Super Rugby: Winners and losers - Week 17

Akira Ioane of the Blues in action. Photo /Getty

Back of the week

Bernard Foley - Waratahs
The Waratahs, missing the suspended Israel Folau, needed to beat the Rebels in Melbourne to stay top of the Australian conference and remain in the top three overall. Step forward first-five Foley, who kicked five from five and scored the crucial intercept try with eight minutes remaining to hand his side a 31-26 win.

Forward of the week

Akira Ioane - Blues
The Blues No8 ran a massive 142m with the ball in his side's victory over the Reds. In tandem with brother Rieko, Akira helped to rip an ill disciplined Reds team to shreds for the Blues' first home win of the year and fourth in total. Akira's time in camp with the All Blacks clearly paid off.

Coach killer

Reds' yellow cards
Brad Thorn wasn't happy with the yellow cards given to wing Jordan Petaia (lifting tackle) and prop Taniela Tupou (no arms in tackle) during his team's defeat to the Blues (who took full advantage).But the laws are clear on both and the Reds pair put themselves at risk with their actions.

Ups

Sunwolves
The Japanese-based side gave themselves hope of finishing above the bottom of the table with a 42-37 win over the Bulls in Singapore. The Sunwolves, helped again by influential Kiwi first-five Hayden Parker, are on 14 competition points, five below the 14th-placed Reds, whom they play in their final game.

Solomona Alaimalo
In Suva, the Chiefs fullback used his pace to devastate the Highlanders (who might be wondering about the wisdom of hosting the game there instead of theirDunedin fortress). Alaimalo, 22, has a big future if he continues like this.

Downs

Blues' scrum
Just about the only way was down for the Blues' scrum, which gave up at least eight penalties against the Reds, with Alex Hodgman and then Sione Mafileo in the firing line. The Blues' set piece was a tough one to watch, just like the game as a whole.

Hurricanes
They've lost theirlast three games now and are limping ratherthan marching with purpose into the playoffs. They missed Beauden Barrett badly against the Brumbies in Canberra but should be helped by the arrival of the Blues in Wellington next weekend.

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