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Super Rugby Pacific MVP voting at season's midpoint

50 days ago

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - APRIL 05: Captain Ardie Savea of Moana Pasifika and Captain Hugh Sinclair of the Waratahs lead the teams out for the round eight Super Rugby Pacific match between Moana Pasifika and NSW Waratahs at North Harbour Stadium, on April 05, 2025, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Dave Rowland/Getty Images)

Super Rugby Pacific’s week-by-week Player of the Year voting system has been bringing fans an insight into which players have been impressing opposition the most in 2025.

The new system, culminating in a new award, was introduced ahead of the 2025 season and sees each captain and coach award six points to the best-performing opponents following every game.

The recent round of action marked the halfway point of the current campaign and saw a familiar face reclaim the top spot.

Unsurprisingly, even in a field of world-class talents, Ardie Savea leads the pack as the current favourite to be crowned Super Rugby Pacific MVP.

However, Savea was not the best-rewarded player for round eight. Just one player was awarded the full points by both the opposing captain and coach in round eight: Beauden Barrett.

Barett starred in the Blues’ tight win over his former team, the Hurricanes, accounting for 14 of his team’s 19 points, with the All Black centurion’s game management and accuracy off the tee proving the difference in a one-point thriller at Eden Park. Due to a broken hand ruling him out for several weeks, the 33-year-old is tied for eighth place in the MVP rankings.

Fixture

Super Rugby Pacific

Hurricanes

24 - 31

Full-time

Crusaders

All Stats and Data

Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year voting

22 – Ardie Savea [MOA]

21 –Tom Hooper [BRU]

19 – Timoci Tavatavanawai [HIG], Carlo Tizzano [FOR]

16- Damian McKenzie [CHI]

13 – Will Jordan [CRU], Peter Lakai [HUR], Patrick Pellegrini [MOA], Harry Wilson [RED], Caleb Tangitau [HIG]

12 – Cam Roigard [HUR], Jeremy Williams [FOR], Kini Naholo [HUR], Langi Gleeson [WAR], Mac Grealy [FOR]

11 – Sevu Reece [CRU], Jona Nareki [HIG], Harry Godfrey [HUR], Darcy Swain [FOR], Angus Bell [WAR], Mark Telea [BLU], Vuate Karawalevu [DRU]

10 – Elia Canakaivata [DRU], Du’Plessis Kirifi [HUR], Christian Lio-Willie [CRU], Charlie Cale [BRU], Beauden Barrett [BLU], Filipo Daugunu [RED], Fraser McReight [RED], Nathan Hastie [HIG], Patrick Tuipulotu [BLU], Quinn Tupaea [CHI], Tupou Vaa’i [CHI]

9 – Tate McDermott [RED], Ben Donaldson [FOR], Allan Alaalatoa [BRU], Motikiai Murray [DRU], Naitoa Ah Kuoi [CHI]

8 – Ponipate Loganimasi [DRU], Miracle Faiilagi [MOA], Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula [DRU], Dalton Papali’I [BLU], Andy Muirhead [BRU], Max Jorgensen [WAR]

7 – David Havili [CRU], David Porecki [WAR], Harry Potter [FOR], Kyle Preston [CRU], Kyren Taumoefolau [MOA]

6 – Teddy Wilson [WAR], Taniela Tele’a [HIG], Simon Parker [CHI], Nic White [FOR], Meli Derenalagi [DRU], Luke Reimer [BRU], Macca Springer [CRU], Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii [WAR], Joseva Tamani [DRU], Ioane Moananu [CRU], Heremaia Murray [RED], Fatafehi Fineanganofo [HUR], Finley Christie [BLU], Finn Hurley [HIG], Emoni Narawa [CHI], Ethan Blackadder [CRU], Cam Christie [BLU], Bailyn Sullivan [HUR], AJ Lam [BLU], Alex Hodgman [RED]

5 – Brayden Iose [HUR], Charlie Gamble [WAR], Etonia Waqa [DRU], Jackson Garden-Bachop [MOA], Luke Jacobson [CHI], Nic Dolly [FOR], Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa [MOA], Seru Uru [RED], Shaun Stevenson [CHI], Tom Lynagh [RED], Tom Wright [BRU], Veveni Lasaqa [HIG], Xavi Taele [BLU], Noah Hotham [CRU], Iosefo Masi [DRU]

4 – Joe Brial [RED], Josh Canham [RED], Triston Reilly [WAR], Tevita Ikanivere [DRU], Sione Havili Talitui [MOA], Sean Withy [HIG], Len Ikitau [BRU], Leroy Carter [CHI], Jonathan Taumateine [MOA], Lalomilo Lalomilo [MOA], Corey Toole [BRU], Harrison Goddard [BRU], Hoskins Sotutu [BLU]

3 – Andrew Kellaway [WAR], Caleb Clarke [BLU], Chay Fihaki [CRU], Declan Meredith [BRU], Folau Fakatava [HIG], Harry Plummer [BLU], Hugh Sinclair [WAR], Jahrome Brown [CHI], Jake Gordon [WAR], Joey Walton [WAR], Kaylum Boshier [CHI], Lachie Anderson [RED], Lawson Creighton [WAR], Nic Frost [BRU], Rieko Ioane [BLU], Rory Scott [BRU], Samipeni Finau [CHI], Simione Kuruvoli [DRU], Siosifa Amone [WAR], Soane Mikaele Vikena [HIG], Tamaiti Williams [CRU], Tane Edmed [WAR], Feleti Sa’e-Ta’ufo’ou [MOA], Vaiolini Ekuasi [FOR], Matt Faessler [RED]

2 – Brandon Paenga-Amosa [FOR], Selestino Ravutaumada [DRU], Isaia Walker-Leawere [HUR], Will Harris [FOR], William Havili [MOA], Ryan Lonergan [BRU], Ricky Riccitelli [BLU], Nick Champion De Crespigny [FOR], Kurt Eklund [BLU], Josh Flook [RED], Josh Jacomb [CHI], Julian Heaven [NSW], Jacob Devery [HUR], Isoa Nasilasila [DRU], Hunter Paisami [RED], Hamish Stewart [FOR], Dylan Pietsch [FOR], Chris Apoua [MOA], Codie Taylor [CRU], Danny Toala [MOA], Cam Suafoa [BLU], Ben Grant [WAR], Brad Shields [HUR], Anton Lienert-Brown [CHI], Anton Segner [BLU], Antonio Shalfoon [CRU], Fletcher Anderson [CRU]

1 – Allan Craig [MOA], Asafo Aumua [HUR], Caleb Delaney [HUR], Fabian Holland [HIG], Frank Lomani [DRU], Ilaisa Droasese [DRU], James Slipper [BRU], Kalani Thomas [RED], Marcel Renata [BLU], Max Burey [FOR], Mesake Vocevoce [DRU], Mesulame Dolokoto [DRU], Mitch Dunshea [HIG], Rob Valetini [BRU], Ryan Smith [RED], Sio Tomkinson [FOR], TK Howden [HIG], Tom Savage [MOA], Tuidraki Samusamuvodre [DRU], Xavier Numia [HUR], Taha Kemara [CRU], Sam Slade [MOA], Ethan de Groot [HIG]

Comments

2 Comments

GP 50 days ago

Crusaders hooker Ioane Moananu I thought would be higher ranking.Both as a starter for the Crusaders,or off the bench , as it was on Saturday.He has been worth his weight in gold. Codie Taylor is the starting All Black hooker and a real leader as he showed against the Drua. It is a great one -two punch with him and Ioane. It is a position of great strength in this country.

JW 50 days ago

Nareki is really on evelen? Holly hell what is that a 6 score and a 5 score?!?!

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Comments on RugbyPass

Cantab 16 days ago

Teenager Braxton Sorensen-McGee reflects on dream Black Ferns debut

Although NZ won comfortably enough they weren’t always convincing and a better opposition may well have found them out. If our gun 7s players can translate their skills to the 15s game the team would have the ability to beat anyone. Need to be given the chance though.

4 Go to comments

James 16 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

And how do you see the Wallabies loosehead / Lion’s tighthead battle Nick?

37 Go to comments

dw 16 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Also interested in your thoughts on A Bell. Haven't noticed many scrum issues recently. He also seems to play 60 or so mins every game. A bit of a fan (even though he’s a tah..) but wondered if the Lions would target his scrummaging

37 Go to comments

dw 16 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

True. And you look at how the European coaches have got so much out of skelton and how much the local fans love him…and then some Oz fans will still say “he played poorly for the tahs I'm 2015!”

37 Go to comments

dw 16 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Thanks Nick but your headline has just jinxed us and reminded me of that night in 2013!

I love any analysis of the scrums such as the above. Cheers.

Allalatoa seems to be in good form and Nongorr appears to be able to hold his own? I think they will pick Tupou regardless of form. After Friday night I am concerned he could be sent off in the first five mins of the test though! He got too pumped up and hit a player high and was carded

37 Go to comments

RedWarriors 16 days ago

'Most complacent selection decision you will ever see': Barrett benching slammed as Leinster knocked out

I watched the mainstream NZ pundits eg Mils Muliaina and they DID back NZ to win almost to a man.

Ireland will talk their team up as anyone would with the caveats we are playing the ABs and match was de facto 50:50, That is not the same as dismissing the opposition. EG After the quarter John Kirwan said he was sorry France didn’t win versus SA becuase a ‘France-NZ final would be perfect. (The semis had not even been played yet, England and Argentina completely dismissed! He didn’t even realize his own arrogance) NZ are not even aware of the arrogance they exude. Has no Kiwi politely asked the national team to take down the ‘Superstars and Humble Heroes’ boasting on the AB site? Its cringeworthy stuff. Do NZ really see themselves like this?

Note all this BS about Irish arrogance started just after NZs defeat in the 2022 series. Not a coincidence.

Also: this is Irish national TV. We will talk our team up as everyone does. We care too much about judgemental and thin skinned Kiwis getting offended.

91 Go to comments

JM 16 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Aussie rugby fans are obsessed with players they hate, for whatever reason.

Michael Hooper is another one, and the hatred only increased whenever he won John Eales medals or the two times he was nominated world player of the year.

I reckon it is because our forwards are technically and mentally weak they put it all on one player who they think should make way for the messiah.

Same for the general team performance and the hate put on players like White, Lolesio, and Foley who should be pulling rabbits out of the hat every play.

I reckon, if we had of had 5 players with Hooper’s desire and drive spread across the team (and especiallythe forwards), we wouldn’t have woken up in the bottom of the ditch.

37 Go to comments

RedWarriors 16 days ago

'What he’s given to this club is nothing short of incredible'

He shouldn’t have been picked. Not physically able for the most intense matches notably in Twickenham last year. Giving him the captaincy was also a very short sighted decision then after RWC 2023. Ireland have a tendency to be a little too loyal, which can mean the team ages and the rebuild is bigger than should be.

Plenty of lads out there to fill that squad.

4 Go to comments

OJohn 16 days ago

Geoff Parling returns to Leicester as head coach

Hooray

0 Go to comments

Carlos 16 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

He was also a YC magnet.

37 Go to comments

Carlos 16 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Windsor-Faulkner-Price. 😊

37 Go to comments

Solenn Bonnet 16 days ago

Leinster cleanse palette with record URC scoreline against Zebre

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0 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 16 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Ah, the Pooler front row ! Most legendary in the history of the , I would think. Max Boyce helped…”Here we. here we, here we go, with the Pontypool front row.”

37 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 16 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Would not go as far as whole house in our family, but for me, yes, W1. Loved playing in the scrum, love watching now😀

37 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 16 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Yes, I see that article here on RP, Nick. That is good news that Schmidt is going to look at the o’seas players.

Yes, I would think you are right that LAR will qualify. On the same points as MP, but surely they are too good not to win this crunch game….could be tEnse for ROG in the stands though.

37 Go to comments

BC 16 days ago

Who would make it into a Women's British and Irish Lions starting XV?

I would pick Oifa Wafer at 6, put Aldcroft in the second row with Ward. I think Wafer is one of the few non-England players mentioned that would contend for a Red Rose shirt, the others being King and possibly Neve Jones. Conversely there are two English players mentioned, Sing and Venner, that probably won’t even make the Red Rose WC squad, let alone a Lions Tour. Still a lot can change in two years, watch out for Millie David.

1 Go to comments

Otagoman II 16 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Great article NB, thanks. I would like to know what is the reasoning why so many things are penalties in the scrum. Is it to do with safety or something else?

37 Go to comments

NB 16 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

👍