Super Rugby is wrapped up for the year for four of the Australian teams, while the Brumbies prepare for a quarter final clash against the Highlanders.
Find out who made the round 17 Australian Team of the Week…
Paddy Ryan
Ryan dominated his direct opponent Ofa Tu’ungafasi at the scrum as the Waratahs went on to score two penalty tries. Tu’ungafasi was eventually subbed for veteran All Blacks prop Charlie Faumuina in the 45th minute.
Tatafu Polota-Nau
He is undecided on his future but Polota-Nau produced a stellar performance for the Waratahs on Friday night. NSW took control at scrum time, underlined with a dominant front row performance, overpowering the Blues at the set piece.
Greg Holmes
A Queensland stalwart, Greg Holmes couldn’t get a win in his final game but he left a fine legacy at Ballymore, after yet another crucial showing at tighthead. A standing ovation reflected his contribution to the club over his career.
Rory Arnold
Always a solid contributor in the Brumbies forward pack, Arnold provided aggression at the set piece and even managed to make a 30m break early in the match, a reminder of his junior inside centre days.
Kane Douglas
An eight-month layoff with a knee injury certainly didn’t show as Douglas returned to his abrasive best for the Reds. In just his second start of the year, after coming back from that injury, Douglas added grunt and experience to the Reds forwards pack.
Sean McMahon
Had a whopping 122 run metres and two tries by halftime to help set up the Rebels victory. McMahon beat five defenders on his way to that double, maintaining his status as the top forward in the competition, sitting fifth overall.
Liam Gill
Captained the Reds in his final Super Rugby match and was by far his team’s man of the match. Two tries, 10 tackles and three turnovers saw the Gill farewell the Reds with one final masterclass, showing fans exactly what they’re going to miss next season.
Colby Fainga’a
Teamed up nicely with Jordy Reid for a combined tackle count of 33. Fainga’a has enjoyed a solid month to wrap up his Super Rugby season, after some injury troubles.
Tomas Cubelli
Added spark to the Brumbies backline, highlighted by his flick pass to set up the opening Brumbies try in the 26th minute. One of the buys of the season, it’s just unfortunate he can’t play for the Wallabies.
Christian Lealiifano
The backline general enjoyed a steady night for the Brumbies, kicking at 100 per cent as well as making 69 run metres of his own. Wasn’t satisfied with his performance post-match, so expect more against the Highlanders.
Tom English
Scored the opening Rebels try inside four minutes and continued to grow with confidence as the match went on. Has had an injury-affected season but made sure it finished on a positive note.
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Matt Toomua
Was the beneficiary of Cubelli’s flick pass after some strong support play, but added another steady head alongside Lealiifano in attack. Has been critical for the Brumbies since returning from injury and showed that again on Saturday night.
Israel Folau
Scored his 11th try of the season, putting on top of the Super Rugby tally after the regular season. Folau was at his elusive best playing at outside centre, consistently breaking the first tackle in attack.
Chris Kuridrani
Given an opportunity in recent weeks through an injury to Chris Feauai-Sautia and impressed in the final game of the season. The brother of Crusaders winger Nemani Nadolo showed his potential, hitting the line hard in attack and looked threatening out wide.
Dane Haylett-Petty
Continues to stand out for the Western Force this season, only getting better since his test debut in June. Haylett-Petty finished with 122 run metres from his 22 carries to top the run metres in Super Rugby this season, a remarkable achievement considering the Force won just two games and scored just 25 tries.