The 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season is underway with players looking to make their mark on the competition.
The Queensland Reds and ACT Brumbies were big winners as they took down the NSW Waratahs and Melbourne Rebels respectively.
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As for the Western Force, they were disappointing in their defeat to the Hurricanes in Perth.
With this in mind, Rugby.com.au has selected the best from the Australian sides for round one.
1. Matt Gibbon (Melbourne Rebels)
Gibbon delivered a dominant scrum performance to keep the Rebels in the game in the first half.
The loosehead drew several penalties against his opposite tight head as he came out fired up after their disrupted offseason.
He just edged out Alex Hodgman, who was great on his Reds debut, and Angus Bell.
2. Matt Faessler (Queensland Reds)
Faessler showed last year wasn’t a one-off as he powered the Reds to victory.
The hooker was near perfect from lineout and was a menace at the back of the maul, scoring a double.
It was back-to-back doubles for Faessler after a similar performance in the Roma trial at the start of the month.
3. Zane Nonggorr (Queensland Reds)
Nonggorr was reliable for the Reds off the back of his maiden World Cup campaign,
The tight-head was reliable at scrum time and didn’t miss a tackle in defence to help them to victory.
4. Seru Uru (Queensland Reds)
Uru was excellent across the pack for the Reds in one of the better all-round performances by a lock this round.
He stole a key lineout, was solid in defence and worked efficiently to break down the Waratahs’ defensive maul alongside Ryan Smith.
However, the shining moment came with his freak kick in the 55th minute from inside his half that forced a 5m scrum, setting up Tate McDermott’s try in the corner.
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Melbourne Rebels)
Salakaia-Loto had a great showing for the Rebels on his return to Australian Rugby.
He did everything in his power to disrupt the Brumbies whilst delivering a perfect tackling performance.
6. Charlie Cale (ACT Brumbies)
Whilst yes, Cale had the number eight jersey on, he was too good to leave out (and given he started at six last season, it's not that much of a stretch!)
Cale was incredible across the pack, scoring a double, including a great solo effort that saw him chip and chase ahead, outpacing Lachie Anderson for the try
He also did all the key roles of a backrower, nabbing three line outs along with leading the team for carries (12) line breaks assists (three) and offloads (two).
Cale filled the void perfectly left by Pete Samu after his departure to France.
7. Luke Reimer (ACT Brumbies)
Reimer reminded everyone of just how potent he is at the breakdown with a tireless performance.
He was a menace against the Rebels, nabbing three turnovers to disrupt the hosts’ attack.
The 23-year-old also delivered a game-high 16 tackles to secure his spot in the side over the impressive Fraser McReight, who was again at his brilliant best.
8. Harry Wilson (Queensland Reds)
This was Harry Wilson at his best.
He was fierce in attack, showed off the freakish ball-playmaking abilities and was rock solid in defence.
The flick between the legs to Tate McDermott capped off a remarkable game for the backrower, thriving in the Les Kiss system.
9. Tate McDermott (Queensland Reds)
Another player that looked at home under new coach Kiss.
McDermott was one of the standout players in the Reds’ win over the Waratahs, lifting to the occasion in front of a passionate Reds crowd.
He looked electric in attack, scoring a try in the corner whilst setting up another for Paisami.
10. Noah Lolesio (ACT Brumbies)
Lolesio was the best of the tens in a strong night for the returning star.
His willingness to take on the line was great to see as he broke the line and put Toole over for their second try of the game.
He made two line breaks whilst also marshalling the attack to a strong performance
11. Corey Toole (ACT Brumbies)
Toole showed why speed remains king in Rugby.
The former Sevens star left the Rebels clutching at his jersey as he torched them on his 12 carries for 121 metres.
This included a great chip and chase try along with three line breaks.
12. Hunter Paisami (Queensland Reds)
Paisami has earmarked himself as a player to watch in this year’s Super Rugby Pacific season.
This was the bruising centre at his best as he powered his way through Waratahs defenders for the opening try.
He made 15 strong carries along with some crunching defensive tackles to seal his place in the team.
13. Len Ikitau (ACT Brumbies)
It was a tight battle but Ikitau just edged out Josh Flook for selection in this team.
Ikitau’s role in the win seems understated but his six tackles busts and great reads in defence gave the Rebels headaches all night.
It was enough to hold off Flook, who played a key part in Fraser McReight’s game-sealing try.
14. Dylan Pietsch (NSW Waratahs)
Both Waratahs wingers were strong but Pietsch was particularly impressive in the defeat.
He consistently went looking for work and beat the first tackler in attack as he crossed for a double.
The second try was a great display of awareness, breaking down the sidelines before recollecting his attempt to pass back inside to score in the corner.
15. Andrew Kellaway (Melbourne Rebels)
Kellaway was the best of the Wallabies fullback hopefuls in a losing effort for the Rebels.
He threatened in attack, running for an impressive 149 metres, twice as much as his nearest teammate, to go with six tackle busts.
Whilst there were some reads in attack and defence he’d like back, the Wallaby stood up after finishing the 2023 season as the incumbent.
