With a plethora of Kiwi games postponed, Round Five of Super Rugby Pacific saw the Australian teams take centre stage, with several players using the platform to shine.
The Brumbies-Reds rivalry added another chapter in their fierce rivalry, with Dan McKellar's men coming away with the victory.
Meanwhile, the Western Force escaped with the win over the Drua thanks to an after-the-siren penalty whilst the Waratahs survived a major test from the Rebels.
With this in mind, Rugby.com.au has selected the best from the Australian sides for round five.
1.James Slipper
Set the tempo for the Brumbies at scrum time, earning key penalties as they controlled the contest.
Remained rock solid in defence as he willed his side over the line for the victory.
2. Josh Nasser
A valiant effort in a losing effort, Nasser continues to lift and make the starting position his own with Alex Mafi out injured.
Made an excellent recovery after losing the lineout on the Brumbies’ goal-line to earn the turnover.
He would be rewarded minutes later as he darted over in the corner, capping off his strong showing.
3.Allan Alaalatoa
Another solid and reliable performance by the Brumbies skipper, going the full 80 minutes.
Alaalatoa is a workhorse, leading the way for the hosts with 14 tackles whilst out-muscling his opposite number Dane Zander at scrum time.
Coming up against his Wallaby competition Taniela Tupou, Alaalatoa got the better of his opposition to secure his spot.
4. Izack Rodda
Rodda has been such an important signing for the Force, with this narrow win the best example of his influence.
With the game in the balance, he took it upon himself to get his side over the line, providing a number of key carries along with a valuable line out steal late in the game.
For this, he just edges out Matt Philip and Jed Holloway after the pair put on clinical performances in Sydney.
5. Nick Frost
A deserving Man of the Match, Frost was everywhere for the Brumbies and timed his message to Wallabies selectors perfectly.
Frost’s added muscle and power is clear to see when he takes the ball to the line, constantly taking it over the advantage line as he sets up their attack.
Along with this, he provided a number of key lineout steals to help hold out the hungry Reds defence.
6. Fergus Lee-Warmer
This is arguably the toughest selection so far but Lee-Warner on pure work rate alone gets in over Seru Uru.
Uru was immense for the Reds, however, the Force flanker was close, if not, best on the ground as he had a game-high 15 carries and 20 tackles.
This coupled with a crucial try was enough to get the Force (and Lee-Warner) over the line.
7. Jahrome Brown
Another strong performance from the flanker, proving a key figure in the Brumbies back row.
His pressure on McReight set up the first try, earning the turnover on their line immediately after a Reds try.
Brown also finished with a tied game-high 14 tackles, nearly crashing over in the corner, with only a great cover tackle from James O’Connor stopping him
8. Harry Wilson
Another week, another strong performance from Harry Wilson.
Wilson’s consistency is something to marvel at, constantly leading the way in attack for the Reds.
His 16 carries doubled the next best on the Brumbies, with almost every carry putting the visitors in a much better place than they started
9. Kalani Thomas
With no scrum half really putting their mark on the competition, Thomas was the best in a beaten effort.
His delivery and service has been perfect for the Reds, allowing them to play the up-tempo style they crave.
Along with this, his vision and execution to set up the second try to Nasser was enough to earn him a spot in the side over the likes of Nic White and Ian Prior.
10. Ben Donaldson
Donaldson looked dangerous whenever he touched the ball against the Rebels, sparking their attack in the first half.
His offload to put Dave Porecki through a hole in the 3rd minute set the tempo as he toyed with the Rebels defence.
It was a timely performance for Wallabies selectors, who will be hoping he overcomes a calf complaint before next month’s camp.
11. Glen Vaihu
Vaihu immediately made an impact for the Rebels breaking the Waratahs line from the kick-off.
The Junior Wallaby took it upon himself to try and turn around their season, producing a game-high 136 metres from 14 carries, along with three line breaks and two tackle busts.
He remains a shining light in a struggling Rebels outfit, continuing to grow game-by-game
12. Bayley Kuenzle
The new ice man.
Kuenzle’s heroics after the siren might have saved the Force’s season, staring down the potential of being 1-4, showing no nerves to slot a penalty that never looked like missing.
Outside of this, he took the line on countless occasions to get their attack started as well being forced to make 15 tackles as the Drua ran constant traffic his way.
13. Hunter Paisami
The hitman was at his best on Friday, setting the tempo early with a brutal tackle on Noah Lolesio.
Paisami’s adding playmaking abilities were in full display, producing a nice grubber for Flook to nearly cross.
This just further sets up his running game, making three tackle busts from his eight carries.
14. Andrew Kellaway
Kellaway joins his Rebels teammate after another typically solid performance.
His ability to beat the first man is so underrated yet Kellaway seems to do it on every touch, not missing a step after a long injury layoff.
He would break four tackles on the night from just six carries, securing the spot over Tom Wright.
15. Will Harrison
Harrison has made the fullback jersey his own, relishing as the second playmaker.
His vision to find Will Harris down to short sight was brilliant to extend their lead.
However, he saved his best for last with a perfect ball as he was smashed by the oncoming defender to find Alex Newsome for what would be the game-sealing try.
