Round six was a wild and open affair as attacking rugby flourished from the Australian teams.
The Brumbies and Reds recorded hard-fought wins over the Force and Waratahs respectively, cementing this week's match as another top-of-the-table clash.
Meanwhile, the Rebels produced their best performance of the season, recording their first victory of 2022 as they withheld a late Drua fightback.
With this in mind, Rugby.com.au has selected the best from the Australian sides for round six.
1. Scott Sio
With McKellar opting to rest his starting front-row, Scott Sio stepped up and carried the load for the Brumbies.
Sio put in a near 80-minute shift, making 11 tackles whilst providing a solid scrummaging performance to help put the visitors on the front foot.
2. Jordan Uelese
Uelese continues to defy injury as he guided the Rebels to victory.
He produced a number of key carries along with an impressive 16 tackles, causing a number of turnovers.
His try in the 28th minute reflected the strong performance by the Rebels pack, with Uelese one of the key figures in the victory.
3. Taniela Tupou
Taniela Tupou made good use of his clearance at the Judiciary, brutalising the Waratahs pack.
Even down two men, Tupou powered the Reds scrum through the visitors to win a key penalty before the break.
The performance was capped off with a try to break the 13-all deadlock, putting him just ahead of Rebels cult hero Cabous Eloff.
4. Matt Philip
Philip really took it upon himself to will the Rebels to their first win of 2022.
He looked like a man possessed at times, barging over after just four minutes to set the tempo.
Phillip finished the night with 10 carries, three offloads, 14 tackles and the try, combining nicely with Josh Hill, who went very close to securing his spot.
5. Hugh Sinclair
Sinclair was everywhere for a Waratahs pack that struggled to match it with the Reds.
His goal-line defence was elite, twice preventing a certain try in the space of a couple of minutes, typifying the ‘Tah tough’ attitude under Darren Coleman.
Along with this, the undersized lock led the tackle count (16) as well as pinching two lineout steals.
6. Brad Wilkin
Wilkin was the main shining light for the Rebels, producing arguably his best performance in Super Rugby.
Playing out of his usual position at blindside flanker, Wilkin produced a world-class performance in attack and defence, recording a team-high two line breaks and 52 metres from just six carries.
However, his influence was best seen in defence, recording a game-high 24 tackles whilst causing three turnovers at breakdown time to prevent the Drua from building momentum and ultimately securing the game for the Rebels.
7. Kane Koteka
Koteka showed what the club had been missing, making a brilliant return from injury.
The flanker constantly took the ball over the advantage line in his game-high 13 carries, breaking three tackles.
He also produced a team-high 16 tackles as he tried to hold out a rampant Brumbies attack from running away with the game.
8. Harry Wilson
Another consistent performance from Wilson, who once again produced a solid showing for the Reds, becoming a near-automatic selection each week.
Wilson’s motor is a major improvement to his game in 2022, leading the way in carries as he was rightfully awarded Man of the Match by the commentary team.
It sets up an interesting battle with Pete Samu/Rob Valetini and the Brumbies this week, looking to firmly establish himself as the premier number eight in Australia
9. Ryan Lonergan
A very close decision but Lonergan just did enough to hold off Tate McDermott this week.
On his captaincy debut, he got off to the perfect start as he dived over the line after just three minutes.
Along with this, he provided a solid boot to help kick them to victory along with setting up two Brumbies tries in the shootout win.
10. James O’Connor
Another narrow call but O’Connor’s game management and skills under pressure were integral to getting the Reds over the line.
His patience when the Reds were down two men was clear to see, especially against a rookie half, controlling the game until they returned to their full allotment of players.
He also produced a number of key carries, running for 70 metres whilst recording a line break to go with a near-perfect night with the boot.
11. Andy Muirhead
This was Muirhead’s best game for the Brumbies, setting the tempo early as he burst through the line, drawing the fullback for Ryan Lonergan to score inside three minutes before adding three of his own.
He finished the night with three tries, three line breaks, six tackle busts and a try assist.
Along with this, he proved handy at the breakdown, earning a key turnover to set up Nick Frost’s try
12. Jamie Roberts
The 35-year-old showed he still had it, slotting in seamlessly into an inexperienced Waratahs backline.
Roberts’ class was on full display, rock-solid in defence, highlighted by a great hit on Harry Wilson, whilst producing a game-high 15 carries.
This ensured he just edged out opposition number Hamish Stewart, who was once again immense in defence.
13. Len Ikitau
Ikitau reminded everyone why he is considered one of the best outside centres in the world as he torched the Force defence.
The courage to take on their defence inside his own in-goal was wonderful to see and paid off when he drew the fullback for Tom Banks to score a try-of-the-year candidate.
He finished the night with two try assists, three tackle busts and a line break.
14. Mark Nawaqanitawase
A flip of the coin, but Nawaqanitawase’s all-around performance just sees him pip Manasa Mataele in this team.
The Waratahs flyer showed why he rated so highly with a number of key plays that kept the visitors in the game.
Nawaqanitawase recorded three line breaks, three tackle busts and 104 metres from ten carries, emerging as a true X-Factor for the Tahs.
15. Jordan Petaia
Petaia continues to pass his tests at fullback with flying colours.
Whilst it’s largely been his attack that has taken centre stage, it’s his defence that shone after a brilliant try-saver on Nawaqanitawase when they down two men.
With Tom Banks on the sidelines indefinitely (who probably would’ve got the nod over Petaia if not for the red card/face fracture), Petaia is in a prime position to make a push for the Wallabies
