Thankfully 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.
