Round Seven of SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific was a mixed weekend for the Australian teams.
The ACT Brumbies produced a crucial win over the Highlanders, whilst the Queensland Reds accounted for the Western Force late.
Catch every game of SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific and Women's live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
Meanwhile, the NSW Waratahs came crashing back to earth with a heavy defeat to the Hurricanes.
Rugby.com.au selects its Team of the Week from the Australian teams for Round Seven.
Hodgman delivers another beautiful scrummaging performance to touch up the Force’s scrum.
The loosehead did his job perfectly: making big tackles and winning scrum penalties.
It puts him back in contention for a Test call-up, with Wallabies starter James Slipper also superb against the Drua.
Pollard was rock solid around the park in the win for the Brumbies.
He got the Brumbies’ first try of the game after a Corey Toole line break whilst not missing a throw all night.
Allaalatoa picked up from where the Reds left off in demolishing the Highlanders’ scrum.
The prop alongside James Slipper drew several penalties against the visitors and worked hard in defence and attack.
This was rewarded in the 30th minute when crossed for a try, a rare feat in back-to-back games.
Williams kept the Force in the game with his superb lineout skills and work across the park.
The Wallaby was a constant threat on the Reds’ ball and didn’t miss a tackle.
Speaking of Force lineout menaces, Swain sent a message to selectors with an excellent game.
He had the Reds’ forward pack in a blender at lineout time, stealing three, helping his teammates still another five and calling a perfect game.
His work around the park was superb, making some tough carries and tackles.
Uru is riding high after yet another stellar outing for the Reds.
The backrower did everything, breaking tackles whilst showing the silky hands to set up Heramaia Murray’s try.
He did enough to hold off Tom Hooper, who shows why he is the clubhouse leader for SRP Player of the Year Voting.
Tizzano has emerged as one of the most dangerous players from close in Super Rugby.
His two-try haul secured the flanker the Force single-season try scoring record but his defensive work continues to impress.
The flanker didn’t miss a tackle and produced some crucial hits to turn the ball over.
Champion de Crespigny was brutal in defence in defeat for the Force.
The number eight delivered several big tackles with 12, including a crunching hit to force a turnover in the first quarter.
Wilson was one of the few bright spots for the Waratahs in a tough night for the club.
The scrum half sparked them early with a lovely dart to put Lawson Creighton over for the opener.
He kept fighting despite the scoreline and has flourished in the starting role.
Lynagh won the battle of the tens with a razor-thin decision over Ben Donaldson.
His effort in the 23rd minute was something special, stepping past two and setting up Dre Pakeho’s try.
On top of this, he nailed some clutch kicks from the sideline that proved the difference.
Toole kept the Brumbies in the game with his blistering pace.
He had three line breaks, four tackle busts, a try and a try assist.
However, his chip and chase in the 71st minute to win a five-metre scrum may be the most crucial play of them all, setting up Andy Muirhead for the try that put them in front.
Pakeho thrived in his late start for the Reds.
Kalani Thomas gifted the young centre a try but was all-around solid in the win.
He didn’t miss a tackle and kept bundling the ball over the advantage line.
Daugunu is making a serious case to start in the midfield for the Wallabies.
He crossed for another try, his sixth try in six games, whilst coming up with a clutch turnover with two minutes to go that should’ve sealed the win.
Muirhead continues to press his case as a Wallabies bolter.
He was excellent in tandem with Corey Toole, crossing for the try that got the Brumbies the late lead.
In total, he had four tackle busts to go with a pair of line breaks and two key turnovers.
Suaalii could’ve been selected at centre or fullback but given he spent the majority of time at the back, it’s fitting he rounds out this team.
The star’s defensive performance was outstanding, saving two certain tries in the heavy defeat.
He was one of the Waratahs’ leading carries with 11 whilst setting up two line breaks.
