Super Rugby Pacific 2023 TOTW: Looking at the best Australian performers from Round Seven

With the NSW Waratahs and Western Force on a bye, round seven was dominated by the ACT Brumbies as they continue their impressive start to the season.

Stephen Larkham's team naturally makes up the majority of the TOTW after a 52-24 thumping of the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium.

The Melbourne Rebels were the other Australian team in action and looked set for a major upset of the Blues after taking the lead into half-time, only for injuries and a rampaging Beauden Barrett saw the club suffer a second-half collapse.

With this in mind, Rugby.com.au has selected the best from the Australian sides for round seven.

1.James Slipper (ACT Brumbies)

Slipper once again was quality for the Brumbies as they dominated the battle up front.

He made the tough hit-ups when asked of him in difficult conditions, cementing his spot as one of the premier props in World Rugby

2. Lachlan Lonergan (ACT Brumbies)

Lonergan has made the hooker jersey his own for the Brumbies, warding off competition from Connal McInerney and the returning Billy Pollard.

'Noss' was elite in the defence, making double-digit tacklers without a miss.

He also found himself crossing for his fourth try of the season at the back of the all-powerful rolling maul

3. Pone Fa’amausili (Melbourne Rebels)

Fa'amausili added crucial firepower to the Rebels' front-row, matching the Blues during his first start of 2023.

He looked dangerous with every carry of the ball, constantly taking it over the advantage line.

His work rate in defence also stood up with 13 tackles to prevent an all-Brumbies tight five

4. Nick Frost (ACT Brumbies)

Frost was dynamic in the wet conditions as he controlled the contest to allow the Brumbies to kick clear in the second half.

He broke multiple tackles when he took the ball to the line in an 80-minute performance, rewarded with a late try to bring up the half-century.

5. Cadeyrn Neville (ACT Brumbies)

Neville's partnership with Nick Frost is world-class as the lock celebrated his 100th in style.

Whilst Frost often dazzles with his athleticism, it's Neville's work off the ball that makes him one of the best in the country, constantly giving Nic White quick ball whilst disrupting Tate McDermott and his ability to play fast.

He just holds out Ryan Smith, who worked hard for the Reds off the bench after Angus Blyth's red card.

6. Liam Wright (Queensland Reds)

Wright was one of the Reds' best as he tried to will them into the contest.

He stole multiple lineouts to disrupt the Brumbies' set piece whilst finding similar success at the breakdown.

It was a true captain's knock in a testing game for the club.

7. Brad Wilkin (Melbourne Rebels)

Wilkin was a work horse for the Rebels on a tough night at AAMI Park.

He once again led the tackle count with 16 whilst saluting for another try at the back of a rolling maul to give the Rebels a surprise half-time lead.

8. Rob Valetini (ACT Brumbies)

Valetini was too good to leave out after yet another quality start in the back-row.

He bashed the ball over the advantage line and was rewarded late with a brutal try.

He found a target in Lawson Creighton and ran over him off a set-piece, setting the tempo for the Brumbies' dominant finish to the first half.

9. Tate McDermott (Queensland Reds)

McDermott responded perfectly to win a narrow decision over Nic White and Ryan Louwrens.

His six tackle breaks all nearly came from a sensational 55m solo effort during the first half, spinning past multiple defenders before stepping the fullback to score untouched.

Not only this, but his work off the ball to shut down a Brumbies' break in the second half and earn a pilfer penalty defied his stature.

10. Noah Lolesio (ACT Brumbies)

Lolesio was controlled and measured for the Brumbies, guiding them around the park with ease.

He found success early taking the line on with an early break before a crucial 50-22 in the 20th minute.

Lolesio's great hands set up Ben O’Donnell minutes later to go with a perfect outing from the tee in testing conditions

11. Ben O’Donnell (ACT Brumbies)

O'Donnell took his chance to shine when Corey Toole went off for a head knock.

He slotted in nicely in attack, staying wide to finish off a nicely worked try along with searching for the action.

12. Tamati Tua (ACT Brumbies)

Tua is the glue that brings the Brumbies backline together.

He ran a great line to score a try in the second half before his break in the 72nd minute set up Valetini's barging effort.

Tua finished with two clean breaks, two tackle busts and a team-high 11 tackles to earn selection over Reece Hodge

13. Andrew Kellaway (Melbourne Rebels)

Kellaway stepped up for the Rebels and threatened in attack constantly.

He scored a well-worked try that started off the back of a break from the Rebels' goal line along with marshalling their attack.

For this, he edges out Wallabies teammate Len Ikitau, who was crucial in shutting down the Reds attack.

14. Jordan Petaia (Queensland Reds)

Petaia was best on ground for the Reds on a tough night.

His freak grubber broke the game open when the Brumbies were building momentum, forcing fellow Wallaby Tom Wright to infringe and sit down for ten.

He had a team-high six tackle busts to go with a pair of clean breaks and 67 metres in attack.

15. Tom Wright (ACT Brumbies)

Wright is proving a handful for defenders at the back.

He added another highlight to his playmaking ability with a great ball to set up O’Donnell in the corner.

This was coupled by yet another electric showing whenever he ran the ball, racking up 128 metres, the fourth time he has carries over 90 in 2022, to go with three clean breaks and a well-deserved try.