Round 11 of SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific was all about the Queensland Reds as the Australian sides had a tough ANZAC Round Weekend.
The Reds were big winners as they took down the defending champions Blues in Brisbane.
Catch every game of SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
Meanwhile, it was tough defeats for the Western Force and ACT Brumbies as the Chiefs and Hurricanes defeated them.
Rugby.com.au selects its Team of the Week from the Australian teams in Round 11.
A solid scrummaging performance from the Reds front-rower helped lay the platform for the crucial win.
Fa’agase stepped up to the occasion of facing Angus Ta’avao and got the better of him in several moments of his 52 minute stint.
It was enough to earn the nod over James Slipper, who was also excellent in defeat.
Asiata put together a powerful 77-minute performance after he was called into action once again following George Blake’s injury.
The hooker came straight back on the field and scored a crucial rolling maul try to continue his promising run of try-scoring form.
He was also perfect with his lineout throws with 11 from 11 on the night whilst setting up a try.
Nonggorr completes the all-Reds line-up after a solid night of work.
The tight-head didn’t miss a tackle whilst taking several big carries over the advantage line.
Salakaia-Loto monstered the Blues pack all night in Brisbane.
The lock’s physicality was on display through the contest, making several big hits.
He also commanded the lineout game to re-establish his status as one of the best locks in Super Rugby.
Hooper matched the Hurricanes in front despite the tough defeat in Canberra.
He kept the Brumbies in the game with his power, making a key line break in the final quarter of the game.
The lock recorded 16 tackles along with a key turnover to keep the Brumbies on the attack.
Valetini delivered a typical powerhouse performance in the nation’s capital.
The back-rower was the only Brumby in double-digits for carries, making three tackle busts.
His turnover in the final five minutes kept the Brumbies' hopes up before their close defeat.
Tizzano was a tackling machine amid the plethora of Chiefs' attacking oppportunities.
Again, the flanker delivered a perfect defensive performance with a game high 20 without a miss.
Champion de Crespigny took it to the Chiefs' pack all night at the Bay Oval.
The powerhouse number eight was a physical monster with 11 carries, double of the next best forward for the Force.
He recorded three tackle busts alongside his 19 tackles.
McDermott continues to pile on the pressure for the starting Wallabies job.
The Queensland skipper was in vintage touch against the Blues with his 52nd minute try textbook McDermott rugby - identifying two tight forwards near the ruck and splitting them to score untouched.
This was the pick of his eight tackle busts on the night to go with a big try assist.
The fair-haired son of a gun was already in the Lions conversation but Friday night's performance just put Lynagh front and centre.
The man they call 'Turbo' was unflappable across his 72 minutes with two well-taken tries inside the opening seven minutes and ice-cold goal kicking ensuring the Blues could never peg back their margin.
But Lynagh isn't just ticking over the scoreboard and Joe Schdmit wouldn't have missed his seven tackles (100% success rate) in the Reds' front line and a towering boot that peeled off 466m in general play.
Kuenzle’s quality has not wavered since his return from injury.
The winger set up the opening try with a great hit to force a turnover before keeping his shape and diving over for the five-pointer.
In total, the winger had four tackle busts and a line break with his try.
Paisami bossed the midfield for the Reds in another big Test statement.
He shut down the threats of the Blues’ powerful centres whilst his combination with Dre Pakeho was solid all night.
Speaking of Pakeho, this was a coming of age performance from the young centre.
He was excellent up against Rieko Ioane with a perfect 14 tackles and two turnovers.
This included a big try-saving tackle to complement his pair of tackle busts and line break.
Potter was the Force’s chief destroyer as the winger was excellent on Friday night.
The winger caught everything napping with a smart try straight from the kick off, before crossing for his second in the second half.
Potter had three line breaks and two tackle busts to go with the double.
Campbell was back in the form that earns him a Wallabies debut.
His line and ball-playing skills to set up Tom Lynagh’s second try were excellent on his return to the starting side.
