Rugby Championship Team Of The Week – Round 5

The 5th round produced 2 thrilling close encounters as both Australia and Argentina pushed the All Blacks and Springboks respectively but ultimately fell short to the sides currently leading the Rugby Championship log.

15: Andrew Kellaway (Australia)

The return of 2021’s breakout star was a short in the arm for the Wallabies attack, Andrew Kellaway was brilliant against the All Blacks and proved why he is so highly-rated in the Australian rugby fraternity.

He was guilty of a few errors in the 1st half that the Wallabies were largely on the back foot, but was superb in the 2nd half that saw the Wallabies almost produce a stunning comeback. If he stays injury-free, he will be an important part of Australia’s backline.

14: Emiliano Boffelli (Argentina)

Even when Argentina loses, Emiliano Boffelli continues to be a standout for the Pumas – not only, because of his goalkicking, but his all-round contribution for Argentina.

His aerial ability is 2nd to none and he defused many bombs as the Springboks launched an aerial assault, but all his touches always lead to positive moves for Los Pumas.

13: Rieko Loane (New Zealand)

Rieko Ioane is continuing to grow as a defender at centre, his try-saving effort as he denied Andrew Kellaway in the 1st half epitomised his continued growth as an outside centre.

As an attacker, he offers variation in the centres that give the All Blacks dynamism as an attacking unit. Perhaps with time he will become the complete centre, as things stand he is a work in progress that is showing very encouraging signs.

12: Damian de Allende (South Africa)

Damian de Allende is not everyone’s cup of tea, but he is brutally effective for the Springboks, his ability to generate go forward momentum is unrivalled.

He showed incredible power for his try in the 2nd half, he was also excellent on defence as the Pumas tried to launch fightback later on in the match. The Munster midfielder contributed in both aspects and showed he is a valuable asset for Jacques Nienaber’s side.

11: Caleb Clarke (New Zealand)

Caleb Clarke is a devastating runner, he takes a couple of defenders with him with every carry and in turn, leaves defensive structures fractured allowing his team to capitalise off of that.

The Blues winger carried with vigour and was a threat everytime he touched the ball on attack. He also did well to contain Tom Wright.

10: Richie Mo’unga (New Zealand)

It seems a distant memory when Richie Mo’unga was a Test match struggler, he has grown into the All Black’s no.10 berth and shown he can compete on the international stage.

He was brilliant for the All Blacks once more as he mixed up play and kicked well to give the All Blacks direction in their narrow win against Australia.

9: Jaden Hendrickse (South Africa)

There are moments where it is evident he is still young and inexperienced as a Test player, but Jaden Hendrickse is undoubted at this level. He belongs.

He showed tactical prowess and was snappy with his service, it will hard to usurp him for Faf de Klerk and co.

8: Rob Valentini (Australia)

If there is one player that gives Australia a hard edge, it must be Rob Valentini. He is so strong as a ball carrier and carries with a vigour that has been missing for a long time in the Wallabies’ setup.

He was at his bustling best against the All Blacks, showed incredible power, and was defensively excellent. An important cog in an ever improving pack.

7: Pete Samu (Australia)

Not a typical openside flanker, but when he was thrust into the role this past weekend he thrived. He was a handful from openside.

It wasn’t only his explosive power that troubled New Zealand, it was his support play and ability to find himself in the right positions to help the Wallabies as they tried to fight back against New Zealand.

6: Scott Barrett (New Zealand)

A master of the dark arts which Richie McCaw was once renowned for many years ago. Scott Barrett’s versatility gives the All Blacks a lot of options.

As a blindside flanker this past week he was excellent, tackled himself to a stand still, and engaged in the nuances that gave the All Blacks slight edges. A good performance.

5: Lood de Jager (South Africa)

The Springboks have always been blessed in the 2nd row as they churned out world class lock after world class lock, but Lood de Jager is amongst the best to ever do it for South Africa.

He was a commanding presence in the lineout and as always his work rate was top notch. A willing and able ball carrier. De Jager is gold for the Boks.

4: Brodie Retallick (New Zealand)

An inspired return after missing out in the earlier rounds in the Rugby Championship, Brodie Retallick was one of the standouts as he played as if he hadn’t been missing for a while.

The veteran lock showed touches of the form that once rendered him the best player in the world, he was everywhere and his silky skills were used to good effect for his team.

3: Allan Ala’alatoa (Australia)

One of the most underrated tightheads in world rugby right now, the big Brumbies prop is an incredible anchor for Australia – one of the most important players for Dave Rennie.

Allan Ala’alatoa showed his leadership against the All Blacks, solid in the scrums against a confident Ethan de Groot. A huge part of why Australia are improving at the set piece.

2: Malcolm Marx (South Africa) – Player Of The Week

Could just as easily have been Samisoni Taukei’aho who gets this slot – that’s how good he was for the All Blacks. Malcolm Marx slightly edges him based solely on his influence in the finishing stages as the Springboks withstood a late Los Pumas surge.

A menace at the breakdown, an incredible ball carrier, and brilliant on defence. He was so good, he gets player of the week.

1: Steven Kitshoff (South Africa)

Thriving after finally getting a run of starts with the Springboks, the impact he showed on the several occasions that he came off the bench is evident from the start now.

He is a solid scrummager, but his biggest strength is how well rounded and multi-skilled he is for a prop.

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