Round Five of SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific saw a host of big-name players step up for their teams.
The Queensland Reds established themselves as a contender with a 35-15 win over the NSW Waratahs, while the ACT Brumbies were a class above the Fijian Drua and the Western Force fell to the Crusaders.
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Rugby.com.au selects its Team of the Week from the Australian teams for Round Five.
Pearce stepped up to the contest of taking on Fletcher Newell and thrived under pressure.
In the first minute, he won a scrum battle and kept bumping off defenders across his stint.
Pearce had four tackle busts along with 14 tackles in a solid afternoon of work.
Asiata was a surprise introduction early in the first half but made the most of the opportunity.
The hooker scored with his first try after a spectacular rolling maul left the Waratahs at sea.
He didn’t miss a throw all night and took a lot of tough carries to secure the win.
The Brumbies skipper was reliable as ever to secure the win against the Drua.
He came up with a big turnover in the second half to dislodge the ball from Tevita Ikanivere when the hooker was certain to score.
Alaalatoa was big in his 62-minute stint, enough to hold off Zane Nonggorr for selection.
Williams was strong for the Force in a tough loss to the Crusaders.
His last-minute try was just a reward for the Wallaby as he matched it with Scott Barrett all afternoon.
Along with the try, he had two tackle busts and a line-break assist.
Smith continues to press his claims for a Wallabies call-up quietly.
He got through a ton of tough work in the win as his partnership with Josh Canham worked excellently together.
This was maybe the toughest week to nail down a flanker, with Uru coming out on top over Tom Hooper and Will Harris.
Any of the three would’ve likely won selection in most other weeks, but Uru’s work in all areas of the game was the difference maker. He set up the rolling maul try when he carried half a dozen Waratahs out of the play.
He won two big turnovers in the first half and a burst early to set the tempo for an excellent game.
Gamble was one of few bright spots for the Waratahs in a tough loss.
The flanker is one of the hardest workers in Super Rugby and kept going all night to put the Reds under constant pressure.
The number eight was up for the contest against the Waratahs and sparked his side with a great spin and move for the five-pointer.
Wilson is the heart and soul of the Reds team, and he lifted for the big occasion with a game-high 22 tackles without a miss, several crucial ones close to the line.
The back-rower also had 15 strong carries in a typical outing for one of the best back-rowers in Super Rugby.
Lonergan continues to deliver for the Brumbies and spark them at the right moments.
He set up the first try with a sharp pass to Len Ikitau before scoring the second when he caught the Drua napping close to the line.
His box kicking for touch was solid as well to earn the nod over Tate McDermott.
Tom Lynagh is making a serious case for a Wallabies recall in 2025.
His calmness in the pocket was exceptional, but his kicking game keeps evolving.
Lynagh was perfect off the tee once again, including several tough chances from the sidelines, to make it a perfect 15/15 to start the year.
Toole continues to light up defences on the edge with his speed.
On Friday, he played distributor, providing a trio of line-break assists and a line-break of his own.
Paisami’s return was a big positive for the Reds, and they relished his direction in the midfield.
The centre bashed his way over the advantage line constantly whilst he didn’t miss a tackle in defence.
Ikitau showed exactly why he's among the nation's most prized backs with a three-try showing that ultimately proved the difference.
Each showcased a different aspect of his game—the first, a crushing run through three defenders from close range; the second, a classic centre's line from width; and finally, the engine and nous to support Muirhead out wide for his third.
Ikitau's defence has always been solid, but his emergence as a genuine attacking weapon over the past 14 months, plus that reliable left boot, make a compelling case for either centre berth against the Lions.
Muirhead’s strong start to the season continues as he remains an under-rated threat in the Brumbies backline.
His 32nd-minute effort was his fourth try in five games to start the year, more than he scored in 12 games in 2024.
In addition, his calmness in engaging the defence and setting up Len Ikitau was excellent, and it was a lesson for young (and some Super Rugby) wingers.
This was Wright’s best game of the season as he left several Drua defenders grasping for his jersey.
He had ten tackle busts from 15 carries as he looked set to score with every carry.
Wright was centimetres shy of the 100 metre mark, by far the most by a Brumby.
