Super Rugby Pacific Team of the Week - Rd 8
The best Draft Rugby Fantasy Scorers for round 8 of Super Rugby
Intro
If the first half of the season was a battle of attrition, Round 8 was a total statistical explosion. While the "big name" assets returned to form, the Casualty Ward continues to be a busy place, with Noah Hotham and Darby Lancaster (knee) the latest to face a stint on the sidelines. For managers, the Trade Window is the only way to navigate this mid-season chaos. Whether it was a historic lock hat-trick or a hooker bagging four tries, those who prioritized high-volume work-rate in the trenches found the winning edge this week.
Team of the Week
1: Ollie Norris – Prop, Chiefs (65 pts) Norris delivered a masterclass in front-row playmaking, recording two line-break assists and a try assist. With 21 ruck arrivals and a dominant tackle, he provided the high-scoring floor that saves managers during low-try-scoring weeks.
2: Codie Taylor – Hooker, Crusaders (104 pts) A legendary performance from the 150-game veteran. Taylor crossed for four tries in just 52 minutes of work. Adding 10 successful lineout throws to that haul, he remains the ultimate “set and forget” elite asset for your front row.
3: Haereiti Hetet – Prop, Drua (59 pts) Hetet was a force in the trenches, hitting 21 rucks and winning 8 scrums. Under our scoring engine, his 10 carries generated a massive points base before his three tackle busts even came into play.
4: Franco Molina – Lock, Force (122 pts) Player of the Round. A historical day for the Argentinian. A hat-trick from the second row is fantasy gold, but pairing that with 31 ruck arrivals, 5 tackle busts, and two lineout steals makes him an absolute tier-1 anchor for any pack.
5: Antonio Shalfoon – Lock, Crusaders (53 pts) Filling the void left by injuries in the Crusaders’ engine room, Shalfoon recorded 19 tackles (3 dominant) and a try assist. His 80-minute engine is quickly making him a mandatory high-floor starter.
6: Elia Canakaivata – Back Row, Drua (77 pts) Canakaivata continues to be a volume machine. He crossed for two tries and led all forwards with a staggering 12 gain-line crosses in a well-beaten pack. His physical directness is breaking head-to-head matchups wide open.
7: Samipeni Finau – Back Row, Chiefs (67 pts) Finau showcased his raw athleticism with two line breaks and 49 post-contact metres. His 23 ruck arrivals and 80-minute shift provided the consistent involvement Draft managers crave.
8: Joe Brial – Back Row, Reds (62 pts) Brial stepped up with 13 tackles and 6 lineout takes to go with his try. With the Reds’ back-row rotation opening up minutes, his multifaceted scoring makes him a priority target in the Trade Window.
9: Henry Robertson – Scrumhalf, Force (49 pts) Volume is king for Robertson. He registered 112 passes, the highest of the round, facilitating the Force attack. His 251 kick metres show he is taking full tactical control at the base.
10: Ben Donaldson – Flyhalf, Force (69 pts) Donaldson remains a premier playmaker, contributing 12 points from the tee and three line-break assists. Flyhalves who challenge the line and kick for 353 metres provide a safe ceiling every week.
11: Chay Fihaki – Outside Back, Crusaders (84 pts) Fihaki was electric out wide, recording 127 carry metres and 4 line breaks. His brace of tries proved he is a primary strike runner for a reshuffled Crusaders backline.
12: Leicester Fainga’anuku – Centre, Crusaders (120 pts) A one-man wrecking crew performance. Leicester paired 15 tackles (2 dominant) with 11 gain-line crosses and three line-break assists. He is the ultimate multi-category weapon for a title run.
13: Quinn Tupaea – Centre, Chiefs (66 pts) Tupaea is back to his bruising best, pairing two tries with 9 dominant carries. His 20 ruck arrivals indicate a level of involvement that stabilizes any midfield fantasy slot.
14: Sevu Reece – Outside Back, Crusaders (75 pts) Reece remains a nightmare for defenders, crossing the gain line 13 times and providing 4 offloads. His brace of tries ensures he stays at the top of the all-time Super Rugby scoring charts.
15: Max Jorgensen – Outside Back, Waratahs (66 pts) Jorgensen was everywhere for the Tahs, recording 3 line breaks and 6 tackle busts. His ability to create from the back makes him a reliable asset with huge upside regardless of the final game score.
Available in your league? (Hidden Gems)
Henry Robertson (Force - Scrumhalf): Now emerging as the Force’s first choice scrumhalf, His 112 passes and high kick volume in Round 8 suggest he is a mandatory waiver add for managers needing service at the base.
Joe Brial (Reds - Back Row): Brial has locked down a starting role and is thriving, recording 13 tackles and a try this week. Brial’s high involvement rate makes him a perfect long-term anchor for your back row.
Antonio Shalfoon (Crusaders - Lock): The locking rotation has meant Shalfoon has struggled to get consistent game time. But if this week was anything to go by, he might just demand a starting jersey moving forward. His 19-tackle shift proves he has the engine to provide a safe scoring floor. Secure him now before his ownership climbs.
Written by Harry Dale