Super Rugby Team of the Week - Round 5

March 19, 2018
4750
Ultimate Rugby

After another entertaining Round of Super Rugby that saw the Highlanders stay as the only unbeaten side in the competition, the Sunwolves coming close to beating the Lions in Johannesburg and the Rebels stay top of the table we pick our team of the Week.

1. Steven Kitshoff

The Stormers loosehead had another all-round performance against the Blues. His scrum work was solid against All Black tighthead Ofa Tu'ungafasi.

Kitshoff made 20 metres from 9 carries as well as 7 tackles and a turnover

Notable mention: Aki Seiuli

2. Codie Taylor

The All Black hooker had a huge performance in a losing effort against the Highlanders. He made 38 metres from 8 carries, beat 4 defenders and ran two great lines to break through the Highlanders defence.

He kept a clean sheet at lineout and scrum time, made 10 tackles and won a turnover.

Notable mention: Malcolm Marx

3. Siate Tokolahi

Coming up against the most experienced front rower in Super Rugby history is no easy feat but Tokolahi held his own against Wyatt Crockett.

He maintained a high workrate throughout the match hitting rucks hard, made 7 tackles, one clean break and 15 running metres.

Notable mention: Nahuel Tetaz

4. Brodie Retallick

Retallick was instrumental in the Chiefs come from behind victory over the Bulls. The second rower closed the gap on the Bulls just before the break and looked liked an out and out centre to score a fantastic try in the 56th minute.

He made 59 running metres, beat 6 defenders and made 3 clean breaks from his 11 carries.

Notable mention: Izack Rodda

5. Tom Franklin

Franklin was a busy man in the Highlanders engine room against the Crusaders making 18 tackles, two turnovers and carried the ball 10 times.

Notable mention: Jan de Klerk

6. Pablo Matera

Pablo Matera's 23 carries and 11 tackles sees him edge Elliot Dixon and Roelof Smit in our team of the week.

The Jaguares captain really led from the front as he tried to inspire his side to victory against the Reds.

Notable mention: Elliot Dixon, Roelof Smit

7. Dillon Hunt

Hunt is the third Highlanders forward to make it into our team of the week.

The hard-hitting backrower dealt out some big blows on Saturday. He finished the match with 17 tackles and turnover to his name.

Notable mention: Pieter-Steph du Toit

8. Amanaki Mafi

Mafi finally makes our team of the week having been edged by Ioane and Whiteley in previous weeks.

The Japanese international was the best Rebel in a losing effort against the Waratahs.

He made 116 running metres, beat 3 defenders, made 3 clean breaks, scored 1 try and made 7 tackles.

Notable mentions: Akira Ioane & Luke Whitelock

9. Aaron Smith

Aaron Smith had yet another outstanding performance for the Highlanders as he helped the side claim their 3rd successive victory.

As per usual Smith's passing, kicking and running game was superb.

Notable mention: James Tuttle

10. Bernard Foley

The Waratahs playmaker was superb against the Rebels as he marshaled his side to an impressive 51-27 over the Australian conference leaders.

He converted all but one of his 10 attempted kicks at goal which meant he finished the game with a grand total of 21 points.

Notable mention: Lima Sopoaga

11. Tevita Li

Tevita Li was the Highlanders most lethal weapon against the Crusaders as he beat 8 defenders and made 3 clean breaks on his way to 117 running metres.

He just edges Solomon Aliamalo who racked up similar numbers against the Bulls (7 defenders beaten, 4 clean breaks & 111 running metres)

Notable mention: Solomon Aliamalo

12. Kurtley Beale

Alongside Bernard Foley, Beale helped the Waratahs to impressive 51-27 win over the Rebels.

He assisted tries and kept the Rebels defence guessing throughout the match.

Notable mentions: Michael Little & Johnny Fa'auli

13. Jesse Kriel

Jesse Kriel was another player who had an outstanding match in vein this weekend.

Kriel ran some clever lines against Chiefs which resulted him picking up two try assists, 4 clean breaks as well as beating 4 defenders.

Notable mention: Chris Feauai-Sautia & Anton Lienert-Brown

14. Hosea Saumaki

The Sunwolves went from losing by 28 points against the Sharks to almost shocking the Lions this weekend and it was largely due to the brilliance of Saumaki on the wing.

The Tongan born winger beat 11 defenders, made 2 clean breaks and made an unbelievable 168 running metres.