In a spectacular return to form, Folau stole the show in Sydney © Getty Images

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It was a big round for Australian rugby with two of Australia's biggest sides clashing in Sydney, while the Force fought to keep their finals hopes alive and the Rebels tried to take their first win at home. But it was the Waratahs who produced the fireworks and Israel Folau's return to form that took Player of the Round. Folau masterminded the Waratahs victory with a complete performance. His best game for a long time.

In an exciting match it was Tolu Latu in his first starting Super Rugby match with his first Super Rugby try, that earned Try of the Round. After a Folau break, fast hands led to an excellent team try completed by the hooker.

But it's Scott Higginbotham who continues to lead the Growden Medal charts with another solid performance for the Rebels despite another loss at home. While Mike Harris slowly made his way up the ranks to sit just six points behind Higginbotham.

Greg Growden Medal Points

Rebels v Lions

7.5: Nic Stirzaker (Rebels)

7: Scott Higginbotham (Rebels)

6.5: Tamati Ellison (Rebels)

6: Mike Harris (Rebels)

Bulls v Force

7.5: Kyle Godwin (Force)

7: Adam Coleman (Force)

Waratahs v Brumbies

8.5: Israel Folau (Waratahs)

7.5: Nic White (Brumbies)

7: Bernard Foley (Waratahs), Wycliff Palu (Waratahs), Michael Hooper (Waratahs), Tolu Latu (Waratahs)

6: Sam Carter (Brumbies)

PROGRESS POINTS:

27.5: Mike Harris (Rebels)

21.5: Nic White (Brumbies)

21: Alby Mathewson (Force)

20.5: Scott Fardy (Brumbies), Bernard Foley (Waratahs)

19.5: Sam Carter (Brumbies)

15.5: Will Genia (Reds)

14.5: Jarrad Butler (Brumbies), Tevita Kuridrani (Brumbies), Kurtley Beale (Waratahs), Nic Stirzaker (Rebels)

14: Lopeti Timani (Rebels), Nick White (Brumbies)

13.5: Liam Gill (Reds), Ben McCalman (Force), Zac Holmes (Force), Nick Phipps (Waratahs)

13: Sean McMahon (Rebels), Michael Hooper (Waratahs)

8.5: Israel Folau (Waratahs)

8: Luke Burgess (Rebels), Ben Alexander (Brumbies)

7.5 Adam Thomson (Reds), Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies), Stephen Moore (Brumbies), Kyle Godwin (Force)

7: David Pocock (Brumbies), Scott Sio (Brumbies), Rory Arnold (Brumbies), Robbie Coleman (Brumbies), Jarrad Butler (Brumbies), Sam Talakai (Reds), Lachie Turner (Reds), Matt Toomua (Brumbies), Luke Jones (Rebels), Chris Alcock (Force), Matt Carraro (Waratahs), Adam Coleman (Force), Wycliff Palu (Waratahs)

6.5: Angus Cottrell (Force), Henry Speight (Brumbies), Mitch Inman (Rebels), Joe Tomane (Brumbies), Tamati Ellison (Rebels)

6: Rob Horne (Waratahs)