Super Rugby Round 1 Team of the Week

If you got bored of the 6 Nations, and let’s be honest, some people do, you probably tuned into the opening weekend of Super Rugby. If you did, you were rewarded, because the brilliant, attacking play that we saw last weekend was more fun than all of the 6 Nations combined. We at RBP are really looking forward to the rest of the season, because based on those games, we are in for a lot of fun.

1. Allan Alaalatoa: When the Brumbies decided to leave Wallabies World Cup hero Scott Sio on the bench for their opener against the Hurricanes, they were taking a major risk. However, Alaalatoa proved that their faith was not misplaced, quelling all fears with a powerful scrummaging performance, as well as doing his part in defence with 9 tackles.

2. Stephen Moore: The Wallabies talisman showed no rustiness as he led the Brumbies to a 52-10 win over last season’s second place side. Moore was inspirational in attack and defence. He made two clean breaks and was even able to bag himself a try before calling it a day. His 38 meters with ball in hand were more than enough and set the Brumbies rolling for a great day at the office.

3. Greg Holmes: One of the few players from the Reds who actually impressed against the Waratahs, Holmes had the opposition in his pocket all night long. It was his work at the scrum that kept the Queenslanders in total control in the set piece, which was really the only reason they were able to get on the board.

4. Eben Etzebeth: The freakish South African lock started this season well, leading the way as the Stormers trounced the Bulls. Etzebeth’s power was on show as he made 18 meters with ball in hand. His workrate was also evident, as he helped himself to 13 tackles, and he made himself a major nuisance for the Bulls at lineout time.

5. Pieter Steph du Toit: Etzebeth’s partner in crime has started his campaign to usurp Lood de Jager, and although he has a lot of ground to make up, he started well on Saturday. He showed great enthusiasm to get involved in open play, carrying 12 times for 22 meters as he threw himself around the pitch. He did his part in defence as well, making 15 tackles and harrying the Bulls at every lineout.

6. Jaco Kriel: Kriel was a huge part of the Lions win over the Sunwolves. His 76 meters with ball in hand, as well as a try and 14 tackles meant that he was a constant problem for the Japanese side. Kriel has been pushing hard for a spot in the Springboks side for some time, and if he keeps up his good work, this could be his year.

7. Blake Gibson: Gibson has been a highly touted young player in the Blues setup for a while, but he exploded into life this weekend, showing unbelievable physicality in all aspects of the game. He carried for 41 meters, made two clean breaks, and beat 4 defenders, including his bone shuddering “don’t argue” on Ben Smith.

8. Jed Holloway: Maybe something of a surprising selection here, but Holloway was unstoppable against the Reds. He had big shoes to fill, stepping in for Wycliff Palu, but he stepped up in a big way. He carried for 64 meters, while also showing great willingness to operate in a link role, putting others into space.

9. Tomas Cubelli: The loss of Nic White was big for the Brumbies, but Cubelli seemed to have no problem taking over his role at 9. Cubelli’s sniping runs and quick passing caused major headaches for the Hurricanes in defence. Cubelli and Martin Landajo both impressed on the weekend, and their rivalry for the Pumas 9 shirt will be a major storyline in the tournament.

10. Robert du Preez: Could we finally see the Stormers with a dangerous, attacking 10? Last week certainly points in that direction, as the South African fly half wasted little time carving the Bulls defence apart. His decision making and distribution was excellent, and will give the Duane Vermuelenless Stormers new hope.

11. Raymond Rhule: The Cheetahs wing was inspirational, fighting to the death in his sides’ defeat to the Jaguares. Rhule made a ludicrous 141 meters on the wing, beating 5 defenders along the way. His impressive size and physicality makes him a confounding figure for opposing wings, and his tackling in defence is fearsome. The Boks may have found a new weapon on the wing in Rhule.

12. Teihorangi Walden: In a weekend in which David Horwitz and Francois Venter both had dominant performances, Walden stood out to me against a very solid Blues center pairing. The 22 year old debutant was everywhere in attack and defence making 11 tackles and completely silencing the likes of George Moala, while also running for 43 meters, beating 3 defenders, and scoring an excellent try. With Richard Buckman out for the season, the Highlanders will need more games like this from their young inside center.

13. Tamati Ellison The Rebels outside center was largely the only source of attacking spark in their match against the Western Force. His powerful running caused major problems for the Force in defence, but it was his ability to distribute that put his teammates away to score. His role in Reece Hodge’s try was a perfect example of his great work throughout the day.

14. Melani Nanai: Did a great job of looking for work throughout the match. He picked great angles and lines, and always looked to free his hands in contact. Nanai has a great nose for the line, and showed that on his way to a try, while also recording 59 meters with ball in hand. The duo of Nanai and Tevita Li will be one to watch going forward.

15. Damian McKenzie: McKenzie has to be one of the most fun players to watch in rugby at the moment. Despite his small frame, McKenzie has no problems running with the big boys, as he showed with his massive try saving hit on Nemani Nadolo. His electric footwork opened up the Crusaders defence, allowing the Chiefs to sneak away with a 27-21 win.