Team Of The Week

Tevita Kuridrani Australia Wallabies Rugby ChampionshipThankfully the predicted wet weather didn’t affect the play too much and we got some decent rugby, and with it some decent performances to choose from.

1 – Marcos Ayerza (Argentina) Setting the standard right now in the scrum, while maintaining a high work rate in the loose. One of the best forwards in the tournament.

2 – Agustín Creevy (Argentina) Growing into his role as captain and leading the way in the set piece. A shame he’ll be toiling in the RFU Championship this season.

3 – Ramiro Herrera (Argentina) Not a great week for tightheads so the big book-end gets the call. Has improved tremendously since joining the ranks as a professional only a year ago, and he’s still just a youngster for a prop at 25 years old.

4 – Brodie Retallick (New Zealand) Another good week for the rangy Rangioran. Seems to pop up in the unlikeliest of places.

5 – Tomás Lavanini (Argentina) Yes, his shoulder charge on Richie McCaw was reckless, but if anything it only adds to his reputation as a prime time piano mover. Put in a sterling effort at the lineout as well.

6 – Juan Manuel Leguizamón (Argentina) All-action as usual, he was at the heart of everything good for the Pumas. Seems to lift his game every time he wears the white stripes.

7 – Michael Hooper (Australia) Toeing the edge of legality at times but as usual he had a big impact. The form flanker in the tournament at the moment.

8 – Duane Vermeulen (South Africa) Big plays are what you want from a no8, and this guy brings it and then some. His tackle on Slipper was savage.

9 – Aaron Smith (New Zealand) Maybe not quite as prominent as earlier games but still quick and scored a nice try at the end. Well above his competition at the moment.

10 – Bernard Foley (Australia) Tough call but Beauden Barrett suffers from some wayward kicking. Foley played well and knocked them over when it mattered.

11 – Julian Savea (New Zealand) Bryan Habana was excellent, Savea was better. Running, tackling, chasing kicks, he’s just not-so-quietly become the world’s form winger.

12 – Jean de Villiers (South Africa) Not much to choose from so the Springbok leader takes the shirt. Solid if unspectacular, held the line and made one solid break.

13 – Tevita Kuridrani (Australia) Recalled to the run-on side and made it count. Added a different dimension to the attack in one of his best test outings.

14 – Adam Ashley-Cooper (Australia) Always finds a way to put himself about even when confined to the wing. Not a world beater out these but he won’t let you down.

15 – Israel Folau (Australia) Adds so much to the Australian attack he’s impossible to leave out. Scored one of his own and played a big role in the match winner.