Waratahs stars Adam Ashley-Cooper and Israel Folau make round 16 Super Rugby team of the week

THE Waratahs stamped themselves as title contenders at the weekend, but how many NSW players made our round 16 Super Rugby team of the week?

NEW PLYMOUTH, NEW ZEALAND - MAY 31: Israel Folau of the Waratahs makes a break during the round 16 Super Rugby match between the Chiefs and the Waratahs at Yarrow Stadium on May 31, 2014 in New Plymouth, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

THE Waratahs stamped themselves as title contenders as the Sharks were shocked on a big weekend of Super Rugby in round 16.

The Crusaders also underlined their championship credentials, while the Brumbies stayed in touch and the Reds recorded a much-needed win.

Check out our round 16 team of the week — brought to you by Fox Sports Stats.

1. Loose-head Prop — Scott Sio (Brumbies) celebrated a strong game against the Rebels with his first try of the season. He had 1 linebreak, 5 runs (21m), 2 tackle busts and made 6 tackles.

2. Hooker — Dane Coles (Hurricanes) performed well in a losing side, with 1 linebreak assist, 10 runs (37m), 1 offload, 2 tackle busts, 5 tackles. A mention must go to new Wallabies skipper Stephen Moore (Brumbies) who led from the front against the Rebels.

3. Tight-head Prop — Ben Tameifuna (Chiefs) — pulled off the hit of the season on Waratahs flanker Michael Hooper. He also had 7 runs (15m), 5 tackles and made 2 pilfers.

4. Second Row — Patrick Tuipolotu (Blues) continued his impressive season with a big game against the Hurricanes as he sealed his spot in the All Blacks squad for the England series. Score a try and made 2 linebreaks, 9 runs (56m), 6 tackle busts, 1 forced penalty along with 8 tackles.

5. Second Row — Sam Carter (Brumbies) made a last push for a Wallabies debut by scoring a t try and making 1 linebreak, 8 runs (40m), 2 tackle busts, plus adding 1 lineout win and 9 tackles against the Rebels.

6. Blindside — Jacques du Plessis (Bulls) was good in a beaten team, scoring a try in his side’s loss to the Lions. He had 1 linebreak, 11 runs (79m), 2 offloads, 3 tackle busts and made 9 tackles.

7. Openside — Is it Test season? Richie McCaw (Crusaders) looks to be hitting his straps at the right time of the year again as evidenced by his performance in his side’s win over the Force. McCaw mad 5 runs (18m), 1 tackle bust, 1 forced penalty and racked up an incredible 23 tackles (the equal most in the round).

Jerome Kaino on the charge for the Blues.

8. No. 8 — Jerome Kaino (Blues) was another All Black to put in a big game in the final round before the June Tests. Kaino scored a try in the Blues’ impressive win over the Hurricanes to go with 1 linebreak, 1 linebreak assist, 9 runs (81m), 2 offloads, 5 tackle busts, 1 lineout win and 6 tackles.

9. Halfback — Will Genia (Reds) in his 100th game for Queensland played his best game of the season. He provided 2 try assists, 2 linebreak assists, made 1 linebreak, 6 runs (45m), 2 offloads, 4 tackle busts, 1 forced penalty, and 8 tackles. Nic White (Brumbies) also had a great game, against the Rebels.

10. Flyhalf — Marnitz Boshoff (Lions) chipped in with 22 points to help the Lions shock the Bulls. He also had 2 runs (26m), 1 offload and made 7 tackles.

11. Left winger — Patrick Osbourne (Highlanders) turned in another powerful performance, scoring a try and making 1 linebreak, 13 runs (179m), 2 offloads, 6 tackle busts, and 2 tackles in the loss to the Reds.

12. Inside centre — Alwyn Hollenbach (Lions) scored a try, and also made 1 linebreak assist, 9 runs (86m), 1 offload, 4 tackle busts and 4 tackles against the Bulls.

Adam Ashley-Cooper starred for the Waratahs against the Chiefs.

13. Outside Centre — Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs) was in superb touch for the Waratahs as they claimed a crucial win in New Plymouth. He set up the first try of the match for Israel Folau and continued with 2 linebreaks, 14 runs (119m), 5 tackle busts and 9 tackles.

14. Right winger — Dwayne Sweeney (Chiefs) was a beast in a losing team, making 3 linebreaks, 13 runs (165m) and an incredible 10 tackle busts.

15. Fullback — Israel Folau (Waratahs) set a new record for most tries in a season by a Waratahs player when he went over early against the Chiefs. Ended up with 1 linebreak, 14 runs (141m), 1 offload and 9 tackle busts.

James Slipper: 5 xxx

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Stephen Moore: 5 xxx

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Sekope Kepu: 5 xxx

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Rob Simmons: 5 xxx

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Sam Carter: 5 xxx

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Scott Fardy: 5 xxx

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Michael Hooper: 5 xxx

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Wycliff Palu:: 5 xxx

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Nic White: 5 xxx

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Bernard Foley: 5 xxx

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Nick Cummins: 5 xxx

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Matt Toomua: 5 xxx

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Tevita Kuridrani: 5 xxx

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Adam Ashley-Cooper: 5 xxx

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Israel Folau: 5 xxx

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Tatafu Polota-Nau: 5 xxx

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Pek Cowan: 5 xxx

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Paddy Ryan: 5 xxx

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James Horwill: 5 xxx

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Ben McCalman: 5 xxx

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Nick Phipps: 5 xxx

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Kurtley Beale: 5 xxx

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Pat McCabe: 5 xxx

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Originally published as Waratahs stars Adam Ashley-Cooper and Israel Folau make round 16 Super Rugby team of the week