Super Rugby Round 5 – team of the week

Round 5 has produced some interesting results, following the Crusaders smashing the Bulls, the Cheetahs grabbing their second win on tour, and the Brumbies beating the Sharks in Durban.

There were some other great match-ups between the Chiefs and Kings; Force and Reds; and a close encounter between the Hurricanes and Highlanders; but who stood out this weekend?

1. Ben Franks (Hurricanes) – the big prop had a great scrumming session against the Highlanders, but his try in the left corner showed that there’s more to Franks than the tight stuff.

2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies) – Moore worked tirelessly throughout the match, and his strength in his lineout throwing, scrumming and at the breakdown were put into great effect.

3. Owen Franks (Crusaders) – the other Franks brother also had a great weekend and dominated Morné Mellett in the scrums against the Bulls.

4. Peter Kimlin (Brumbies) Kilmin’s move from the flank to lock hasn’t taken away from his dangerous attacking runs. The big forward showed that wherever he plays, he’s lethal.

5.  Dominic Bird (Crusaders) – Bird showed he belongs in the Crusader set-up, and was always on-hand as a support runner and to secure the ball.

6. George Whitelock (Crusaders) – Whitelock had a great game and always managed to get himself over the gain-line when running at the Bulls. His defensive contributions were great too.

7. Chris Alcock  (Western Force) – Alcock was huge in defence and helped contribute to some turnovers that helped the Force overcome to Reds.

8.  Fotu Auelua (Brumbies) – the bulky Brumbies number eight showed great all-round abilities throughout the match, and proved to be a nuisance to tackle for the Sharks.

9. Alby Mathewson (Western Force) – Mathewson’s head-on approach has shown to be working for the Force, as the Kiwi made a number of great breaks and touches that gave his side the edge.

10. Aaron Cruden (Chiefs) – everytime Cruden touched the ball, things happened. He was detrimental in all the moves and took the ball to the line every time he got the chance.

11. Raymond Rhule (Cheetahs) – Rhule finally got the ball opportunities he deserved, putting away two tries and showing some great work when he appeared off the wing.

12. Ryan Crotty  (Crusaders) – Crotty had another great outing with the Crusaders, and looked dangerous every time he got the ball. Crotty outshined Olivier with ease.

13. Conrad Smith (Hurricanes) – the Hurricanes captain took it upon himself to get involved everywhere he could, as usual. Smith was critical in defence and managed to slip through tackles again and again.

14. Lelia Masaga (Chiefs) – just beats the Cheetahs’ Willie Le Roux for the best right winger, as Masaga showed was always involved in the action, grabbing himself a hat-trick against the Kings.

15. Gareth Anscombe (Chiefs) – Anscombe continued his great kicking form and solid work at fullback. He’s making the jersey his own and doing so in style.