Round Five of Super Rugby Pacific was a mixed bag for the Australian teams as stars took the chance to make a statement.
The Queensland Reds were the big winners, taking down the NSW Waratahs in a frantic final quarter in Brisbane.
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Meanwhile, the ACT Brumbies went down to the Fijian Drua in Ba, while the Western Force impressed in defeat to the Hurricanes.
Rugby.com.au breaks it down and selects its Team of the Week from the Australian teams in Round Five.
The Waratahs props stood out in defeat, with Tom Lambert’s physicality around his carries providing a real edge to the Waratahs’ attack.
He was joined in kind by Botha, who had real success once again at scrum-time to give the visitors ascendancy.
Meanwhile, Nasser continues to thrive in a starting role, nailing his lineout throws and producing several dominant tackles.
A productive weekend for the locks but Macpherson and Salakaia-Loto get the nods.
Macpherson's work-rate was very impressive in the sweltering heat, one of the few not to miss a tackle and was rewarded with a rare double.
Salakaia-Loto lifted for the derby, bumping off defenders while coming up with a key lineout steal late in the half to ensure the Reds went into the break with momentum.
Waratahs duo Matt Philip and Angus Blyth were also strong, with Jeremy Williams again reliable as ever as he settles back into the second-row.
Halaholo just edges out Joe Brial after an entertaining battle of the young blindsides, with the Waratah leading his team for carries (12) and tackle busts (three).
He is joined by Tizzano and Valetini, with the two Wallabies inspirational in defeat for their respective teams.
Tizzano was again a pest at breakdown with two big turnovers, keeping the Force in the contest as they controlled the lead for the first half.
Valetini delivered a trademark performance in his 100th, working tirelessly to try and get the Brumbies home.
Lonergan may have only come on late in the second half but he made a massive impact when he did.
The scrum half almost single-handedly led the comeback, scoring one and setting up another as he torched the Fijian Drua.
Gordon cemented his spot after a stellar final quarter, scoring a double, with the highlight coming late in the game after a spectacular solo effort to seal the win.
Louis Werchon and Ben Donaldson were both strong and just missed out.
The tightest decision comes at inside centre as Beale earns the nod over Isaac Henry.
Henry is delivering up to his potential after so much time on the sidelines but Beale was world-class for the Force. He was best on ground in that first half and caused Jordie Barrett and the Hurricanes havoc.
For Reilly, he adapted perfectly to the shift inside, adding real physicality to the midfield. He nearly produced a stellar try to spark the Waratahs, with millimetres going against him, as he stepped into the hole left by Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.
Lancaster’s revival continues as the new Force signing burnt the Hurricanes on multiple occasions.
He crossed for a double and almost a third after a stellar run from his in-goal, finishing with a team high two line breaks, four tackle busts and 72 metres.
For Daugunu and Campbell, they were the difference makers in the comeback win over the Waratahs.
Daugunu was excellent from the opening whistle, whether it was his work at the breakdown or his special run to set up Henry’s try.
Campbell was equally impressive, setting up multiple tries and breaks as the fullback was back in the type of form that earned him a Test debut.
1. Tom Lambert
2. Josh Nasser
3. Daniel Botha
4. Toby Macpherson
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
6. Clem Halaholo
7. Carlo Tizzano
8. Rob Valetini
9. Ryan Lonergan
10. Carter Gordon
11. Darby Lancaster
12. Kurtley Beale
13. Triston Reilly
14. Filipo Daugunu
15. Jock Campbell
