It was a dreadful week of weather, and consequently the rugby was nearly as awful. Nevertheless a team must be pulled from the wreckage.
1 – Marcos Ayerza (Argentina) Got the better of Jannie du Plessis and put in a fair shift in the heavy stuff. Still a vital cog in the Pumas pack.
2 – Nathan Charles (Australia) Under immense pressure and came through his debut in spades. An impressive 80 minute performance that bodes well for the long-term.
3 – Sekope Kepu (Australia) Rolled up his sleeves and did some dirty work. A steady if unspectacular shift from the big man.
4 – Tomás Lavanini (Argentina) Showed no signs of being overawed in his first Championship start. A huge physical presence and the obvious successor to Patricio Albacete.
5 – Sam Whitelock (New Zealand) All over the pitch as usual putting in tackles and hitting rucks for fun. Troubled the Australian lineout while securing some of his own.
6 – Marcell Coetzee (South Africa) The late stand-in for Willem Alberts took full advantage. A tackling machine who relishes the physical confrontation.
7 – Michael Hooper (Australia) A super all-around performance from the captain. Puts maximal effort into everything he does on the pitch.
8 – Kieran Read (New Zealand) A huge defensive shift and some classy link work. Looks to be heading towards his best form after some concussion troubles.
9 – Aaron Smith (New Zealand) The All Blacks are a different animal with the little maestro pulling the strings. One of the world’s best at the moment.
10 – Nicolás Sánchez (Argentina) Putting together some really classy performances for his country. Brave in defense and quick to spot a gap. Pretty handy with the boot as well.
11 – Julian Savea (New Zealand) Steadfast in the tackle and powerful on the burst. Just about the complete package out wide.
12 – Matt To’omua (Australia) Not very flash but plays the role well. Growing in stature on the world stage.
13 – Malakai Fekitoa (New Zealand) Not a great week to be an outside centre, but the Tongan powerhouse made the most of his chances. Rock solid in the tackle as well.
14 – Cornal Hendricks (South Africa) Similarly unfortunate to be a winger in the rain. Makes the odd mistake but never seems to have a bad game.
15 – Willie le Roux (South Africa) Faced nature’s fury without fear. Even in the muck he was terrific with ball in hand, and unflinching without it.
