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With all the speculation regarding who will get the chop from the Australian Conference under the new proposed Super Rugby format, Christopher Duffy takes a look at the stand out performers across the Aussie sides. Where they will be playing rugby next season and under what format is unknown, but their quality is undoubted. SANZAAR and the ARU may be keeping silent but we want to loudly announce that; Round Six is time to give the Aussies some love! You can sign up for the weekly league and get all the latest stats at Fantasy Rugger
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FB – Reece Hodge – Rebels – $4.1m
Hodge significantly boosted his ratings last weekend in the Rebels loss to the Waratahs. In the first half, he and his side were in sensational form. Everything Hodge touched seemed to turn to gold for the Rebels. Sadly for the home fans they yet again couldn’t maintain it for 80 minutes but he has begun to show the form that earnt him a Wallabies jersey. With a mammoth boot his scores take a boost and has notched up 39.60 points this year. The Rebels will need a big game from him as they travel to take on the Highlanders.
C – Samu Kerevi – Reds – $4m
In a side that is struggling for form, Kerevi has been a shining light of physicality on attack and defence. With a pack in front of him not creating any momentum, it has fallen to the centre to create it himself for his side. After making his way through the rugby ranks in Queensland, he has been a mainstay in the Reds starting XV since his climb through the NRC. With a huge 67.70 points to his name, he is an inclusion worthy of any rugby side. Especially with the fact that he has made the second most carries in the competition (65) and beaten the most defenders (24).
FB – Israel Folau – Waratahs – $8m
Folau’s recent performances have been brought under scrutiny as he has failed to make the impact on the field that he has done in past years. Yet he tops the Waratahs’ rankings with 52.80 points for the season. Regardless of the quiet start he has made, Folau has the star quality that will ultimately shine through. Especially if the rest of his side can lift their own game and create space for him. As the Tah’s continue to improve, expect Folau’s own points to rise dramatically.
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FH – Jono Lance – Western Force $4.8m
Lance has been back to his best with Force this year. As with the other Australian sides, however, his efforts have been undone by the lack of talent around him. With 41.80 points he edges his closest rival in the Force side, Chance Peni. A player who has benefitted from Lances attacking lines and willingness to take the ball forward before distributing. He has the best kicking average of any player to have attempted ten or more kicks. Landing ten out of eleven for the season.
And one for Round Seven as the Brumbies have the bye this week.
W – Henry Speight – Brumbies – $6m
The Fijian born flyer has been in fantastic form this year in a side that seems intent on winning games the old fashioned way, with a maul. Despite this Speight has shown his scintillating quality looking for work across the field and popping up on both wings. His strength and speed are incredible as his work rate which when combined as seen him rack up 52.50 points so far this season. Add him to your bench ready for when he returns to action after the bye.
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