A better week in terms of individual performances this time, in large part thanks to Argentina who were up for it at home. Sadly, no North Americans were worth mentioning.
1 – Marcos Ayerza (Argentina) A very welcome return for the Leicester loosehead who solidified a much improved Pumas side. Just shades centurion Tony Woodcock for his 80 minute effort.
2 – Andrew Hore (New Zealand) Only played a little over a half, but was an absolute nuisance while he was on. The old fella is keen to play on until the World Cup, and who’s to say he can’t make it?
3 – Owen Franks (New Zealand) Another powerful performance from the All Black anchor. Tackles are a bonus from your props, and even more so when they’re of the bone-rattling variety that come from this bloke.
4 – Julio Farias Cabello (Argentina) Another old warhorse like Hore who seems to get better with age. Might have lost half a step in pace but not an ounce in commitment.
5 – Sam Whitelock (New Zealand) Outstanding contributions from both he and fellow engine room operator Brodie Retallick, the Cantabrian gets the nod for his superb lineout work on either side of the throw in.
6 – Pablo Matera (Argentina) Looked somewhat overawed in Soweto, but his work rate in Mendoza was phenomenal. A star in the making.
7 – Juan Manuel Leguizamon (Argentina) Even better than Matera. Scored a great try, won turnovers, led with huge passion when Felipe Contepomi went off.
8 – Kieran Read (New Zealand) Just another day at the office, which in Read’s case means another world class showing for the best team in the world.
9 – Aaron Smith (New Zealand) Quick service, nippy around the fringes, bossed his forwards. After an indifferent Super Rugby series, he has outplayed Will Genia two weeks in a row.
10 – Morne Steyn (South Africa) No doubt he enjoyed a few freebies from his teammates at the post match function after once again rescuing his side from the jaws of defeat. Wonderful kicker back to top form.
11 – James O’Connor (Australia) The boy everyone loves to hate, but his talent is undeniable. The most dangerous attacker on the Wallaby side at the moment.
12 – Christian Leali’ifano (Australia) Just edges Jean de Villiers for his contribution with the boot. Settling into test rugby nicely after his rough opener against the Lions.
13 – Marcelo Bosch (Argentina) Excellent performance from the soon-to-be Saracens man. Well taken try, trademark blanket defense, outplayed J.J. Engelbrecht and borrows the jersey for a week from Conrad Smith.
14 – Ben Smith (New Zealand) Honourable mention to industrious Gonzalo Camacho, but you have to put in something really special to dislodge the world’s form try-scorer. Always seems to be in the right place at the right time.
15 – Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino (Argentina) Not a great week for fullbacks, and the flashy fellow from Buenos Aires wasn’t perfect, but he was effective. Strong kicking, good defensive coverage, did his best in place of the injured El Mago.
