Super Rugby: Team of the Week

Now that the dust has settled in the southern hemisphere, Planet Rugby looks at the players who stole the show in Round 13.

Now that the dust has settled in the southern hemisphere, Planet Rugby looks at the players who stole the show in Round 13 of Super Rugby.

15 Andre Taylor (Hurricanes) – He may yet make the squad in place of Richard Kahui, but for now Taylor is making do with proving to the All Blacks what they are missing. New Zealand possess brilliant full-backs right now in Israel Dagg and Ben Smith, with Taylor an exceptional back-up.

14 Lachie Munro (Blues) – He came on in the fourteenth minute for an injured Benson Stanley and proved to be the Blues' lone attacking threat. Soon to move to Bordeaux-Begles, Munro cut the line on a few occasions and crossed for two tries against the Crusaders, also winning two turnovers for his side.

13 Paul Jordaan (Sharks) – Fifteen tackles jumped out from the statistics in Bloemfontein as that is high for an outside centre. Jordaan's dual with Robert Ebersohn excited but for his many running metres, Jordaan edged that battle and ultimately the scrap for his PR spot.

12 Ryan Crotty (Crusaders) – Todd Blackadder's early-week rant at his squad obviously worked as the men from Christchurch were a different team to the one that lost out in Melbourne. One reason was the directness that the recalled Crotty brought outside DC.

11 Zac Guildford (Crusaders) – There are few better sights than seeing this wing put his foot to the floor. Guildford enjoyed the open spaces against a lowly Blues franchise and was on Sunday rewarded with injured Cory Jane's place in New Zealand's squad. Mentions for Hurricane Julian Savea, Rebel Cooper Vuna and Highlander Hosea Gear.

10 Kurtley Beale (Rebels) – Let us get a mention for Brumbies stand-in Zack Holmes out of the way after he performed very well indeed in the absence of Christian Lealiifano. Holmes contributed 22 points against the 'Canes but is ousted by that man Beale, whose passing, direction and quality was a pleasure to watch at nib Stadium in Perth on Sunday.

9 Will Genia (Reds) – Future sorted = back in form. Genia is on fire right now, scoring again.

8 Richie McCaw (Crusaders) – Several names received nominations at number eight as Fotu Auelua, Ben McCalman and Gareth Delve all crossed the line in Round 13. However, out of position and only two games into his comeback, McCaw added a great deal. Let's overlook that drop ball that a rested Kieran Read couldn't stop laughing at in the stands.

7 Michael Hooper (Brumbies) – The Waratahs have got themselves a gem for Super Rugby 2013. Hooper punches above his weight time and time again. Superb against the 'Canes.

6 George Whitelock (Crusaders) – We come to a jersey where few players put their hands up. Offloads, line-breaks, defenders beaten sees unsung flanker Whitelock sneak in.

5 Sam Whitelock (Crusaders) – As Brad Thorn wins titles in Europe, Whitelock is now New Zealand's number one lock. He seems to know it too and is taking on the responsibility like a duck to water. Greater grunt has been added to his game and it seems to be working.

4 Cadeyrn Neville (Rebels) – A brace for the man forming a decent partnership with Hugh Pyle. Only 23, as is Pyle, so if the Rebels can keep hold of the duo, the future seems bright. A mention for Highlander Jarrad Hoeata, who responded to his All Blacks snub with a try.

3 James Slipper (Reds) – Both of the champions' props were prominent in victory over the Lions, with Greg Holmes showing a lot in attack. So for his work-rate and skills in open play, the young Wallaby tighthead has made it. Slipper is a big part of Australia's future.

2 Bismarck du Plessis (Sharks) – It was like Du Plessis had taken the talk that Adriaan Strauss should be starting Springbok hooker to heart wasn't it? From the get-go, the Shark showed intent by bumping off his Bok mate and went on to beat eight defenders in the game. Someone deserving of a mention is two-try Crusaders hooker Corey Flynn.

1 Greg Holmes (Reds) – As much as we tried to find an alternative to an all-Reds prop line-up, we simply could not ignore what Holmes did in Brisbane on Saturday. The Queensland mainstay made fifteen tackles and, like Slipper, contributed a great deal with ball in hand.