Round 13 saw some massive fantasy scores posted. An Aussie derby against the Rebels saw a number of big name Waratahs work their way into the Team Of The Week (TOTW), with 4 in the starting side and 1 on the bench. 6 Kiwis made the starting side in a typical strong showing, with the Blues the only team not to beat a non-kiwi side, in a contentious match against the Stormers in South Africa. The Sharks’ dominance over the Sunwolves also saw them nab 4 positions in the TOTW.

The surprise of the week for me comes from Shuhei Matsuhashi (64 points). I had heard some promising things in the lead up to the season about the young Japanese number 8, yet he hadn’t seemed to make the most of his limited opportunities to date. However, this weeks 80 minute performance against the Sharks has shown what he is capable of. Not only did he bag himself 1 of the Sunwolves 2 tries, he made 9 runs for 71 metres, beat 10 defenders and made 15 tackles.

The Waratahs v Rebels clash provided the two top scorers of the week with the Rebels’ Japanese international Amanaki Mafi (106 points) and Israel Folau (105 points) putting on a fantasy masterclass, albeit against Australian competition. Waratahs’ captain Michael Hooper (88 points) also had a blinder with ball in hand, running in 172 metres off 14 runs! Ridiculous…

The Highlanders romping of the Western Force by 55-6 saw some big scores with the likes of Rob Thompson (71 points) who only came off the bench for 35 minutes and prop Aki Seiuli (88 points) who surely posted one of the biggest scores by a prop this season after bagging himself a brace of tries.

Charlie Faumuina (49 points) and James Parsons (76 points) led by the front in a Blues side that was unlucky not to take home the win against the Stormers.

Team of the Week

Props

Aki Seiuli (HIG) – 88 points, 75 min, 2 tries, 8 runs for 53m, 7 TB, 2 offloads, 1 LB, 1 LB create and 10 tackles
Charlie Faumuina (BLU) – 49 points, 61 min, 2 try assists, 6 runs for 24m, 2 TB, 2 offloads, 2 LB creates and 7 tackles

Hooker
James Parsons (BLU) – 76 points, 66 min, 1 try, 10 runs for 42m, 3 TB, 1 ineffective offload, 11/11 lineouts and 11 tackles
Hon mention: Damian Fitzpatrick (WAR) – 51 points in 38 mins

Locks
Franco Mostert (LIO) – 58 points, 80 min, 1 try, 1 try assist, 9 runs for 59m, 2 TB, 2 LB, 5 tackles, 1 lineout steal and 2 Lineout Takes
Ned Hanigan (WAR) – 58 points, 80 min, 1 try, 5 runs for 56m, 7 TB, 3 LB, 9 tackles and 2 Lineout Takes

Backrow
Amanaki Mafi (REB) – 106 points, 80 min, 1 try, 15 runs for 105m, 7 TB, 5 offloads, 3 LB, 2 LB creates, 9 tackles, 1 Lineout Take, 2 pilfers and 1 turnover forced
Michael Hooper (WAR) – 88 points, 80 min, 1 try, 14 runs for 172m, 6 TB, 1 counter ruck turnover, 3 LB, 10 tackles, 1 pilfer and 2 turnovers forced
Shuhei Matsuhashi (SUN) – 64 points, 80 min, 1 try, 9 runs for 71m, 10 TB, 1 LB, 15 Tackles and 1 turn over forced

Scrumhalf
Nick Phipps (WAR) – 41 points, 61 min, 1 try, 6 runs for 19m, 3 TB, 3 offloads, 7 Tackles and 1 pilfer

Flyhalf
Richie Mo’unga (CRU) – 71 points, 80 min, 1 try save, 2/3 conversions, 4/4 penalty goals, 7 runs for 80m, 5 TB, 1 offload, 1 ineffective offload, 1 LB, 2 LB created and 9 tackles
Hon. mention: Aaron Cruden (CHI) – 63 points

Centre
Rob Thompson (HIG) – 71 points, 35 mins! 2 trys, 1 try assist, 6 runs for 116m, 4 TB, 2 offloads, 1 ineffective offload and 2 LB
Ngani Laumape (HUR) – 67 points, 80 min, 3 try assists, 12 runs for 125m, 6 TB, 2 LB, 1 LB create and 3 tackles

Outside Backs
Israel Folau (WAR) – 105 points, 80 min, 2 trys, 1 TA, 13 runs for 100m, 7 TB, 4 offloads, 2 LB, 5 LB creates and 4 tackles
Lwazi Mvovo (SHA) – 85 points, 80 min, 3 Trys, 8 runs for 112m, 6 TB, 1 offload, 1 ineffective offload, 2 LB, 1 LB create, 5 tackles and 1 lineout take
S’busiso Nkosi (SHA) – 72 points, 80 min, 2 Trys, 8 runs for 134m, 7 TB, 1 offload, 1 LB create, 6 tackles and 1 turn over forced
Hon mention: Tevita Li (HIG) – 64 points

Written by Nelson Dale