Round three of Super Rugby Pacific saw plenty of strong performances from the Australian teams as contenders start to make their move.
The Brumbies and Reds seem destined for an undefeated match-up in a fortnight after narrow wins over the Waratahs and Force respectively, who delivered valiant efforts.
Meanwhile, the Rebels are left soul searching after going down to the Fijian Drua, the Drua's first-ever Super Rugby victory.
With this in mind, Rugby.com.au has selected the best from the Australian sides for round three.
1.Angus Bell
Bell takes the razor-close decision over James Slipper after another impressive performance for the Waratahs.
The loosehead looked damaging whenever he touched the ball and tried to will his side back into the contest after a slow start.
He ran a perfect support line to back up Ben Donaldson as he strolled over to score, which ultimately just gave him the edge over his Wallabies teammate.
2. Feleti Kaitu’u
Kaitu'u has relished the captaincy and seemed to find another gear on his return back to WA.
The hooker looked damaging whenever he touched the ball and for the majority of the game, provided reliable and solid service at line-out time for a Force pack looking to control the match.
Whilst Folau Fainga'a was strong, Kaitu'u's added work rate, especially in defence, ensured his spot in this squad.
3. Allan Alaalatoa
Once again, Alaalatoa delivered a captain's knock when his side needed it as he powered the Brumbies to victory.
Alaalatoa is the engine room for this Brumbies pack and his incredible work ethic was on full display as he racked up 19 tackles and a couple of key offloads.
Performances like this show why the 28-year-old is rated so highly, keeping the battle going with Taniela Tupou to determine the best tight-head in the country.
4. Izack Rodda
Another week, another strong performance from Izack Rodda.
Rodda led the way in defence against his old side with a game-high 16 tackles to go with several key carries.
He remains their key target at line-out time and once again showed why he is one of the premier locks in the country.
5. Nick Frost
With speculation of an overseas move growing, Frost showed little signs it's affecting his performances as he controlled the set-piece battle for the Brumbies.
The towering lock alongside Darcy Swain were crucial in winning the battle up-front against the Waratahs, barging over just before the break.
Along with this, he nabbed a key lineout steal as he played a key role in securing the win.
6. Rob Valetini
In wet and wild conditions, Valetini was comfortably the best forward on the field during the Brumbies win.
From his bulldozing pick and drive to several brutal hits, the backrower was everywhere and stood up in the grudge match.
His week-to-week consistency and his constant second/third efforts have made him such a weapon, which was on full display during this man-of-the-match performance.
7. Fraser McReight
McReight is making it near-impossible for Brad Thorn to start him on the bench when Liam Wright returns.
The 23-year-old was once again influential with whatever he did, leading the team in tackles (15) as well as metres gained (77).
He was rewarded with a well-deserved try late in the game after setting up Stewart to start the night, holding off the impressive Charlie Gamble and Jahrome Brown.
8. Harry Wilson
In another tight battle of backrowers, Wilson stepped up and guided the Reds to victory.
As he seems to always do, Wilson led his side with 16 carries to go with a line break and two tackle busts.
Several key tackles secured the win and his position in the side over Will Harris and Tamaiti Ioane, who looked good in his first Super Rugby start.
9. Nic White
White glided across the park as he orchestrated the Brumbies backline in difficult conditions.
Stepping back into the starting role, White outplayed his fellow Wallaby Jake Gordon as he helped steady their pack and kept the pressure on the Waratahs line throughout the contest, best shown with his lovely ball to Simone for their third try.
He just holds onto his spot over former teammate Issak Fines-Leleiwasa after he starred for the Force.
10. James O'Connor
Was that the best individual performance in Super Rugby Pacific so far?
O'Connor had a hand in everything for the Reds, whether it was putting forwards through holes or producing perfect grubbers for his winger, it was a near-flawless performance from the flyhalf.
He had a direct involvement in all four tries to go with a solid night with the boot, establishing himself as the premier flyhalf in Australian Rugby.
11. Young Tonumaipea
Tonumaipea remains a shining light for a Rebels side that has struggled throughout 2022.
Tries at the start and end of the game gave something for the Victorian-based side to be proud of as they remain winless.
The former Storm product finished with two tries, two line breaks and a couple of nice offloads.
12. Irae Simone
Simone remains a major weapon in attack for the Brumbies and was at his brutal best in this victory.
His run just after the second half typified this, stepping past Izaia Perese and running through Lalakai Foketi before diving over the line.
He finished with five tackle busts from five carries, as well winning a key turnover to go with his try and line break.
13. Izaia Perese
Perese's development over the past 12 months has been a joy to watch and remains one of the key drivers behind the Waratahs attack.
He produced a game-high 87 metres from his 13 carries, breaking 5 tackles as well as getting off four offloads.
Whilst his decision-making remains an area to work on, there are not many players in Australian Rugby who are as damaging with ball in hand as Perese.
14. Toni Pulu
Pulu remains a damaging factor in a Force backline that is starting to gel and work out how to best utilise his freakish skills.
The winger, as well as Manasa Matatele (who would've been in if he was Australian), looked like a threat whenever they touched the ball as they lit up the Reds defence.
15. Jock Campbell
Campbell remains a steady figure at the back for the Reds with another under-rated performance during the win.
He showed some nice speed to get out Jake Strachan for their second try of the game to go with four tackle busts from his 8 carries for 45 metres.
