Super Rugby Pacific Team of the Week: talented Fijian produces the ‘performance of the round’ as All Blacks star in ‘blockbuster’ display

After an action-packed round five in Super Rugby Pacific, Planet Rugby breaks down the top performers from the weekend. The team has strong Hurricanes and Fijian Drua representations whilst the Western Force were also rewarded for their first win of the season. Team of the Week 15 Tom Wright (Brumbies): The full-back is always looking to make something happen and did just that with two tries and a try assist while gaining 130 metres with ball in hand. He was a nightmare to contain and earns his spot over Hurricanes star Harry Godfrey and Fijian Drua’s Ilaisa Droasese.

14 Bayley Kuenzle (Western Force): The wing had a sublime outing for the Force, claiming a brace of tries while beating four defenders with one clean break. It was a close battle with Timoci Tavatavanawai of the Highlanders, who was typically brilliant again. 13 Iosefo Masi (Fijian Drua): The centre scored a stunning first-half hat-trick in what was probably the performance of the round as Fijian Drua downed the Waratahs in Lautoka. Masi was lethal throughout, beating five defenders and making seven tackles. Elsewhere, Hudson Creighton of the Brumbies and Blues star AJ Lam were standouts. 12 Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes): The superstar centre bounced back from his red card spectacularly with a blockbuster performance complete with a brace of tries on attack and a whopping 14 tackles on defence. It was another comprehensive shift from the All Black who continues to look more at home in the 12 channel.

11  Salesi Rayasi (Hurricanes): Another star from the Wellington side that was absolutely sublime as the electric wing ran in two tries and assisted another as the Hurricanes ran riot against the Melbourne Rebels. Rapid Brumbies wing Corey Toole was also brilliant for his team. 10 Ben Donaldson (Western Force): There were many good performances at fly-half with Hurricanes’ Aidan Morgan, Brumby Noah Lolesio and Blues star Stephen Perofeta but it was the Wallaby who takes the spot with his three try assists on the day. Donaldson really took charge of the clash against the Reds and was crucial in the victory. 9 Frank Lomani (Fijian Drua): Speaking about being crucial to victory, no player embodied that more than the Fijian who not only scored a try but set up three more as he brilliantly pulled the strings in a memorable golden-point win. His efforts place him ahead of veteran duo TJ Perenara (Hurricanes) and Nic White (Western Force).

8 Luke Jacobson (Chiefs): The All Black was typically hard-working and notched a decent amount of carries but it was in defence where he earned his money with a whopping 21 tackles for his side in a tight clash. His rock-solid effort gets him the place ahead of the red-hot Blues man Hoskins Sotutu. 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi (Hurricanes): The flank had one of the best games we have seen him play as he was work rate personified. With ball in hand he scored a try and set up another during his impressive 14 carries. Meanwhile, on defence, he made 13 tackles and two turnovers. 6 Brad Shields (Hurricanes): The veteran has settled back into the ‘Canes set-up quite nicely and had a lovely outing against the Rebels where he crossed for a try and contributed throughout on defence. His efforts pipped Chiefs flank Samipeni Finau to the spot. 5 Ratu Rotuisolia (Fijian Drua): It was a monster outing for the second-row who was at the core of a lot of good for the Drua in the tight, while on defence he was extremely committed with a game-high 14 tackles. A real warrior for his side. 4 Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues): The veteran marked his 100th cap for the Blues with a real workmanlike performance as he was his team’s go-to ball carrier notching up an incredible 18 carries in a tight and wet affair. 3 Tyrel Lomax (Hurricanes): The All Black was rock solid as usual in the scrums and also contributed with ball in hand whilst being the hardest-working tighthead with 10 tackles and a turnover won. 2 Tevita Ikanivere (Fijian Drua): The hooker has become extremely consistent for his team through his busy performances and he was at the heart of the action again with 10 tackles, a try and a try assist in an all-around brilliant effort.

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