Super Rugby Team Of The Week: Round 10

Super Rugby Team Of The Week: Round 10

Round 10 of Super Rugby provided a few upsets with the Lions edging the Chiefs in Hamilton, The Sunwolves running the Hurricanes close in Japan while the Reds ended a 15-year-old drought in Durban beating the Sharks 14-21.

Elsewhere the Highlanders ended their losing streak by beating the Blues, the Tahs beat the Rebels in an Aussie derby while the Brumbies put their bodies on the line to pip the Stormers.

Here is our Super Rugby team of the week.

1. Harry Hoopert - Reds

The Brumbies' Scott Sio and the Lions' Sithembiso Sithole came close to cracking the side but the Reds' youngster pips them to claim his place in the #1 jersey in his first start for the Reds.


The 20-year-old carried superbly and held his own against the Sharks' veteran Coenie Oosthuizen. 

2. Liam Coltman - Highlanders


Malcolm Marx played at his usual high standards for the Lions as they beat the Chiefs but Liam Coltman was simply outstanding against the Blues. His work over the ball stalled numerous promising attacks by the Blues and his lineout darts were on target. A really strong performance from the All Black hooker who could start pilling pressure on Nathan Harris for a place in the All Blacks squad.

3. Carlu Sadie - Lions

An outstanding game from the Lions front rower, on loan from the Stormers. He took Angus Ta'avao apart in the scrums and made 6 tackles and 7 carries. Ruan Smith was also brilliant off the bench for the Reds.

4. Tom Franklin - Highlanders

A massive shift from the Highlanders second rower. He was excellent with ball in hand, carrying strongly and was dominate in the lineout. He edges Izack Rodda and Patrick Tuipulotu to a spot in the side.

5. Rory Arnold - Brumbies

Arnold made a mind blowing 24 tackles against the Stormers in a massive defensive shift from the Brumbies as they upset the Stormers in their own backyard. Completed a stellar offload to Pete Samu who scored. 

6. Shannon Frizell - Highlanders

Continued his fine try scoring form when he barged over the line before the half hour mark. He was destructive with ball in hand and sent numerous Blues' forwards tracking backwards with some thumping hits. Cyle Brink and Luke Jacobson put in massive shifts for their respective sides at Waikato Stadium as too did Jahrome Brown in Cape Town.

7. Michael Hooper - Waratahs

A few standout performers include Kwagga Smith, who was outstanding on his return from injury, while Liam Wright was brilliant for the Reds but Michael Hooper claims the jersey on his 100th Super Rugby match for the Waratahs captain. Hooper played a major role in slowing down the Rebels attack with Cooper and Genia unable to generate that quick ball needed to properly unlock the Waratahs defence. Hoops made 20 tackles and won two turnovers.

8. Warren Whiteley - Lions

Elliot Dixon was immense for the Highlanders but Warren Whiteley claims the jersey after he returned to the Lions starting line up to lead his side to victory over the Chiefs. He was emphatic on defence and come up with a lovely grubber kick to send Aphiwe Dyantyi through to score. 



9. TJ Perenara - Hurricanes

Perenara played a pivitol role in the Hurricanes near win over of the Sunwolves with his attack, defence and leadership. He beat five defenders, gained 80 metres, made three clean breaks and topped it all off with a try. Tate McDermott continued his fine form for the Reds. 

10. Christian Lealiifano - Brumbies

Elton Jantjies, Bryce Hegarty, Bernard Foley and Josh Ioane certainly had strong games this weekend but Christian Lealiifano's leadership, cool head and defensive display gives him the edge of over the other standouts. 



11. Semisi Masirewa - Sunwolves

Racked up an impressive 148 running metres beating 4 defenders and 4 clean breaks as the Sunwolves looked as if they were going cause an upset against the Hurricanes. Rieko Ioane had another standout game for the Blues, despite falling to the Highlanders, with the 22-year-old racking up 105 runnning metres.



12. Samu Kerevi - Reds

Brutal and destructive against the Sharks, Kerevi played a massive role in the Reds historic win and just beats off Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco to a place in the side. Warren-Vosayaco was incredible in his first appearance in the centres against the Hurricanes after the decision came under some critism shortly after the team announcement. However, Kerevi's performance proved invaluable for the Reds as he shut down the Sharks threatening inside centre Andre Esterhuizen and lead his side to victory.

13. Adam Ashley-Cooper - Waratahs

A hard working display from the veteran Wallaby who helped his side to a come from behind victory over the Rebels. Solid defensively, a threat on attacking making 57 running metres and scored a crucial try. Ashley-Cooper could be a real threat at the World Cup if he continues this form. 

14. Matt Faddes - Highlanders

The heavily strapped winger made no mistake with his intercept try this week after he was chased down against the Crusaders in his last outing. Racked up an impressive 88 running metres, defended well and was superb under the high ball. He just beats Wes Goosen, who scored the match winning try against the Sunwolves.



15. Kurtley Beale - Waratahs

 Beale certainly put his hand up for the Wallabies #15 jersey with an overall good performance against the Rebels. Entered the line at the right times, kicked well and was solid under the high ball, not to mention the different dynamic he brings to the game as an additional first receiever. 

Ben Smith was good once again while Andries Coetzee racked up the running metres against the Chiefs.

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