Super Rugby Pacific Team of the Week - Rd 16
The best Draft Rugby Fantasy Scorers for round 16 of Super Rugby
Intro
The final round of the regular season was an absolute clinic in drama, serving as a brutal reminder of why league titles are decided in the trenches. While the minor premier Hurricanes rested their frontline stars, the Crusaders delivered an emphatic 47-14 statement to leapfrog the Blues and lock down third spot. Meanwhile, Moana Pasifika pulled off the upset of the year, shocking the Brumbies 21-19 in Canberra in what is most likely their final game.
But the biggest talking point heading into the Qualifying Finals is the state of the Casualty Ward. The Crusaders’ campaign has been dealt a massive blow with superstar fullback Will Jordan ruled out for the rest of the season with a calf injury. With squad depth tested like never before, navigating the Trade Window is your final chance to find that 1% edge over your mates. If you don’t have the high-volume workhorses who stepped up to dominate this week, you’re playing catch-up before the playoffs even begin.
Team of the Week
1: Misinale Epenisa – Prop, Force (63 pts)
Epenisa put on a masterclass in front-row work-rate to end the Force’s season on a high. In 62 minutes of action, he recorded 13 tackles, won 10 scrums, and scored a crucial close-range try. In our position-specific scoring engine, a prop delivering this level of physical grit is pure fantasy gold.
2: Matt Faessler – Hooker, Reds (74 pts)
Faessler finally showed the form we were waiting for all season. His 74-point display against the Drua was fueled by a clinical brace of tries, 16 tackles, and 12 successful lineout throws. In form, he is a premier, high-floor asset to anchor your front row heading into the finals.
3: Pouri Rakete-Stones – Prop, Hurricanes (52 pts)
High-impact reserve play at its finest. Rakete-Stones played just 40 minutes but recorded a try, 8 tackles, and won 7 scrums. His ability to win collisions and generate quick-ball platforms makes him an invaluable asset for managers looking to exploit front-row rotations.
4: Seru Uru – Lock, Reds (94 pts)
Uru showed his true fantasy colours, getting a start in the back row. He stuffed the stat sheet with 1 try, 11 passes, 15 carries (12 over the gain line), 14 tackles, and 2 turnovers won. His ability to contribute across every single category makes him an absolute mandatory starter.
5: Naitoa Ah Kuoi – Lock, Chiefs (66 pts)
Ah Kuoi was an engine-room marvel in the Chiefs’ emphatic Hamilton victory. He secured 19 tackles and hit 29 rucks, providing the “grit” that allowed the Chiefs’ backline to run riot against the Blues. He is a highly reliable set-piece and defensive workhorse.
6: Christian Lio-Willie – Back Row, Crusaders (79 pts)
Lio-Willie was a human wrecking ball against the Hurricanes, recording 17 carries (12 over the gain line) and 11 tackles. His try and 23 ruck arrivals provided a massive scoring floor, proving why he is a top-tier back-row option.
7: Johnny Lee – Back Row, Crusaders (71 pts)
A performance defined by pure, relentless involvement. Lee hit an astronomical 42 rucks (33 in attack) and secured 3 turnovers. If you want a player who rewards you through work-rate and breakdown dominance rather than just crossing the paint, Lee is your man.
8: Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa – Back Row, Moana Pasifika (64 pts)
Tupou Ta’eiloa has been the heartbeat of the Moana pack all season. He inspired the historic upset in Canberra with 13 carries, 10 tackles, and 8 tackle busts, showcasing a physical directness that consistently bends the defensive line.
9: Cam Roigard – Scrumhalf, Hurricanes (49 pts)
Returning from a calf injury to start, Roigard got through a sharp 40-minute shift to test his fitness before the playoffs. He delivered 32 passes and a try assist, reminding managers that he remains the premier halfback threat when fit.
10: Patrick Pellegrini – Flyhalf, Moana Pasifika (78 pts)
The undisputed hero of GIO Stadium. Pellegrini orchestrated Moana’s famous win with a brilliant playmaking display, bagging a brace of tries and 16 individual points while kicking for 367 metres to completely control territory.
11: Sevu Reece – Outside Back, Crusaders (113 pts)
Player of the Round. Reece was simply unstoppable in Christchurch. He delivered a masterclass with 2 tries, 2 try assists, 7 tackle busts, and 5 offloads. No matter the backline the Crusaders put out, Reece is the primary strike weapon for their title charge.
12: Dallas McLeod – Centre, Crusaders (70 pts)
McLeod provided the physical directness and stability the Crusaders needed in the midfield. He recorded 16 carries, 10 tackles, 6 tackle busts, and 3 line-break assists to consistently set up his outside backs in space.
13: Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii – Centre, Waratahs (54 pts)
Returning from a hamstring complaint, Suaalii immediately proved his world-class athleticism. He recorded 11 carries (9 over the gain line), 5 tackle busts, and 42 post-contact metres, showcasing a physical dominance that makes him a premier midfield asset.
14: Reon Paul – Outside Back, Chiefs (83 pts)
Paul delivered a massive 80-minute shift to dominate wide channels. He recorded a try, 16 carries, and 15 tackles, proving that an outside back playing centre who isn’t afraid of the defensive dirty work is absolute gold in head-to-head leagues.
15: Johnny McNicholl – Outside Back, Crusaders (81 pts)
Stepping into the fullback jersey for Will Jordan, McNicholl didn’t miss a beat. He recorded a try, 2 try assists, 4 line breaks, and 100 carry metres, proving his dangerous counter-attacking game is a lethal weapon for the playoffs.
Available in your league? (Hidden Gems)
Johnny McNicholl (Crusaders - Outside Back): With Will Jordan officially ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a calf injury, McNicholl has inherited the keys to the Crusaders’ fullback jersey. His stellar Round 16 display (1 try, 2 assists, 100 run metres) proved he is a high-volume playmaker who will act as a primary strike runner during the playoffs.
Johnny Lee (Crusaders - Back Row): Lee continues to rise as a premier, high-floor forward option. With the Crusaders constantly rotating their back-row stocks, Lee’s work-rate has reached elite heights, hitting a staggering 42 rucks and winning 3 turnovers this week. Grab this relentless anchor before his ownership climbs if he starts again.
Seru Uru (Queensland Reds - Lock): With the Reds naming him to start at blindside flanker (No. 6) this week, Uru is the ultimate out-of-position cheat code. Because he retains Lock eligibility on the platform, his open-field runs in the backrow are rewarded with the boosted Tight Five carry bonus (1 point per 5 metres carried instead of 10). Coming off a massive 94-point display featuring 15 carries, 14 tackles, and a try, his dual-position utility makes him a must-claim asset.
Written by Harry Dale