Super Rugby Pacific Team of the Week - Rd 1
The best Draft Rugby Fantasy Scorers for round 1 of Super Rugby
Intro
The opening round of Super Rugby Pacific 2026 was a brutal reminder that while tries win matches, work-rate wins fantasy leagues. While the Brumbies dismantled the Force in Perth and Moana Pasifika secured a landmark victory in Lautoka, the data reveals a clear divide between the "flash-in-the-pan" scorers and the true season-long "must-haves."
Team of the Week
1: Haereiti Hetet – Prop, Drua (58 pts) The Drua loosehead emerged as a top-tier workhorse, hitting 24 rucks and recording 10 tackles in just 51 minutes. His 5 scrums won provided a solid floor for a prop in a high-involvement team.
2: Samisoni Taukei’aho – Hooker, Chiefs (69 pts) A premium asset performance. Alongside his try, he led the front row with 13 tackles and 12 successful lineout throws. His 19 post-contact metres show he is fighting for every inch.
3: Rhys Van Nek – Prop, Brumbies (55 pts) secured his spot with a clinical try and 10 tackles. While he lost two scrums, his 20 ruck arrivals show a high level of work-rate for a tighthead.
4: Tupou Vaa’i – Lock, Chiefs (78 pts) Vaa’i was immense, playing the full 80 minutes. He stuffed the stat sheet with a try, 13 tackles, 4 lineout takes, and 25 post-contact metres, proving he is the “engine” of the Chiefs’ second row.
5: Allan Craig – Lock, Moana Pasifika (60 pts) Craig provided the link play Moana needed, recording a try assist and 6 lineout takes. His 14 tackles and 17 ruck arrivals demonstrate a high floor for a lock.
6: Charlie Gamble – Back Row, Waratahs (63 pts) The ultimate breakdown pest. Gamble hit a massive 29 rucks and provided 2 try assists. If you want a player who rewards you through pure involvement rather than just crossing the paint, Gamble is your man.
7: Miracle Faiilagi – Back Row, Moana Pasifika (73 pts) The efficiency king of the round. Faiilagi bagged a hat-trick and recorded 8 dominant carries in just 48 minutes. His 41 post-contact metres highlight his sheer physical presence.
8: Charlie Cale – Back Row, Brumbies (114 pts) The Player of the Round. A masterclass consisting of 23 tackles, 52 carry metres, 5 tackle busts, and 2 tries.
9: Noah Hotham – Scrumhalf, Crusaders (76 pts) Hotham showed why he is a dual-threat 9, racking up 228 kick metres and 2 line breaks. His 34 post-contact metres from 10 carries suggest he is a constant threat from the base of the ruck.
10: Lawson Creighton – Flyhalf, Waratahs (56 pts) Creighton managed the game beautifully, contributing 11 points from the tee and 392 kick metres. His 41 post-contact metres and 4 tackle busts show he isn’t afraid to take the line on himself.
11: Ponipate Loganimasi – Outside Back, Drua (87 pts) Loganimasi was the creative hub for the Drua, recording a staggering 6 line-break assists and 3 offloads. With 64 carry metres, he is a constant threat in wide channels.
12: Timoci Tavatavanawai – Centre, Highlanders (65 pts) An elite work-rate performance from the midfield. Tavatavanawai recorded 4 offloads, 4 tackle busts, and 20 ruck arrivals. The tries will come if he keeps this level of involvement.
13: Tuidraki Samusamuvodre – Centre, Drua (57 pts) Samusamuvodre was a handful for defenders, recording 6 tackle busts and a try. His defensive work was equally sharp, including a dominant tackle and a turnover won.
14: Ilaisa Droasese – Outside Back, Drua (84 pts) Droasese was clinical out wide, recording 3 line breaks and 42 post-contact metres. His 9 carries over the gain line show he is the primary strike-runner for the Fijian side.
15: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens – Outside Back, Highlanders (67 pts) A playmaker from the back, “JRK” recorded 2 try assists and 6 tackle busts. His 152 kick metres and 54 carry metres make him a high-volume asset at fullback.
Written by Harry Dale