Super Rugby Pacific Team of the Week - Rd 9
The best Draft Rugby Fantasy Scorers for round 9 of Super Rugby
Intro
Round 9 was a weekend of statement wins and record-breaking hauls. The Hurricanes firmly established themselves as title favorites by dismantling the Blues in a top of the table clash, while the Chiefs treated the Rotorua turf like a training run against Moana Pasifika. For fantasy managers, the Trade Window has become a high-stakes environment as the Casualty Ward continues to swallow elite assets like Will Jordan (calf), Codie Taylor (hamstring), and Tyrel Lomax (ankle). If you aren't scouring the free agency for "Next Man Up" replacements, you’re essentially handing your league-mates a win on a silver platter.
Team of the Week
1: Xavier Numia – Prop, Hurricanes (74 pts) Numia provided the absolute blueprint for a high-volume prop shift. With 13 carries, he banked 26 points on carry volume alone under our refined scoring engine. Pair that with 9 scrums won, a line break, and 18 ruck arrivals, and you have a front-rower outscoring most mid-tier fly-halves.
2: Tyrone Thompson – Hooker, Chiefs (88 pts) With Samisoni Taukei’aho given a rest week, Thompson stepped into the vacuum and delivered a masterclass. Along with a brace of tries, he recorded 4 tackle busts and 20 ruck arrivals. High-work-rate hookers are the ultimate fantasy floor-boosters in the head-to-head format.
3: Ethan de Groot – Prop, Highlanders (61 pts) De Groot was a defensive titan in a losing effort against the Brumbies. 14 tackles (2 dominant) and a try-saving tackle provided a massive floor, while his 3 turnovers won showed a breakdown nuisance level rarely seen from a loosehead.
4: Jeremy Williams – Lock, Force (88 pts) The Force captain was immense, stuffing the stat sheet with a try, 8 lineout takes, and 2 turnovers won. His 10 scrums won and carry dominance (2) ensure he remains one of the most reliable blue-chip locks to anchor your engine room.
5: Warner Dearns – Lock, Hurricanes (70 pts) The “engine” of the Hurricanes’ pack was at it again, hitting a round-high 28 rucks. Dearns secured 16 tackles and 2 lineout steals, providing the “grit” that allowed the Wellington backline to run riot against the Blues.
6: Miracle Faiilagi – Back Row, Moana Pasifika (76 pts) The Moana captain continues to be a multi-category monster. 2 line breaks and 73 post-contact metres from 9 carries show an attacking ceiling that most back-rowers can’t touch. He remains a “set and forget” asset regardless of Moana’s results.
7: Anton Segner – Back Row, Blues (68 pts) Segner showcased his transition to a frontline workhorse with 2 line breaks and 81 carry metres. His 7 lineout takes add a secondary scoring stream that makes him a premier target in the Trade Window for those needing work rate consistency.
8: Malachi Wrampling-Alec – Back Row, Blues (68 pts) Malachi is officially experiencing a breakout campaign. Against a physical Hurricanes pack, he recorded 14 tackles and 7 tackle busts to go along with a well-earned try. His high involvement rate is quickly turning him into a mandatory starter.
9: Cam Roigard – Scrumhalf, Hurricanes (70 pts) Roigard remains the premier 9 in The Draft. 76 passes and 5 tackle busts facilitate the Hurricanes’ attack, but it’s his try and 316 kick metres that provide the massive fantasy ceiling that breaks matchups wide open.
10: Damian McKenzie – Flyhalf, Chiefs (65 pts) A historical afternoon for DMac, who became the Chiefs’ all-time leading try-scorer with a double against Moana Pasifika. Beyond the points, his 4 line-break assists show he is the primary architect of the competition’s most dangerous offense.
11: Liam Coombes-Fabling – Outside Back, Chiefs (88 pts) LCF was the beneficiary of the Chiefs’ Rotorua rout, recording 4 line breaks and 3 try assists. 108 carry metres and 6 tackle busts confirm he is a high-volume strike-runner who must now be owned in all formats with the Chiefs outside back injury list.
12: Quinn Tupaea – Centre, Chiefs (85 pts) Quinn is back to his wrecking-ball best. 2 tries, 2 try assists, and 3 line breaks, this is midfield dominance personified. His 5 tackle busts and physical directness make him a top-tier center to hold for the rest of the season.
13: Virimi Vakatawa – Centre, Drua (83 pts) The French international is settling into life in Fiji with a dominant 16-carry shift. 2 line breaks and 2 assists show he is finding his feet in unstructured play, while his 10 tackles provide a reliable floor for Drua owners.
14: Kyren Taumoefolau – Outside Back, Chiefs (82 pts) The 21-year-old flyer is the immediate fantasy beneficiary of the Chiefs’ injury reshuffle. A brace of tries and 95 carry metres show he is finding his feet at his new club; he must be secured ASAP before his ownership sky-rockets.
15: Filipo Daugunu – Outside Back, Reds (80 pts) Daugunu was the hero of Suncorp, crossing for a try in the Reds’ historic win over the Crusaders. 13 carries for 120 metres and 3 line-break assists show he is the primary creative spark in a resurgent Queensland side.
Available in your league? (Hidden Gems)
Liam Coombes-Fabling (Chiefs - Outside Back): With Emoni Narawa (foot) and Daniel Rona (hamstring) both entering the Casualty Ward, LCF has a clear runway to starting minutes in a team that scores tries for fun. His Round 9 explosion for 88 points, featuring 4 line breaks and 3 try assists, proves he is a high-volume strike-runner who can anchor your back three during the Chiefs' injury crisis.
Virimi Vakatawa (Drua- Centre): The former European Player of the Year is finding his rhythm in the Pacific. His 10-tackle floor provides a reliable scoring base, while his ability to ignite unstructured play through offloads makes him a mandatory high-ceiling target. Secure this elite distribution threat while league-mates are still evaluating his adaptation to the Drua system.
Xavi Taele (Blues - Centre): This 21-year-old standout has demanded a starting jersey yet again over the more experienced Pita Ahki. His direct carrying was a focal point against the Hurricanes, where he consistently bent the line to ignite the Blues' attack. Grab this long-term centre prospect in the Trade Window before his value becomes untouchable.
Written by Harry Dale