Super Rugby Team of the Week: Round 18

OPINION: It was a dramatic final round of league action, which saw some contenders – like the Chiefs and Highlanders – sneak in through the back door.

It was also the end of the road for others, like the Lions and Rebels – perhaps the two most disappointing teams for 2019.

The Chiefs were well rewarded for their fine performance, a 59-8 demolition of the Rebels. They have seven players in the starting XV of @rugby365com‘s famous Team of the Week.

The Brumbies, Bulls and Jaguares (two each) were the other big winners. The Highlanders and Hurricanes (one each) make up the numbers.

There is further reward for the Highlanders in our back-up squad, where they have five players bubbling under.

The Brumbies and Hurricanes (three each) are next best, followed by Blues (two), Bulls and Rebels (one each).

No players returned from last week.

Team of the Week – Round 18:

15 Tom Banks (Brumbies):
Put his hands up for Wallaby and World Cup selection at the right time. Ran for 140 metres off 15 carries, beat four defenders and made one clean break.
Bubbling under: Fletcher Smith (Hurricanes)

14 – Shaun Stevenson (Chiefs):
Apart from his hat-trick, he had a field day against the Rebels – making 161 metres in 13 carries, beat five defenders and had five clean breaks. Even won a turnover.
Bubbling under: Cornal Hendricks (Bulls)

13 – Anton Lienert Brown (Chiefs):
Another player who ran riot against the rabble Rebels. Only scored one try, but ran 114 metres in 18 carries, beat eight defenders and made four clean breaks.
Bubbling under: Rob Thompson (Highlanders)

12 – Teihorangi Walden (Highlanders):
Not only did he make the Waratahs midfield look ordinary, but he also scored a try and won a couple of turnovers – one that resulted in a try. Was strong in defence, making as many tackles as most forwards.
Bubbling under: Sonny Bill Williams (Blues)

11 – Santiago Carreras (Jaguares):
It may only have been the Sunwolves, but he still managed to collect 60 metres from eight runs, beat two defenders and made four clean breaks.
Bubbling under: Tevita Li (Highlanders)

10 – Handre Pollard (Bulls):
It was a flyhalf masterclass against the Lions at Loftus Versfeld, which resulted in the Johannesburg-based team being knocked out of the competition. Beat off stiff competition from Josh Ioane and Jack Debreczeni.
Bubbling under: Josh Ioane (Highlanders)

9 – Brad Weber (Chiefs):
It was a difficult call, but our vote eventually went for the Chiefs No.9, who edged Will Genia. Weber made 63 metres from his nine runs, beat three defenders and had two clean breaks.
Bubbling under: Will Genia (Rebels)

8 – Lachlan McCaffrey (Brumbies):
Provided the physical edge the Brumbies needed in this Aussie derby. His tackle count went well into double digits.
Bubbling under: Gareth Evans (Hurricanes)

7 – Sam Cane (Chiefs):
Perhaps it is a coincidence, but the Chiefs look a different beast since the return of Cane. Made a massive 17 tackles, had 10 runs and made a nuisance of himself at the breakdown.
Bubbling under: Jahrome Brown (Brumbies)

6 – Marco van Staden (Bulls):
He was a dominant force at the breakdown in the Loftus Versfeld showdown and won two crucial turnovers. Also made 53 metres in his 17 carries.
Bubbling under: Liam Squire (Highlanders)

5 – Isaia Walker-Leawere (Hurricanes):
What a sight when a 198-centimetres, 122kg, giant goes on a full gallop. His carry metres (42 from six) compares with most backs.
Bubbling under: Rory Arnold (Brumbies)

4 – Brodie Retallick (Chiefs):
Another timely return from one of the Chiefs’ key forwards, who will also be important to the All Black cause later this year.
Bubbling under: Tom Franklin (Highlanders)

3 – Angus Ta’avao (Chiefs):
Put his hand up for All Black selection with a monstrous performance. Destroyed his opposite in the scrum, a menace with ball in hand and a perfect tackling display.
Bubbling under: Allan Alaalatoa (Brumbies)

2 – Julian Montoya (Jaguares):
The Jaguares Montoya got himself a five-pointer just after half-time and should have had another maul score moments later.
Bubbling under: Dane Coles (Hurricanes)

1 – Atunaisa Moli (Chiefs):
So much more than just a powerful scrummager.
Bubbling under: Ezekiel Lindenmuth (Blues)

Our individual selections:

Paul Dobson XV: 15 Tom Banks, 14 Cornal Hendricks, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Teihorangi Walden, 11 Santiago Carreras, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Will Genia, 8 Lachlan Mccaffrey, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Julian Montoya, 1 Atunaisa Moli.

Jan de Koning XV: 15 Tom Banks, 14 Shaun Stevenson, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Teihorangi Walden, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Lachlan Mccaffrey, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Liam Squire, 5 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Ezekiel Lindenmuth.

Previous selections:

Team of the Week – Round 17: 15 Emiliano Boffelli (Jaguares), 14 Sevu Reece (Crusaders), 13 Samu Kerevi (Reds), 12 Ryan Crotty (Crusaders), 11 Braydon Ennor (Crusaders), 10 Richie Mo’unga (Crusaders), 9 Thomas Perenara (Hurricanes), 8 Scott Higginbotham (Reds), 7 Ardie Savea (Hurricanes), 6 Jaco Coetzee (Stormers), 5 Marcos Kremer (Jaguares), 4 Rory Arnold (Brumbies), 3 Allan Alaalatoa (Brumbies), 2 Dane Coles (Hurricanes), 1 Ayden Johnstone (Highlanders).

Team of the week – Round 16: 15 Andries Coetzee (Lions), 14 Shaun Stevenson (Chiefs), 13 Lionel Mapoe (Lions), 12 Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs), 11 Braydon Ennor (Crusaders), 10 Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes), 9 Brad Weber (Chiefs), 8 Albertus ‘Kwagga’ Smith (Lions), 7 Ardie Savea (Hurricanes), 6 Lachlan Boshier (Chiefs), 5 Rudolph Snyman (Bulls), 4 Scott Barrett (Crusaders), 3 Ofa Tu’ungafasi (Blues), 2 Malcolm Marx (Lions), 1 Atu Moli (Chiefs).

Team of the Week – Round 15: 15 Emiliano Boffelli (Jaguares), 14 Seabelo Senatla (Stormers), 13 Tevita Kuridrani (Brumbies), 12 Damian de Allende (Stormers), 11 Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks), 10 Richie Mo’unga (Crusaders), 9 Herschel Jantjies (Stormers), 8 Dan du Preez (Sharks), 7 Matt Todd (Crusaders), 6 Lachlan Boshier (Chiefs), 5 Rudolph Snyman (Bulls), 4 Scott Barrett (Crusaders), 3 Coenie Oosthuizen (Sharks), 2 Julian Montoya (Jaguares), 1 Steven Kitshoff (Stormers).

Team of the Week – Round 14: 15 Kurtley Beale (Waratahs), 14 Caleb Clarke (Blues), 13 Matias Moroni (Jaguares), 12 Jeronimo de la Fuente (Jaguares), 11 Marika Koroibete (Melbourne Rebels), 10 Handre Pollard (Bulls), 9 Aaron Smith (Highlanders), 8 Albertus Smith (Lions), 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (Stormers), 6 Pablo Matera (Jaguares), 5 Sam Whitelock (Crusaders), 4 Rudolph Snyman (Bulls), 3 Carlu Sadie (Lions), 2 Malcolm Marx (Lions), 1 Alex Hodgman (Blues).

Team of the Week – Round 13: 15 Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes), 14 Sevu Reece (Crusaders), 13 Jack Goodhue (Crusaders), 12 Harold Vorster (Lions), 11 George Bridge (Crusaders), 10 Richie Mo’unga (Crusaders), 9 Brad Weber (Chiefs), 8 Luke Jacobson (Chiefs), 7 Ardie Savea (Hurricanes), 6 Jordan Taufua (Crusaders), 5 Scott Barrett (Crusaders), 4 Ruan Botha (Sharks), 3 Alan Alaalatoa (Brumbies), 2 Malcolm Marx (Lions), 1 Atunaisa Moli (Chiefs).

Team of the Week – Round 12: 15 Ben Smith (Highlanders), 14 Wes Goosen (Hurricanes), 12 Ngani Laumape (Hurricanes), 11 George Bridge (Crusaders), 10 Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes), 9 Tomas Cubelli (Jaguares), 8 Duane Vermeulen (Bulls), 7 Ardie Savea (Hurricanes), 6 Luke Jacobson (Chiefs), 5 Rudolph Snyman (Bulls), 4 Jackson Hemopo (Highlanders), 3 Trevor Nyakane (Bulls), 2 Folau Fainga’a (Brumbies), 1 Lizo Gqoboka (Bulls).

Team of the Week – Round 11: 15 Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes), 14 Sevu Reece (Crusaders), 13 Braydon Ennor (Crusaders), 12 Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs), 11 Dillyn Leyds (Stormers), 10 Curwin Bosch (Sharks), 9 Aaron Smith (Highlanders), 8 Dan du Preez (Sharks), 7 Ardie Savea (Hurricanes), 6 Siyamthanda Kolisi (Stormers), 5 Rudolph Snyman (Bulls), 4 Cobus Wiese (Stormers), 3 Thomas du Toit (Sharks), 2 Agustin Creevy (Jaguares), 1 Lizo Gqoboka (Bulls).

Team of the Week – Round 10: 15 Melani Nanai (Blues), 14 Matt Faddes (Highlanders), 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs), 12 Samu Kerevi (Reds), 11 Semisi Masirewa (Sunwolves), 10 Bernard Foley (Waratahs), 9 Tate McDermott (Reds), 8 Warren Whiteley (Lions), 7 Cyle Brink (Lions), 6 Jahrome Brown (Brumbies), 5 Izack Rodda (Reds), 4 Rory Arnold (Brumbies), 3 Carlu Sadie (Lions), 2 Malcolm Marx (Lions), 1 Harry Hoopert (Reds).

Team of the Week – Round Nine: 15 Tom Banks (Brumbies), 14 Sevu Reece (Crusaders), 13 Tevita Kuridrani (Brumbies), 12 Burger Odendaal (Bulls), 11 Dillyn Leyds (Stormers), 10 Richie Mo’unga (Crusaders), 9 Tomas Cubelli (Jaguares), 8 Paul Schoeman (Bulls), 7 Lachlan Boshier (Chiefs), 6 Pablo Matera (Jaguares), 5 Rudolph Snyman (Bulls), 4 Brodie Retallick (Chiefs), 3 Ofa Tu’ungafasi (Blues), 2 Malcolm Marx (Lions), 1 Steven Kitshoff (Stormers),

Team of the Week – Round Eight: 15 – Curwin Bosch (Sharks), 14 – Will Jordan (Crusaders), 13 – Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), 12 – Ma’a Nonu (Blues), 11 – Sevu Reece (Crusaders), 10 – Richie Mo’unga (Crusaders), 9 – Will Genia (Melbourne Rebels), 8 – Dan du Preez (Sharks), 7 – Ardie Savea (Hurricanes), 6 – Shannon Frizell (Highlanders), 5 – Scott Barrett (Crusaders), 4 – Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues), 3 – Tyrel Lomax (Highlanders), 2 – Brandon Paenga-Amosa (Reds), 1 – Tendai Mtawarira (Sharks).

Team of the Week – Round Seven: 15 David Havili (Crusaders), 14 Jack Maddocks (Rebels), 13 Jack Goodhue (Crusaders), 12 Ma’a Nonu (Blues), 11 Semisi Masirewa, (Sunwolves), 10 Hayden Parker (Sunwolves), 9 Will Genia (Rebels), 8 Akira Ioane (Blues), 7 Angus Cottrell (Rebels), 6 Luke Jacobson (Chiefs), 5 Samuel Whitelock (Crusaders), 4 Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues), 3 Michael Alaalatoa (Crusaders), 2 Mbongeni Mbonambi (Stormers), 1 Tendai Mtawarira (Sharks).

Team of the Week – Round Six: 15 Damian McKenzie (Chiefs), 14 Gerhard van den Heever (Sunwolves), 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs), 12 Samu Kerevi (Reds), 11 Rieko Ioane (Blues), 10 Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes), 9 Nic Groom (Lions), 8 Akira Ioane (Blues), 7 Michael Hooper (Waratahs), 6 Ned Hanigan (Waratahs), 5 Rob Simmons (Waratahs), 4 Brodie Retallick (Chiefs), 3 Sekope Kepu (Waratahs), 2 Malcolm Marx (Lions), 1 Steven Kitshoff (Stormers).

Team of the Week – Round Five: 15 Damian McKenzie (Chiefs), 14 Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes), 13 Samu Kerevi (Reds), 12 Billy Meakes (Rebels), 11 Wes Goosen (Hurricanes), 10 Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes), 9 Will Genia (Rebels), 8 Lachlan McCaffrey (Brumbies), 7 Liam Wright (Reds), 6 Siya Kolisi (Stormers), 5 John Schickerling (Stormers), 4 Brodie Retallick (Chiefs), 3 Carlü Sadie (Lions), 2 Malcolm Marx (Lions), 1 Scott Sio (Brumbies).

Team of the Week – Round Four: 15 Will Jordan (Crusaders), 14 Sevu Reece (Crusaders), 13 Jack Goodhue (Crusaders), 12 Ngani Laumape (Hurricanes), 11 Rieko Ioane (Blues), 10 Handre Pollard (Bulls), 9 Will Genia (Rebels), 8 Duane Vermeulen (Bulls), 7 Michael Hooper (Waratahs), 6 Jordan Taufua (Crusaders), 5 Scott Barrett (Crusaders), 4 Josh Dickson (Highlanders), 3 Carlü Sadie (Lions), 2 Codie Taylor (Crusaders), 1 Dylan Smith (Lions).

Team of the Week – Round Three: 15 Dane Haylett-Petty (Rebels), 14 Gerhard van den Heever (Sunwolves), 13 Jack Goodhue (Crusaders), 12 Michael Little (Sunwolves), 11 Ramiro Moyano (Jaguares), 10 Handre Pollard (Bulls), 9 Will Genia (Rebels), 8 Duane Vermeulen (Bulls), 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (Stormers), 6 Shannon Frizell (Highlanders), 5 Uwe Helu (Sunwolves), 4 Eben Etzebeth (Stormers), 3 Hiroshi Yamashita (Sunwolves), 2 Dane Coles (Hurricanes), 1 Joe Moody (Crusaders).

Team of the Week – Round Two: 15 Tom Banks (Brumbies), 14 Chance Peni (Brumbies), 13 Jordan Petaia (Reds), 12 Samu Kerevi (Reds), 11 George Bridge (Crusaders), 10 Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies), 9 Tomas Cubelli (Jaguares), 8 Lachlan McCaffrey (Brumbies), 7 Albertus Smith (Lions), 6 Shannon Frizell (Highlanders), 5 Josh Dickson (Highlanders), 4 Scott Barrett (Crusaders), 3 Carlu Sadie (Lions), 2 Armand van der Merwe (Sharks), 1 Joe Moody (Crusaders).

Team of the Week – Round One: 15 Israel Folau (Waratahs), 14 Jack Maddocks (Rebels), 13 Braydon Ennor (Crusaders), 12 Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs), 11 Rosko Specman (Bulls), 10 Handre Pollard (Bulls), 9 Will Genia (Rebels), 8 Duane Vermeulen (Bulls), 7 Ardie Savea (Hurricanes), 6 Marnus Schoeman (Lions), 5 Lodewyk de Jager (Bulls), 4 Scott Barrett (Crusaders), 3 Carlu Sadie (Lions), 2 Armand van der Merwe (Sharks), 1 Dylan Smith (Lions).

@rugby365com

* In case you missed it: To see all the weekend’s highlights, CLICK HERE!