Highlanders), 9 – Francois de Klerk (Lions), 8 – Jerome Kaino (Blues), 7 – Matt Todd (Crusaders), 6 – Heinrich Brussow (Cheetahs), 5 – Franco Mostert (Lions), 4 – Eben Etzebeth (Stormers), 3 – Coenie Oosthuizen (Cheetahs), 2 – Stephan Moore (Brumbies), 1 – Steven Kitshoff (Stormers).

 

Team of the Week: Super Rugby, Round Eight: 15 – Israel Dagg (Crusaders), 14 – Tom Marshall (Chiefs), 13 – Henry Speight (Brumbies), 12 – Ryan Crotty (Crusaders), 11 – Nemani Nadolo (Crusaders), 10 – Colin Slade (Crusaders), 9 – Andy Ellis (Crusaders), 8 – Warren Whiteley (Lions), 7 – Warrick Tecklenburg (Lions), 6 – Brad Shields (Hurricanes), 5 – Sam Whitelock (Crusaders), 4 – Luke Romano (Crusaders), 3 – Scott Sio (Brumbies), 2 – Adriaan Strauss (Bulls), 1 – Reg Goodes (Hurricanes).

 

Team of the Week: Super Rugby, Round Seven: 15 – Israel Folau (Waratahs), 14 – Waisake Naholo (Highlanders), 13 – Malakai Fekitoa (Highlanders), 12 – Sonny Bill Williams (Chiefs), 11 – Patrick Osborne (Highlanders), 10 – Handre Pollard (Bulls), 9 – Aaron Smith (Highlanders), 8 – Warren Whiteley (Lions), 7 – Warrick Tecklenburg (Lions), 6 – Renaldo Bothma (Sharks), 5 – Franco Mostert (Lions), 4 – Jeremy Thrush (Hurricanes), 3 – Trevor Nyakane (Bulls), 2 –  Adriaan Strauss (Bulls), 1 – Pauliasi Manu (Chiefs).

 

Team of the Week: Super Rugby, Round Six: 15 – Israel Folau (Waratahs), 14 – Taqele Naiyaravoro (Waratahs), 13 – Malakai Fekitoa (Highlanders), 12 – Dan Carter (Crusaders), 11 – Nemani Nadolo (Crusaders), 10 – Pat Lambie (Sharks), 9 – Cobus Reinach (Sharks), 8 – Warren Whiteley (Lions), 7 – Sam Cane (Chiefs), 6 – Jordan Taufua (Crusaders), 5 – Sam Whitelock (Crusaders), 4 – Luke Romano (Crusaders), 3 – Scott Sio (Brumbies), 2 – Adriaan Strauss (Bulls), 1 – Reggie Goodes (Hurricanes).  

 

Team of the Week: Super Rugby, Round Five: 15 – Ben Smith (Highlanders), 14 – Bryce Heem (Chiefs), 13 – Malakai Fekitoa (Highlanders), 12 – Damien de Allende (Stormers), 11 – Patrick Osborne (Highlanders), 10 – Aaron Cruden (Chiefs), 9 – Aaron Smith (Highlanders), 8 – Ita Vaea (Brumbies), 7 – Sam Cane (Chiefs), 6 – Elliot Dixon (Highlanders), 5 – Sam Whitelock (Crusaders), 4 – Luke Romano (Crusaders), 3 – Ben Alexander (Brumbies), 2 – Dane Coles (Hurricanes), 1 – Wyatt Crockett (Crusaders).

 

Team of the Week: Super Rugby, Round Four: 15 – Cheslin Kolbe (Stormers), 14 – Henry Speight (Brumbies), 13 – Malakai Fekitoa (Highlanders), 12 – Damien de Allende (Stormers), 11 – Joe Tomane (Brumbies), 10 – Handre Pollard (Bulls), 9 – Nic White (Brumbies), 8 – Duane Vermeulen (Stormers), 7 – Warrick Tecklenburg (Lions), 6 – Marcell Coetzee (Sharks), 5 – Steve Mafi (Western Force), 4 – Franco Mostert (Lions), 3 – Ben Tameifuna (Chiefs), 2 – Siyabonga Ntubeni (Stormers), 1 – Steven Kitshoff (Stormers).

 

Team of the Week: Super Rugby, Round Three: 15 – Willie le Roux (Cheetahs), 14 – Cornal Hendricks (Cheetahs), 13 – Charlie Ngatai (Chiefs), 12 – Sonny Bill Williams (Chiefs), 11 – Julian Savea (Hurricanes), 10 – Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes), 9 – Will Genia (Reds), 8 – Jerome Kaino (Blues), 7 – Brad Shields (Hurricanes), 6 – Adam Thomson (Reds), 5 – Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues), 4 – Matt Symons (Chiefs), 3 – Coenie Oosthuizen (Cheetahs), 2 – Dane Coles (Hurricanes), 1 – Steven Kitshoff (Stormers).      

 

Team of the Week: Super Rugby, Round Two: 15 – Andries Coetzee (Lions), 14 – Taqele Naiyaravoro (Waratahs), 13 – Malakai Fekitoa (Highlanders), 12 – Charlie Ngatai (Chiefs), 11 – Dillyn Leyds (Stormers), 10 – Pat Lambie (Sharks), 9 – Will Genia (Reds), 8 – Jerome Kaino (Blues), 7 – Renaldo Bothma (Sharks), 6 – Adam Thomson (Reds), 5 – Lopeti Timani (Rebels), 4 – Luke Romano (Crusaders), 3 – Vincent Koch (Stormers), 2 – Bismarck du Plessis (Sharks), 1 – Scott Sio (Brumbies).

 

Team of the Week: Super Rugby, Round One: 15 – Mike Harris (Rebels), 14 – Luke Morahan (Western Force), 13 – Tevita Kuridrani (Brumbies), 12 – Damian de Allende (Stormers), 11 – Rob Horne (Waratahs), 10 – Damian McKenzie (Chiefs), 9 – Sarel Pretorius (Cheetahs), 8 – Duane Vermeulen (Stormers), 7 – David Pocock (Brumbies), 6 – Scott Fardy (Brumbies), 5 – Lopeti Timani (Rebels), 4 – Sam Wykes (Western Force), 3 – Coenie Oosthuizen (Cheetahs), 2 – Dane Coles (Hurricanes), 1 – Scott Sio (Brumbies).