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Here it is!
1. Faka'naua Taumalolo (Hawke's Bay)
Topping the list this week, and deservedly so. An absolute beast for HB this
week, he played no small part in their win.
Honourable mention: Saimone Taumoepeau (Auckland)
2. Corey Flynn (Canterbury)
Another solid if unspectacular effort from Flynn. Showing the benchmark for
hookers early in the comp, he will no doubt be waiting in the wing should one of
the WC hookers falls over.
Honourable mentions: Hikawera Elliot (Hawke's Bay)
3. John Afoa (Auckland)
Strong in the scums and decent round the pitch, not an outstanding week for
tightheads but he did his business well
Honourable mentions: Campbell Johnstone (Canterbury)
4. Hayden Triggs (Manawatu)
Like an Ali Williams made miniature, Triggs was all over the park for Manawatu
this week, ever a force in the air, he rounded out a good performance with a try
and a somewhat spectacular intercept. Nice work
5. Ali Williams (Auckland)
The man himself, showing why hes so highly rated. Absolutely everywhere for
Auckland, and a try just to show Triggs hes got a way to go yet.
Honorable mention: Chris Jack (Tasman)
6. Liam Messam (Waikato)
Played most of the game at 8, but went to blindside in the 2nd half. More of
what we've come to expect from Messam, a powerhouse with ball in hand a quick
enough to exploit a gap
Honorable mention: Kieren Read (Canterbury)
7. Johnny Leo'o (Canterbury)
A couple of tries to highlight a good game from the Cantabs perpetual
bridesmaid. An able backup to McCaw
Honorable mention: James Maher (Counties-Manukau)
8. Nick Williams (North Harbour)
Leading from the front, he was outstanding for NH this week. Not usually the
sort of player you would expect to front up in the rough stuff at the end of
dramatic shield challenge, but there he was, time after time in the last 10
minutes, dragging himself out of the bottom of the ruck and smashing into the
next one. A real captains knock.
Honourable mention: Brad Mika (Auckland) Mose Tuiali'i
(Canterbury).
9. Brendon Leonard (Waikato)
A point to prove against the unwanted Jimmy Cowan, he acquitted himself well in
poor conditions, his box kicking especially a highlight. Even manged to burgle a
couple of ruck turnovers. Bring on the WC!
Honourable mention: Jimmy Cowan (Southland).
10. James Wilson (Southland)
Easily Southlands best player this week, looks like hes developing into a handy
player. Slippery when running and his kicking came was controlled, keeping
Southland in the game till the end
Honourable mention: Stephen Brett (Canterbury)
11. Jack McPhee (North Harbour)
The saviour of the skinny white boy! Didn't play the whole game, but looked an
elusive runner and his kicking performance nudges him above the pack in what was
not a classic weekend for outside backs
Honorable mention: .
12. Roimata Hansell-Pune (Waikato)
Possibly a contentious selection, but 2nd 5 wasn't throwing up many contenders
this week. Was Waikatos most likely back and made a good run to set up a try
that wasn't. A good prospect for the future
Honorable mention: Sam Tuitupou (Auckland)
13. Anthony Tuitavake (North Harbour)
In the commentators words "Looks like he could break the line everytime he
touches the ball". Agreed. Easily the best stepper in New Zealand rugby at the
moment, and his distribution skills are coming along too. Surely can't be long
till we see him in black
Honourable mention: Casey Laulala (Canterbury).
14. Steven Yates (Canterbury)
Heaps of broken tackles and better conditions than most games this week are
enough for Yates to get his nose in front. Can't say i see much place for him
when Rico arrives, but a handy player nontheless
15. Brent Ward (Auckland)
Once again, conditions didn't favour outsides this week, with the prevalence of
the up-and-under in the rain making most of the 15's on display look pretty
ordinary. Ward stands out as his kicking kept Auckland ticking along and their
noses in front until the floodgates opened towards the end.
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