Round Eight of SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific was a mixed one for the Australian sides across the weekend.
The Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs both suffered defeats, losing to the Chiefs and Moana Pasifika.
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This led to the Western Force being the standout Australian team, producing a quality win over the Highlanders.
Rugby.com.au selects its Team of the Week from the Australian teams for Round Eight.
Hodgman matched the Chiefs’ pack all night in the testing conditions.
He was solid at scrum-time and got through plenty of work in tight to earn the nod.
Paenga-Amosa took his chance to start and shown in the Perth sun.
He saluted at the back of the rolling maul in the first half, whilst set up a nice break for Carlo Tizzano after a smart quick throw.
He went 10/11 from lineout time whilst didn’t miss a tackle in 11 attempts.
Robertson was solid for the Force in the victory over the Highlanders.
The former Wallabies’ work-rate has been a standout since his return from injury, recording double digit tackles.
There were no 40+ metre tries but his work around the park was enough to earn selection.
Williams caused the Highlanders troubles with his subtle handling and athleticism.
He kept the ball alive with a trio of key offloads to allow the hosts to roll down the field and build momentum.
It was a solid 80-minute performance from the captain to secure a much-needed win.
Canham was excellent in close for the Reds against some All Black hopefuls.
He controlled the lineout game in the wet conditions and stepped up in defence with some nice hits.
Brial took his chance to start and thrived against the best team in the comp.
His grubber and try in the 40th minute was an excellent display of his athletic capacity and kept the Reds in the game.
He backed this up with a pair of turnovers and 18 tackles on the night.
Carlo Tizzano is a firm favourite for Australian SRP MVP after his latest five star performance.
The flanker crossed again for a try, but what was most pleasing was his return to effectiveness at breakdown time.
His work to stop Timoci Tavatavanawai was sensational, one of two turnovers to go with five tackle busts and 17 tackles.
Wilson worked hard and showed why he’s the Wallabies captain.
He got through a mountain of work with 15 carries and 18 tackles without a miss.
But he saved his best play for last, putting a lovely left-footed kick together for Tom Lynagh’s try.
McDermott stepped up in his return to the starting side.
The scrum half looked dangerous when he took the line on, making a promising looking line break minutes after winning a valuable turnover.
Ben Donaldson showed the full arsenal and why he’s a triple-threat playmaker.
Donaldson put his ‘chopsticks’ (as his teammates call his legs) to good use when he burnt the Highlanders' defence to set up Harry Potter.
He also hit George Poolman with a beauty of a cross-field kick that deserved a try if not for excellent defence from Sam Gilbert.
Reilly was quality in a left edge that looked unstoppable in the first half for the Waratahs.
He caused Kyren Taumoefolau drama all afternoon with a double, including a tidy finish for the opener.
In total, Reilly ran for a team-high 107 metres, two line breaks and three tackle busts to go with the two tries.
Foketi was one of few Waratahs whose defence stood up across the afternoon.
He led the side with 13 with just one miss, along with winning two turnovers.
Tomkinson made sure to celebrate his 50th game in style with the Force.
Whilst the yellow card wasn't the card he was looking forward, the former Highlander was excellent against his old side.
He recorded a trio of tackle busts along with be a key link to unlock the rest of the backline.
Potter continues to rise up the ranks as one of the best wingers in the comp.
He added to his try-scoring run with a nice finish in the second half despite copping a knee in the head for his troubles.
Potter was unstoppable with three line breaks, two tackle busts and two offloads.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was at his brilliant best at fullback for the Waratahs despite the defeat.
It may have taken a while to get into full speed after the toe injury but his effort from his own five metre line to beat two and set up Triston Reilly from nothing was sensational.
He looked calm at the back and found the necessary time and space to impose himself on the game, throwing a beauty for Reilly’s first try along with setting up Teddy Wilson in the second half.
His presence caused Moana Pasifika all kinds of headaches, setting up the space for Andrew Kellaway to score unmarked as they raced up on him before half-time.
