Round four saw a number of players step up and produce game-changing performances for the Australian sides in Super Rugby Pacific.
The Reds and Brumbies ensured they'll enter Friday's clash at GIO Stadium undefeated, adding more importance and hype around one of the biggest rivalries in Australian Rugby.
Meanwhile, the Waratahs found a way to win against the Western Force, getting their season firmly back on track.
With this in mind, Rugby.com.au has selected the best from the Australian sides for round four.
1.Harry Hoopert
Whilst Hoopert might not have had the same impact as his fellow front-rowers, his work off the ball was invaluable for the Reds, defying the yellow card.
The loosehead was immense at the breakdown for the hosts, providing crucial and fast cleanout with 21 attacking rucks (nine more than his nearest loosehead rival), as well as a solid and reliable figure at scrum-time.
2. Josh Nasser
Nasser looked to shore up any concerns around the hooker position for the Reds with a brilliant performance against the Drua.
Like Hoopert, Nasser found himself in the bin but more than made up for it on his return, scoring a quick-fire double.
He showed some nice skill on his second, drawing in winger Selestino Ravutaumada with the dummy before diving over in the corner.
3.Harry Johnson-Holmes
Johnson-Holmes remains a steady figure in the Waratahs pack and was integral in them gaining the ascendancy.
After a slow start, he got the better of former teammate Tom Robertson and Harry Lloyd to deliver a solid scrummaging performance, ultimately putting them on the front foot throughout the game.
4. Tom Hooper
One of the best showings by a debutant in 2022.
Hooper was everywhere for the Brumbies, looking dangerous whenever he touched the ball as he set up their first try with an impressive run.
He also showed an unreal motor, making a game-high 20 tackles, twice as many as the leading defender from the Rebels (8).
5. Jed Holloway
Holloway was a leading light on his first start as captain, stepping up as a leader in Jake Gordon’s absence.
During a tough second-half, Holloway’s defensive was integral in repelling the Force’s attack, particularly at rolling maul time.
For this, he just edges out the likes of Nick Frost and Ryan Smith as he continues his solid return season with the Waratahs.
6.Seru Uru
Uru was a game-changer for the Reds, twice stepping up in the last five minutes to seal the game.
His first play of brilliance came in the 77th minute to will himself over the line, leading his side in carries (18).
However, his best was saved for last as the Drua launched one final attack via a 10-metre line out, stealing the lineout to earn the turnover and ultimately secure the win
7. Charlie Gamble
Gamble is making a real statement with Wallabies captain Michael Hooper waiting in the wings.
The flanker was everywhere for the Tahs, twice coming up with key turnovers at ruck time along with a perfect charge-down to put them on the front-foot.
His try to open the scoring for the hosts set up the man-of-the-match performance for Gamble, who is doing everything he can to cement his spot somewhere in the back-row heading forward.
8. Harry Wilson
Another week, another strong performance from Harry Wilson.
Wilson remains a constant and reliable engine for the Reds, producing a 15/15 (15 carries and 15 tackles).
He also showed his improved acceleration to dives over the line, which ultimately secured his spot over Tamati Ioane.
9. Kalani Thomas
Thomas was electric for the Reds at scrum half, stepping up for the huge loss of Tate McDermott.
His speed and accuracy of delivery was near-perfect all night as he guided the hosts around the park.
He also looked damaging whenever he opted to take the ball to the line, providing some much-needed spark, just edging out Nic White.
10. James O’Connor
Whilst it wasn’t the best round for a number of halves across the country, O’Connor was the best over the weekend for the Reds.
He guided the Reds around the park perfectly to set up the big lead and his lack of leadership and control across the backline was evident as soon as left the field, with the Drua almost stealing the win in the final 15 minutes.
11. Manasa Mataele
When someone plays as well as Manasa Mataele does, you have to tweak the rules slightly to include him in the team.
Mataele was by far the best player on the field for the Force, producing the first try all by himself as he broke several defenders with ease to dive over.
He also took a clutch intercept in their 22 to set up another attack, finishing the day with five tackle busts, two line breaks and a game-high 111 metres.
12. Irae Simone
Simone remains the glue that holds together the Brumbies defence, stepping up once again against the Rebels.
He made 18 tackles on the night, including two crucial efforts that earned much-needed turnovers.
Simone’s high work-rate just edges out the likes of Ray Nu’u and Hamish Stewart.
13. Hunter Paisami
Paisami was near-unstoppable for the Reds as he guided their attack around the park.
He finished with three try assists, setting up Jordan Petaia and Harry Wilson with perfect deliveries as he took the line on.
The Wallabies centre finished with six tackle busts and 100 metres as well, capping off a remarkable performance.
14. Tom Wright
Wright looked dangerous whenever he touched the ball, showing his finishing abilities with a double.
His second was arguably the best, backing up a break from Tom Banks before positioning his body perfectly to collect and touch down.
15. Tom Banks
In a week where several fullbacks stood up, Banks was the best.
He was incredible for the Brumbies, setting up several tries in the first half whilst getting one of his own late with a lightning burst to break two tackles and score.
Banks ended the night with eight tackle busts, three line breaks and 159 metres to go with the try and pair of try assists.
This was enough to secure his spot despite strong performances by Jordan Petaia and Will Harrison, who on most other weeks would’ve done enough to be named.
