It was a winless weekend for the Rebels and Waratahs in round 12.
Which players can hold their heads up despite a disappointing round?
1. Tom Robertson
Robertson worked incredibly hard for the Waratahs on Saturday night, and was particularly handy in defence. Robertson made 12 tackles for the Waratahs and was solid in set piece as well.
2. Damien Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick continues to be consistent for NSW and finished off an important maul try for the Waratahs against the Blues.
3. Sam Talakai
Talakai was similar to Robertson, putting the hard yards in on the defensive side of the game, making 12 tackles on a tough night for the Rebels.
4. Geoff Parling
Parling brings plenty of experience to the Rebels and was solid despite the Rebels being shown up against the Crusaders. His frustration was clear after the game, something that reflected the effort he put in.
5. Adam Coleman
Coleman sets the physical tone for the Rebels and he put in his fair share for Melbourne against the Crusaders making 13 tackles against the ladder leaders.
6. Angus Cottrell
Cottrell’s switch to blindside seems like the right thing for him, after playing at seven for much of the year. Was industrious without the ball, making 11 tackles in a disappointing loss.
7. Michael Hooper
Hooper always gives his all and that showed again at Brookvale Oval. Though his defence was inaccurate at times, he kept his side in it with a 70th-minute try, and made a lazy 13 tackles without the ball as well.
8. Michael Wells
Wells continues to be one of the Waratahs’ hardest workers, super accurate in defence. The no. 8 made 10 tackles, without missing any, against the Blues, a handy attribute for a player like him.
9. Nick Phipps
Phipps only played for the final 20 minutes of the Waratahs’ loss, but he made an instant impact on the field. He brought some zip at the ruck, and it instantly made the Waratahs look more dangerous.
10. Bernard Foley
The Waratahs’ backline was not at its best at Brookvale Oval, but Foley was solid under pressure, particularly late in the game.
11. Taqele Naiyaravoro
Naiyaravoro couldn’t finish well against the Blues, but the mammoth winger managed to make an attacking impact. He made 85 metres off six carries, beating six defenders on the way through. Teams have started to figure him out, but Naiyaravoro did his best to make an impact.
12. Kurtley Beale
Beale’s last-gasp kick to Israel Folau was mistimed and misjudged, but he was a key contributor in the final minutes as the Waratahs mounted the pressure on the Blues.
13. Reece Hodge
Hodge was kicking himself after being yellow-carded against the Crusaders, but he made up for it with his work rate in the rest of the game. He scored a try and made eight tackles in Friday’s match.
14. Cam Clark
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Clark had his first opportunity to start in 2018 last weekend and he grasped it with both hands. The winger pulled off a try-saving tackle and was probably on the way to a score of his own, before he was tackled high just short of the line.
15. Israel Folau
Folau played his first game coming back from injury and he didn’t miss a beat. The 29-year-old looked dangerous with every touch, and was agonisingly close to being a possible match-winner.