Plenty of great individual performances this week made it fairly easy to pick a team. Most came from the big game, but a couple Wallabies and a Puma made it.
1 – Tony Woodcock (New Zealand) A steady enough performance from the veteran gets him the nod once again. Nothing flash but plenty of work done around the fringes.
2 – Bismarck du Plessis (South Africa) What was the point of taking him off at such a crucial scrum? Not a star performance but was making his mark before the oddly timed substitution.
3 – Charlie Faumuina (New Zealand) Very ordinary performances from the other contenders mean that the big Auckland lad takes the spot. Made a couple mistakes but on the balance did what was required.
4 – Eben Etzebeth (South Africa) Surprise! Ok, maybe not.
5 – Sam Whitelock (New Zealand) Another excellent match from the Kiwi engine room, and especially this fella. Quietly goes about being absolutely top class.
6 – Liam Messam (New Zealand) A quick mention for Scott Fardy, but Messam silenced critics with a fine performance just when he needed it. Two tries and a huge work rate around the park.
7 – Francois Louw (South Africa) Not markedly better than others in terms of overall contribution, but he gets bonus points for that offload. What a beauty.
8 – Kieran Read (New Zealand) Superb performance in all facets. Missed a couple tackles but otherwise was near perfect.
9 – Fourie du Preez (South Africa) The one blight on his record was kicking the ball way on a penalty advantage. Absolutely critical to the Springbok attack.
10 – Beauden Barrett (New Zealand) Another fantastic super sub performance, he must be very close to overtaking Aaron Cruden in the pecking order. Made up for his missed tackle on de Villiers with a brilliant try of his own, and a try-saver on le Roux
11 – Joe Tomane (Australia) Had Bryan Habana remained on the pitch the jersey was his, but as it was Tomane gets the nod for his barnstorming running. Not so flash on defense but he can be excused this time.
12 – Jean de Villiers (South Africa) Led by example and nearly willed his team to a famous victory before exhaustion set in. Outstanding competitor.
13 – Marcelo Bosch (Argentina) At times looked like the only Puma giving his all. Firmly entrenched in the jersey now and headed to the Premiership with Saracens.
14 – Willie le Roux (South Africa) He just has a bit of magic to him, doesn’t he? Where he will fit in going forwards with J.P. Pietersen returning is the question.
15 – Israel Folau (Australia) Three tries with some mesmeric running is enough to take the honours. Got caught out of position a couple times in defense, but these things take time.
