Round 13 could ultimately prove season-defining for Australia's four Super Rugby teams.
The Brumbies and Rebels took out important wins while the Reds and Waratahs both fell just short.
Who were the standouts in the Australian sides?
1. Scott Sio
Scott Sio and James Slipper are fighting it out for the starting Brumbies loosehead jersey and both have been incredible in recent weeks. The competition is only driving Sio to improve and the Brumbies' immense scrummaging performance on Sunday was proof of their quality.
2. Folau Faingaa
He didn't have a hat-trick this weekend but the Brumbies hooker was certainly still effective. The Brumbies leant on their maul and scrum for attacking platform and he was a critical part of both.
3. Allan Alaalatoa
Alaalatoa has been getting through a mountain of work this season and he is going from strength to strength. The tighthead prop is an anchor for the Brumbies and he was a huge part of their dominance on Sunday.
4. Sam Carter
Though they didn't create any maul tries this weekend, the Brumbies used their set piece to lay the foundation for some impressive attack. Carter had to step up in the absence of injured second row partner Rory Arnold and he did that. Finished with 12 tackles in defence as well.
5. Rob Simmons
Simmons has turned the clock back this season and produced another impressive outing against the Lions in Johannesburg last weekend. scored a try, made 10 tackles and won two turnovers in the narrow loss.
6. Angus Scott-Young
Scott-Young is evolving into an ultra-consistent Super Rugby player and he was again strong in Queensland's clash with the Rebels. The flanker has plenty of grit about him and led both teams with 17 tackles for the game.
7. Michael Hooper
Hooper sets the tone each week for his side and the NSW skipper did the same in Johannesburg. Finished with a try, 69 run metres off 10 tackles and 11 tackles.
8. Pete Samu
Samu has continued to step up each week in the absence of David Pocock and Locky McCaffrey. The backrower was influential in the Brumbies' big win over the Sunwolves. Scored a strong running try and finished with 12 tackles and two turnovers for the afternoon.
9. Joe Powell
Powell laid down the Brumbies' defensive intent from the opening minutes of their 33-0 win over the Sunwolves. The halfback saved a near-certain try with one of his first involvements. He was impressive in attack as well, providing quick service for his backs.
10. Christian Lealiifano
It would be hard to overstate the importance of Lealiifano to this Brumbies. As playmaker and as captain, he shapes the way they play during games and he has been doing that superbly.
11. Toni Pulu
Pulu might not be racking up the tries for the Brumbies but the speedster has certainly contributing to his side. A handy recruit who is looking more valuable each week.
12. Karmichael Hunt
Hunt is certainly settled into the Waratahs' no. 12 spot and each week he reminds of the promise that got him that jersey on his Test debut. Tough in defence, effective in attack and a strong leader - he is becoming increasingly valuable to the NSW cause each week.
13. Tevita Kuridrani
Kuridrani returned from a niggle to play a major role for the Brumbies on Sunday. He had a hand in three of their five tries and made some important tackles as well. He has always been good at making metres up the middle but he showed off more of his attacking weapons in his display on Sunday.
14. Henry Speight
Speight has been solid in defence this season but a first-half double against the Sunwolves was a reminder of his potency in attack. Could have had a third try as well but handed off the last pass to Tom Banks.
15. Dane Haylett-Petty
Haylett-Petty was in his second game back from a toe injury against the Reds and he stood up for his side. Had some crafty moments, including an individual kick and regather, and finished off a strong team try. Certainly not hurting his case for the Wallabies no. 15 jersey, though the same could be said for his Canberran rival Tom Banks.
