John Day: Super Rugby 2019 - Team of the Week, round 15

26/05/2019
John Day

All Blacks wing Waisake Naholo turned back the clock this weekend, with a big performance against the Stormers at Newlands Stadium.

He was the best Highlander on the field - superb with ball in hand and flawless defensively in a losing effort.

The 28-year-old made a statement to Steve Hansen and co, with a huge 80 minutes in his first match, since suffering a knee injury two months ago.

So, who else made the cut this week?

1. Joe Moody (Crusaders): His battle with Ofa Tu'ungafasi was superb to watch. Threw himself into everything for 70-odd minutes.

2. Liam Coltman (Highlanders): Has really come out of his shell this season and it's great to see that beard running out in open space so often. Nailed 13 of his 14 lineouts against the Stormers, who have plenty of tall timber.

3. Nepo Laulala (Chiefs): With Owen Franks out, it's pleasing to see Laulala perform so well. Like everyone in the Chiefs, he had to make a lot of tackles and didn’t let his team down at scrum time.

4. Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues): I'm a sucker for a bell-ringer and Tuipulotu puts on some huge hits. He's been the Blues' best this season.

5. Sam Whitelock (Crusaders): The favourite to be the next All Blacks captain and his leadership was on point against the Blues. Normally loves to go for tries, but showed some restraint in pointing towards the posts on a few penalties.

A mistake-free performance in a strong forward effort.

6. Lachlan Boshier (Chiefs): Resembled a mummy by the end of the match, with the amount of strapping he had on. A monstrous 22 tackles and two huge turnovers at the end of the match kept his team in the hunt for the playoffs.

7. Matt Todd (Crusaders): Winter rugby has arrived and Todd couldn't be happier. A cold night in Christchurch, with plenty of tackling on the menu, is a perfect Saturday night out for the openside flanker.

Shout-out to Mitch Karpik, who made 20 tackles in 30 minutes for the Chiefs.

8. Pita Gus Sowakula (Chiefs): His first Super Rugby try will be one to remember, after he stepped, fended and slid his way over the line. The Fijian workhorse made 27 of the Chiefs' 240 tackles, only missing three.

9. Aaron Smith (Highlanders): In a disappointing tour, Smith kept his standards high. We know he has the best pass in the country, but his underrated running game is also starting to come to the fore.

10. Richie Mo'unga (Crusaders): After having his name in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, Mo'unga celebrated his 25th birthday in style. Set-up the Crusaders' only try and came within inches of scoring himself.

Strong mental skills are an encouraging sign for what's to come this year.

11. George Bridge (Crusaders): Another one who didn't let the off-field disruptions get to him, which must've been difficult for youngster. He was heavily involved in a game that didn't really suit the wingers and continues to stake a strong World Cup case.

12. Alex Nankivell (Chiefs): Not the flashiest player in the world, but has the ability to break the line and never seems to let his team down, when he gets a chance to start.

13. Jack Goodhue (Crusaders): Great footwork on a slippery surface and kept the Blues backline very quiet, leading the defensive line. Showing the ability to play 12 at a high level too.

14. Waisake Naholo (Highladers): Welcome back, Waisake. Needed to make a statement, with only a few games left in the season and he delivered big time.

The only NZ back to make over 100 metres this weekend, scored a try and made all his tackles in a superb 80-minute effort.

15. David Havili (Crusaders): Must've dominated at forceback at high school. Has a superb kicking game and was also able to make several metres with ball in hand in a game where running metres were hard to come by.

John Day is a Newshub sports reporter