Super Rugby Pacific Team of the Week - Rd 5
The best Draft Rugby Fantasy Scorers for round 5 of Super Rugby
Intro
Round 5 was a high-scoring, card-ridden weekend that left the Hurricanes, Blues, and Brumbies locked in a three-way battle at the top of the table. While the scoreboard was ticking over, savvy managers were focused on the relentless work rate in the trenches. With the Chiefs observing their bye, the Trade Window was wide open for managers looking to secure high-volume anchors before their league-mates could react. However, the Casualty Ward continues to haunt the competition, with the Crusaders now managing a staggering 14 injuries, including fresh concerns for Dom Gardiner.
Team of the Week
1: Sairusi Ravudi – Prop, Drua (69 pts) The newly promoted Drua loosehead delivered a masterclass in work-rate, recording 15 tackles and hitting 17 rucks in 64 minutes. In Draft Rugby, a prop making 15 tackles is pure fantasy gold, providing a huge floor before he even recorded his try.
2: Mills Sanerivi – Hooker, Moana Pasifika (98 pts) A truly monstrous performance. Sanerivi was everywhere, crossing the gain line 10 times and leading the front row with 19 tackles. The man has been on fire week on week, his 15 carries and 8 dominant carries outscored almost every outside back in the league this week.
3: Marcel Renata – Prop, Blues (53 pts) Renata provided the bruising “workhorse” shift the Blues needed to overcome a physical Moana Pasifika side. Along with a try, his 12 tackles and 18 ruck arrivals ensure his status as a high-floor asset for managers who value consistency in the front row.
4: Sam Darry – Lock, Blues (85 pts) Darry was immense, outshining more experienced locks across the competition. He stuffed the stat sheet with a try, 12 tackles, and 6 lineout takes. His 9 carries over the gain line show he is more than just a set piece guru.
5: Toby Macpherson – Lock, Brumbies (76 pts) No one told Macpherson it was his run on debut. He hit a staggering 40 rucks and recorded two tries despite being off the field for an HIA at one point. Under our scoring engine, a lock delivering this level of secondary volume and red-zone clinicality is an absolute must-have for head-to-head matchups.
6: Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa – Back Row, Moana Pasifika (71 pts) The ultimate contact beast. Ta’eiloa made a massive 21 tackles and recorded 8 dominant carries. If you want a player who rewards you through pure relentless involvement rather than just crossing the paint, Ta’eiloa is your man.
7: Johnny Lee – Back Row, Crusaders (65 pts) The debutant proved to be the South Island derby hero, bagging a brace of tries to tame the Highlanders. With the Crusaders’ back-row stocks depleted, Lee’s 13 tackles and 23 ruck arrivals suggest he is ready to lock down a starting jersey.
8: Dalton Papali’i – Back Row, Blues (62 pts) The Blues captain marked his 100th appearance with a typical high-involvement shift. Making 25 tackles at a near-perfect completion rate is a heroic effort, providing a safe ceiling for managers who drafted him early.
9: Taufa Funaki – Scrumhalf, Blues (78 pts) The top scoring half back off the bench! Funaki showed why he is a dual-threat 9, racking up 3 try assists and a tackle-try-saver. His 56 passes and 6 carries over the gain line facilitated the Blues’ transition game and kept the Moana defense on the back foot.
10: Carter Gordon – Flyhalf, Reds (66 pts) Gordon managed the game beautifully in the Reds’ escape over the Tahs, contributing 2 tries and challenging the line with his explosive pace. Flyhalves who can deliver 10 tackles alongside double-digit points are a total cheat code in the Draft format.
11: Will Jordan – Outside Back, Crusaders (76 pts) Jordan remains the model of consistency. He beat 8 defenders and recorded 13 gain-line crosses in the South Island clash. His ability to provide try assists and secure 3 line breaks makes him the premier fantasy weapon of the competition.
12: Timoci Tavatavanawai – Centre, Highlanders (84 pts) “Jimmy” remains an unstoppable force in wide channels. He recorded a staggering 12 tackle busts and 10 dominant carries. Even when the Landers are under the pump, Tavatavanawai generates points through sheer physical dominance.
13: Xavi Taele – Centre, Blues (58 pts) The 21-year-old standout provided the stability the Blues needed in the midfield. 11 tackles and 2 turnovers won shows defensive grit that yields consistent points, while his 9 gain-line crosses kept Moana guessing all afternoon.
14: Darby Lancaster – Outside Back, Force (69 pts) Lancaster hit the “afterburners” for a brace of tries in Napier. His 61 post-contact metres and 2 line breaks confirm his status as a breakout prospect who must be owned before his value surges further.
15: Jock Campbell – Outside Back, Reds (64 pts) A playmaker from the back, Campbell recorded a try assist and 10 gain-line crosses. His 132 kick metres and 58 kick return metres make him a high-volume anchor for any manager looking to win their weekly matchup.
Available in your league? (Hidden Gems)
Sairusi Ravudi (Drua - Prop): Newly promoted from the development squad and immediately hit elite tackle numbers. If your front row is looking thin, Ravudi is a priority add for the mid-season sprint.
Motikiai Murray (Drua - Back Row): A high-work-rate backrower who is beginning to trend towards a locked-in starter. His consistent ruck arrivals and carry dominance make him a gold-standard free agent pickup.
Johnny Lee (Crusaders - Back Row): With the Crusaders dealing with 14 injuries, including a knee complaint for Cullen Grace, Lee is the “Next Man Up”. If he keeps the starting jersey, he will be a must-have.
Written by Harry Dale