Round 11 of Super Rugby Pacific was another strong weekend for the Australian sides as they start to peak heading into the finals.
The Queensland Reds ended their drought against the Crusaders in Christchurch whilst the ACT Brumbies held on against the Fijian Drua.
Catch every game of Super Rugby Pacific LIVE, ad-free and on demand on Stan Sport.
The Melbourne Rebels showed quality in glimpses against the Blues, with the NSW Waratahs and Western Force comfortably beaten.
With this in mind, Rugby.com.au has selected the best from the Australian sides for round 11.
Kailea impressed on his step up to the starting side for the Rebels.
His scrummaging was solid whilst delivering impactful carries in a strong stint for the young prop.
It was just enough to hold out Reds prop Peni Ravai, who was great in the win over the Crusaders
Uelese’s defence continues to impress for the Rebels, stepping up physically and winning a key turnover.
His lineout throwing was perfect whilst holding his own at scrum-time.
Toomaga-Allen has been a major reason behind the Reds’ success in 2024.
The former All Black didn’t miss a tackle all night and scored a decisive try in the victory.
He beat out Taniela Tupou, who produced one of his better games as a Rebels.
Smith is building his case for a maiden Wallabies call-up after delivering another world-class night in Christchurch.
He sets the tempo with his defence, bashing Crusaders all night to record a team-high 23 tackles, a pair of turnovers and a try saving tackle.
Smith was also strong around the ruck to ensure quality ball for his halves across the 80 minutes
Canham was a workhorse for the Rebels in all aspects of the game.
He was everywhere in defence to shut down the Blues' attack, disrupting their set-piece game with two steals going up against an All Black weapon in Patrick Tuipulotu.
The young lock also showed off the pace to break through the line with a great gallop to put them on the attack.
Valetini was at his physical best against his brother’s side.
He was constantly bursting through the defensive line in a tough win over the Drua, whilst winning a vital turnover.
For this, he narrowly edges out Liam Wright, whose lineout work and incredible defence work-rate is a point of difference.
Fraser McReight was at his best for the Reds to end their Christchurch drought.
His three turnovers in the first half put him top of the Super Rugby Pacific table despite the two-game suspension.
McReight then showed off his try-scoring ability to finish for the opening try, completing a near-perfect performance from the flanker on his return.
Wilson’s 2024 form has him firmly positioned as one of the best backrowers in Super Rugby Pacific.
The charge-down try was the perfect display of his freakish work rate and deft skill to dive over the line and flip momentum.
On top of this, he was again well into double figures for tackles (19) and carries (15).
Thomas has shone in Tate McDermott’s absence due to suspension.
His service kept the Crusaders on the back foot, setting up three line break assists and a try assist for Fraser McReight.
This held out Ryan Louwrens, who has been one of the Rebels’ best in 2024.
Creighton produced one of his best nights for the Reds to engineer the victory.
His kicking game was solid all night, showing off his physicality in attack and defence.
The ability to close out the win was the difference in his selection over the likes of Noah Lolesio and Ben Donaldson.
Pietsch worked hard for the Waratahs despite the defeat.
He was great in defence and never gave up, coming up with some perfectly timed turnovers and strong carries.
Tua’s breakout season continues for the Brumbies, helping them to victory in a tough night for the side.
His deft kick to Len Ikitau set up a crucial try before the break, whilst looking dominant with his carries.
For this, he holds out Hunter Paisami after another excellent showing from the centre.
Ikitau hasn’t missed a step on his return from injury.
He showed the elusiveness to beat his defender for the opening try whilst timed his run perfectly to collect Tua’s grubber for his second.
Ryan’s dream fortnight continues as he proves he has the magic touch.
He touched the ball three times across the eighty minutes. He scored twice, finishing in the corner before braving a physical hit to dive over for a crucial try.
What will please Les Kiss is the way his defence held up, especially in the first half. He played above his weight, making ten in the first half without a miss. Ryan dropped off a couple late in the game and walked gingerly after his second five-pointer
Campbell produced brilliance when his team needed it the most.
Campbell stood up in Christchurch to spark the Reds’ first-half dominance after a tough start, breaking through four defenders with a determined carry in the 21st minute that eventually led to McReight’s opening try.
He then showed the pose to back up Josh Flook’s break and find Mac Grealy to set up Ryan’s fourth try in two games.
