Super Rugby Playoff Team of the Week
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We pick our team of the Week after the Hurricanes, Crusaders, Waratahs and Lions booked their places in the Super Rugby semi-finals.
1. Toby Smith
An improved scrummaging performance compared to last weekend against a strong Chiefs' pack.
Smith had strong all-round game contributing on defence and attack.
His opposite number Karl Tuinukuafe and the Crusaders' Tim Perry were close to edging him for a place in the side.
2. Malcolm Marx
Another outstanding performance by the Springbok hooker.
He was sublime at the breakdown making 4 turnovers and forced the Jaguares into a number of penalties.
He averaged over 10 metres per carry making 58 running metres from 4 carries.
Tolu Latu and Ricky Riccitelli were also in fine form for their respective sides.
3. Ruan Dreyer
A tough call at tighthead with Ruan Dreyer, Sekope Kepu and Jeffery Toomaga-Allen all having outstanding games for their respective sides.
Dreyer gets the nod with his impressive work at the breakdown, scrum and managed 16 tackles missing just one.
4. Michael Fatialofa
Fatialofa put in a massive 58-minute shift for the Hurricanes.
He topped the tackling charts in the game with 19 tackles, a total only bettered by Franco Mostert (23) this weekend.
Tyler Paul and Scott Barrett were also in line for a place in the side with both players having great games in Christchurch.
5. Sam Whitelock
Franco Mostert is beaten to place in the side by the brilliant Crusaders' captain Sam Whitelock.
Whitelock disrupted the Sharks lineout throughout the game, making it extremely difficult for the Durban-based side to attack.
6. Lachlan Boshier
Boshier was brilliant for the Chiefs in a losing effort.
One of the best Chiefs on the day he hit double digits in the tackling and carrying categories.
He was rewarded with a try late in the game and beats Kwagga Smith and Pablo Matera for a place in the Team of the Week.
7. Gareth Evans
Evans had a sublime game against the Chiefs this past weekend.
He was exceptional at the breakdown winning 3 clean turnovers and won countless penalties for his side.
He also weighed in with 13 tackles and 8 carries.
His opposite number Sam Cane also had a strong game, so did Matt Todd for the Crusaders.
8. Kieran Read
Read continued his fine form following his return from a long term injury.
He linked up well with his fellow teammates on attack and opened up the Sharks defence numerous times and came up with a try assist.
Warren Whiteley was closest to taking the no.8 jersey off Read.
9. TJ Perenara
The Hurricanes halfback stepped up at crucial times for the Hurricanes and was rewarded with 2 tries for his efforts.
He just beats Nick Phipps and Brad Weber to the 9 jersey.
10. Bernard Foley
Foley was at his best against the Highlanders as he and Kurtley Beale started the comeback for the Waratahs.
He came up with a Super Rugby career high of 25 points in a single match with a flawless game for the tee and scored a try.
Elton Jantjies came in close second for the no.10 jersey this week.
11. Braydon Ennor
The young Crusader stepped up when it counted, having not been included in the matchday 23 until the final hour he went on to play 51 minutes.
He made a match-high of 86 running metres beating 5 defenders and made 2 clean breaks.
Taqele Naiyaravoro and Shaun Stevenson both had great games in their respective games.
12. Kurtley Beale
There is no doubt that Kurtley Beale has big match temperment as he should against the Highlanders this weekend.
Beale was a driving force as the Waratahs performed the second biggest Super Rugby comeback in the competitions history.
He assisted two tries and made over 50 running metres.
13. Rob Thompson
Another strong performance by Rob Thompson who has been superb all year for the Highlanders.
He ran clever lines, was strong in defence and was one of the best Highlanders on the park.
He beat a game high of 7 defenders and gained 77 running metres.
All Blacks Jordie Barrett and Anton Lienert-Brown were both standout performers at Westpac Stadium.
14. Julian Savea
A sublime performance by the Bus as he looks to end his Hurricanes career on a high.
He opened the scoring with a brilliant interception in the opening minute of the game and almost repeated the feat minutes latter.
His 141 running metres in the game was the highest total in the playoffs.
.@juliansavea7 Canes try #4️⃣9️⃣ pic.twitter.com/3QB6SxrALZ
— Hurricanes Rugby (@Hurricanesrugby) July 21, 2018
15. Israel Folau
Like Beale and Foley, Folau stepped up when it counted for the Waratahs.
He ran great lines, linked up well with his teammates and added to his try-scoring tally for the season.
