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Super Rugby Pacific 2024 TOTW: Looking at the best Australian performers from Round 13
Mon, May 20, 2024, 11:53 AM
Nathan Williamson
With just three (edit "two") rounds remaining of the regular season, there were plenty of players who took their chance to shine in Round 13 of Super Rugby Pacific.
The ACT Brumbies impressed in their narrow win over the Crusaders, followed by the Western Force taking a commanding win over the NSW Waratahs.
The Melbourne Rebels almost caused a huge upset over the Chiefs as the Queensland Reds went down to the Fijian Drua.
With this in mind, Rugby.com.au has selected the best from the Australian sides for round 13.
1. Harry Hoopert (Western Force)
Hoopert celebrated his 50th game in style in a strong display at home.
He worked hard in defence to shut down the Waratahs whilst getting the best of Enrique Pieretto at scrum time.
2. Jordan Uelese (Melbourne Rebels)
Uelese provides a physical presence in defence against a strong Chiefs pack.
He made a game-high 17 tackles whilst missing just one in a near 80-minute performance.
On top of this, his scrummaging was strong whilst going near perfect with his throws.
3. Santiago Medrano (Western Force)
Medrano feasted against an inexperienced Waratahs pack.
He drew countless penalties against Lewis Ponini to the point the Easts prop was sin-binned for too many infringements.
This sealed his place in the team over Sam Talakai, who worked tirelessly for the Rebels.
4. Jeremy Williams (Western Force)
Williams was a brick wall in defence in a productive 80-minute shift.
He led the way for tackles with 17 whilst marshalling the Force lineout to get the better of the Waratahs.
5. Izack Rodda (Western Force)
Rodda has made up for lost time with some excellent performances on his return from injury.
Saturday’s win was no different as the Wallaby picked off two lineouts whilst working hard at ruck time.
The lock also showed off the ball-playing skills to set up two line breaks as he picked apart the Waratahs’ defence.
6. Nick Frost (ACT Brumbies)
Frost slotted into the back row perfectly to guide the Brumbies home.
His impressive work rate for his frame was on display when he set up Tom Wright’s second try.
7. Carlo Tizzano (Western Force)
Tizzano was electric for the Force all night.
He kept applying pressure to the Waratahs’ ruck whilst fronting up in defence.
It just put him ahead of Brad Wilkin, who made a strong return from a hamstring injury.
8. Rob Valetini (ACT Brumbies)
Valetini relished his return to the number eight jersey with a world-class performance.
He delivered a tied team-high 13 carries with four tackle busts as he powered his way over the advantage.
His try typified this, backing up the break he started to slam it down over the line to inspire the win.
9. Tate McDermott (Queensland Reds)
McDermott tried everything in his power to get the Reds over the line in Suva.
He was everywhere in attack as he caused the Drua headaches all afternoon with his carries.
His service was also excellent whilst working overtime in defence amid multiple cards for the Reds.
10. Ben Donaldson (Western Force)
Donaldson stepped up against his old side to keep the Force’s finals hopes alive.
Once again, the Wallaby was perfect with his game as his try sealed a great night for Donaldson in his 50th game.
It was enough to hold off Lawson Creighton and Noah Lolesio on a great weekend for the Australian flyhalves.
11. Andy Muirhead (ACT Brumbies)
Muirhead was at his reliable best for the Brumbies on the wing.
He crossed for a crucial try in the opening minutes, holding his width to capitalise on Lolesio’s cross field kick.
The winner also stepped up with several key tackles to ward off a charging Crusaders
12. Nick Jooste (Melbourne Rebels) (for Rebelsman...)
Jooste has found a home in the centres for the Rebels.
He was strong taking the line on and looked dangerous with his ten carries.
Jooste through a nice ball to set up Anderson’s game-tying try to complement a nice showing in defence.
13. Bayley Kuenzle (Western Force)
Kuenzle has found his groove in the Force backline as he returns to the centres.
He was rock solid in defence to go with some piercing carries that saw him cross for their opening try of the night after showing positioning to hold width and support Kurtley Beale.
He nearly delivered a great finish in the corner to secure a second, however, it failed to dull a shining night for the former Brumby
14. Lachlan Anderson (Melbourne Rebels)
Anderson did everything in his power to get the Rebels back into the contest against the Chiefs.
Anderson sparked them early with a nice break from his own half, showing off the pace to delight the Melbourne crowd.
He also kept his width perfectly to score twice in the corner to spark the comeback late.
15. Tom Wright (ACT Brumbies)
Wright continues to impress as he leads the Brumbies’ charge to the finals.
The fullback is a joy to watch, showcased by his great one-hand dummy and fend to score the first try. He’s the catalyst behind their counter-attack and was in the right place at the right time to score just before the break before displaying great hands to set up Valetini.
The confidence to take the defence on from his own 22 won the Brumbies the game as they flipped the field and momentum, earning his spot at the fullback ahead of Kurtley Beale and Mark Nawaqanitawase.
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Originally Posted by Burgs
