Captain18,570 posts
30 Jun 2014, 23:24
#1
30 Jun 2014, 23:24#1
The Highlanders kicked the defending champions, the Chiefs, to touch, the Reds looked like the Cup-winning side of 2011 again, the Hurricanes showed some determination to hold out the Crusaders while the Blues and Waratahs romped home easily against their opponents. The Waratahs, who shot to the top of the table and are certainly looking like title contenders, have nine players scattered throughout our team. In fact, there are only six positions where a Waratahs' player does not crop up in either the starting line-up or bubbling under. The Reds have six players in the team after impressing against the Rebels, but most of them appear in our reserve spots. The Highlanders and Hurricanes get five players each into the team for coming out on top as underdogs against the Chiefs and Crusaders respectively. Then finally, the Blues have a set of four players after they put away the Western Force. There is also room for one lonely Chief bubbling under. Team of the Week - Round 17: 15 - Israel Folau (Waratahs):He seems to be perpetually on form and looked happy to link up with his old mate Kurtley Beale again.Bubbling under: Mike Harris (Reds) 14 - Richard Buckman (Highlanders):Since being given a shot for the Highlanders he has grown and grown, forcing many to take note of him.Bubbling under: Alofa Alofa (Waratahs) 13 - Malakai Fekitoa (Highlanders):He is surely brimming with confidence after earning an All Black cap or two and does not look like slowing down for his franchise.Bubbling under: Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs) 12 - Ma'a Nonu (Blues):Love him or hate him this guy is full of class and is a devastating attacking threat.Bubbling under: Kurtley Beale (Waratahs) 11 - Julian Savea (Hurricanes):His power and pace gave plenty of headaches to the Crusaders as he carried his international form back to Super Rugby.Bubbling under: Patrick Osborne (Highlanders) 10 - Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes):Such a creative, attacking flyhalf it is a wonder he did not get more game time for the All Blacks when they were under the pump.Bubbling under: Bernard Foley (Waratahs) 9 - Nick Frisby (Reds):Genia who? Brought back a lot of urgency and energy to a Reds' side that had been, up until now, going through the motions.Bubbling under: Aaron Smith (Highlanders) 8 - Wycliff Palu (Waratahs):He has plenty of detractors but showed that when he is up for it, he can be a very busy and effective loose forward.Bubbling under: Jerome Kaino (Blues) 7 - Michael Hooper (Waratahs):Still so young and always looking to improve in both his play and leadership - a super star in the making.Bubbling under: Ardie Savea (Hurricanes) 6 - Steven Luatua (Blues):Got given a chance with usual No.6 Peter Saili benched, and boy did he go out and impress! Three turnovers, 15 tackles and even a chip kick.Bubbling under: Curtis Browning (Reds) 5 - Blade Thomson (Hurricanes):Whenever a lock scores a 50+ metre try he deserves a mention, if not a medal.Bubbling Under: James Horwill (Reds) 4 - Jacques Potgieter (Waratahs):The rampaging Bull of the team never seems to tire, the way he has led the pack has given the 'Tahs their hard edge again.Bubbling under: Rob Simmons (Reds) 3 - Charlie Faumuina (Blues):For a big man he is extremely busy and clearly likes using his size in carrying the ball.Bubbling under: Ben Tameifuna (Chiefs) 2 - Brayden Mitchell (Highlanders):Another player who took his chance thanks to injury concerns, one for the future.Bubbling under: Dane Coles (Hurricanes) 1 - Benn Robinson (Waratahs):After 130 caps for the Tahs, Big Benn is still impressing both in the scrums and the loose play. Bubbling under: James Slipper (Reds) Our individual selections! Paul Dobson XV: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Richard Buckman, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Jerome Kaino, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Steven Luatua, 5 James Horwill, 4 Scott Fardy, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 Dane Coles, 1 James Slipper. Michael de Vries XV: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Alofa Alofa, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Patrick Osborne, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Nick Frisby, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Steven Luatua, 5 Blade Thomson, 4 Rob Simmons, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 Brayden Mitchell, 1 Benn Robinson. Darryn Pollock XV: 15 Mike Harris, 14 Richard Buckman, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Nick Frisby, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Steven Luatua, 5 Blade Thomson, 4 Jacques Potgieter, 3 Ben Tameifuna, 2 Brayden Mitchell, 1 Benn Robinson. Jan de Koning XV: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Frisby, 8 Jerome Kaino, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Steven Luatua, 5 Blade Thomson, 4 Jacques Potgieter, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Tony Woodcock.
