Round 11 of Super Rugby Pacific saw competition for spots start to heat up as opportunities to impress Wallabies coach Eddie Jones become limited.
The NSW Waratahs were impressive in their win over the Queensland Reds as the ACT Brumbies came away with victory in a shootout against the Melbourne Rebels.
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As for the Western Force, they will relish a return home after going down to the Crusaders.
With this in mind, Rugby.com.au has selected the best from the Australian sides for round 11
1 Te Tera Faulkner (NSW Waratahs)
A masterclass from the veteran front-rower as the Waratahs dominated the set-price game.
He constantly got the better of Zane Nonggorr at scrum time, earning several crucial penalties, as the Waratahs delivered their best scrummaging performance of the year
Faulkner just edges ahead of Matt Gibbon after he powered the Rebels into the contest against the Brumbies
2. Lachlan Lonergan (ACT Brumbies)
‘Noss’ showed off the full array of tricks against the Rebels, maybe too much given his shirtless antics.
He continues to get through a mountain of work with seven key carries to go with 13 tackles and a turnover.
3. Harry Johnson-Holmes (NSW Waratahs)
Johnson-Holmes was back to his best for the Waratahs.
The tighthead has an underrated presence over the ball, winning a pair of key turnovers in a solid defensive performance.
He also added to his growing try tally late in the second half, proving one of the tougher men to stop in those goal-line situations.
4. Hugh Sinclair (NSW Waratahs)
Sinclair does a lot of the dirty work that goes unrecognised.
He led the way with 17 tackles along with constantly hitting the first ruck he saw to give Jake Gordon clean ball.
He has stepped up perfectly with Ned Hanigan dealing with a concussion to hold off Trevor Hosea after another line-out masterclass.
5. Jeremy Williams (Western Force)
Williams was the shining light in a disappointing game for the Force.
He got through nine carries and several key tackles as the Force’s pack struggled to match it with the Crusaders.
Williams was also a reliable target at line-out time as the Force look to bounce back against the Fijian Drua this week.
6. Rob Valetini (ACT Brumbies)
Valetini delivered his typical barnstorming best for the Brumbies.
The backrower constantly took the ball over the advantage line and caused the Rebels nightmares.
He finished with six tackle busts to go with 108 metres, a try and a game-high 19 tackles.
7. Fraser McReight (Queensland Reds)
Another great week for the sevens in Super Rugby but McReight gets the nod this week.
He won four turnovers at the breakdown (although was pinged twice by the referee) and popped up when needed in attack as one of the more threatening options for the Reds.
Michael Hooper was world-class and Carlo Tizzano put in a major shift with 26 tackles, however, McReight just finds himself with his nose in front.
8. Langi Gleeson (NSW Waratahs)
Gleeson was one of the key reasons for the Waratahs’ win over the Reds, continuing his successful return from injury.
The number eight brutalised the Reds with every carry, getting the visitors back into the contest after a slow start.
He also showed his skill over the ball to win a pair of timely turnovers.
9. Jake Gordon (NSW Waratahs)
Gordon just edges out Tate McDermott and Nic White after leading the Waratahs home.
He had a hand in a pair of tries, including a great pop pass to set up Lalakai Foketi after starting the break down the short side.
He also controlled the game with his kicking, allowing the back three to cause the Reds’ headaches
10. Carter Gordon (Melbourne Rebels)
The toughest decision this year but Gordon edges out Noah Lolesio by a single hair of his mullet.
Take nothing away from Lolesio, this was one of his best games of the season and the ‘personal’ nature of the game really showed with his double and great outing from the boot.
However, Gordon just managed to have more of an impact in getting the Rebels back into the game.
His two bullet passes to Lachie Anderson for his tries were world-class whilst showing great pace to get to the loose ball and give the Rebels a chance late.
For this, he just earns selection in a battle of the two most impressive individuals from round 11.
11. Monty Ioane (Melbourne Rebels)
Ioane is brimming with confidence after his maiden try and it showed on Sunday.
He has become a key part of their attack and tormented the Brumbies on the counter.
The Italian international had a team high 106 metres to go with six tackle busts and 16 carries to just earn selection over Dylan Pietsch
12. Lalakai Foketi (NSW Waratahs)
Foketi continues to impress selectors with a solid performance for the Waratahs.
He showed great presence to back up Gordon before stepping past the defence for a well-worked try.
Foketi also was key in shutting down the Reds’ attack, liming the effectiveness of James O’Connor
13. Len Ikitau (ACT Brumbies)
Ikitau showed why he is one of the best outside centres in the world.
He caused the Rebels headaches all day with his footwork, toying with them at times.
His 11 carries for 84 metres often saw the first defender either beat or carries over the advantage line, allowing the Brumbies to strike.
14. Lachie Anderson (Melbourne Rebels)
Anderson earns selection after yet another reliable outing on the wing for the Rebels.
His positioning was perfect for his double, showing off his strength to somehow fight his way over the line amid a rush of Brumbies defenders.
In a battle of the Sevens stars, Anderson’s three clean breaks and five tackle busts saw him get the better of Corey Toole.
15. Tom Wright (ACT Brumbies)
Wright further his case for the Wallabies fullback job for the World Cup after a highly entertaining battle with Andrew Kellaway.
He made 151 metres from his 12 carries, including breaking seven tackles and a great clean break that set up Lolesio’s try.
Kellaway was also strong for the Rebels in attack and defence, but Wright just gets the nod this week.
