Super Rugby Pacific team of the week for round seven

Super Rugby Pacific has a new top dog after round seven, with the Hurricanes surging up to first on the ladder following their hard-fought win over the Highlanders.

The Hurricanes moved ahead of the undefeated Chiefs on points difference, which sets up a titanic clash between the competitions top two sides in round eight – but one thing at a time.

This is about the week that was, and fans were treated to four quality games across two nights of unmissable action.

Playmaker Richie Mo’unga celebrated his 100^th match in Crusaders colours with a tough win over Moana Pasifika in Christchurch. Later that night, the Brumbies ended a long-lasting Brisbane hoodoo with an emphatic win over the Reds.

The Hurricanes and Blues made a statement with solid victories as well.

Following every round of Super Rugby Pacific this season, RugbyPass will name its team of the week. Here’s the TOTW for round seven.

15. Tom Wright (Brumbies)

In a team full of superstars, fullback Tom Wright continues to stand out for the Brumbies. The Wallaby was one of the Brumbies’ best on Friday night, as the Australian powerhouse recorded an emphatic win over rivals the Reds.

Wright was in the middle of everything throughout the entire 80 minutes – especially on attack. The former NRL playmaker crossed for his first five-pointer of the season in the 15^th minute, and also played a role in a number of the Brumbies’ tries.

In the end, the fullback finished with an incredible state line which sees him pip the Crusaders’ Fergus Burke in the race for the No. 15 jersey in the round seven team of the week. Wright ran for 128 metres from 11 carries, beat two defenders and made three line breaks.

14. Mark Telea (Blues)

If the opening seven rounds of this year’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign has taught fans anything, it’s that there are three certainties in life. Of course there are death and taxes, but Mark Telea lighting up for the Blues also has to be up there.

The All Black continued his strong form with a two-try blitz against the Rebels in Melbourne. Telea’s first try was especially impressive as he split a couple of defenders – including Italy international Monty Ioane – on his way to the house.

Telea ran for a round-high 150 metres from 13 tackles, beat eight defenders, and didn’t miss any tackles on the night.

13. Levi Aumua (Moana)

Moana Pasifika fell short of what would’ve been an incredible upset in round seven, but their efforts were not in vain. While they managed to win over plenty of supporters with their valiant display, one of their superstars has rightfully earnt a place in the team of the week.

Rampaging outside centre Levi Aumua was a man on a mission against the Crusaders. When the underdogs needed someone to stand up, Aumua answered the call – more than once as well. A first half brace spurred Moana Pasifika onto a stunning half-time lead.

Aumua made All Blacks look schoolboys midway through the first half, as he ran over everyone and anyone seemingly at will. The centre carried the ball 11 times for almost 70 metres, and beat six defenders as well. Hurricanes No. 13 Billy Proctor was a very close second, however.

12. Dallas McLeod (Crusaders)

Inside centre was one of the most hotly contested positions in round seven. Blues midfielder Harry Plummer was outstanding against the Rebels, and Thomas Umaga-Jensen stood out during the Highlanders’ loss to the Hurricanes. But Dallas McLeod was on another level last weekend.

The No. 12 ran the ball with purpose every time it came as way, but made his mark on the defensive side of the sport – finishing with 15 tackles, which was the second-most out of any Crusaders player.

11. Salesi Rayasi (Hurricanes)

I hope All Blacks coach Ian Foster is watching the Hurricanes every week – and I’m sure he is – because Salesi Rayasi continues to score tries for fun. The flying winger scored his fifth and sixth tries of the season during the win in Dunedin.

Rayasi showcased his athleticism, strength and speed with these try-scoring efforts. By the end of the match, the winger had carried the ball 11 times for almost 40 meters.

10. Richie Mo’unga (Crusaders)

Milestone man Richie Mo’unga will go down in Super Rugby history as one of the greatest players to have ever worn a Crusaders jersey. The playmaker played his 100^th match for the Christchurch-based franchise on Friday, and celebrated the occasion with what was arguably a player of the match display.

Mo’unga had the ball on a string off the kicking tee, but his performance goes well beyond some clutch kicks. The first-five danced his way through the Moana Pasifika defence to setup All Black Codie Taylor for an early try – setting the tone for what was to come. With 13 points to his name, the impact that Mo’unga had on the Crusaders’ round seven thriller cannot be ignored.

Blues pivot Beauden Barrett also silenced some critics with a stunning performance over the Rebels, while his opposite Carter Gordon also impressed.

9. Cam Roigard (Hurricanes)

Halfback was the toughest position to pick this week. Scrumhalf Finlay Christie scored two tries during the Blues’ win over the Rebels, and was named player of the match. But Hurricanes No. 9 Cam Roigard gets the nod this week, after the 22-year-old orchestrated a tough win over Kiwi opposition.

Roigard has emerged as a genuine All Blacks bolter ahead of this year’s Rugby World Cup. The rising star looked cool, calm and collected throughout his time out in the middle at Forsyth Barr Stadium, and finished with a try assist and one of his own as well.

The scrumhalf intercepted a flick pass from his opposite Folau Fakatava, and ran about 70 metres to the house at a crucial stage in the match. This is a player with plenty of potential, who could end up becoming an All Black by the end of the year.

1. Joe Moody (Crusaders)

Super Rugby veteran Joe Moody was outstanding at the set-piece. Moody won a scrum penalty for his side during the first half, and was otherwise impressive. The All Black carried the ball with purpose and was solid in defence as well.

2. Ricky Riccitelli (Blues)

Crusaders hooker Codie Taylor was brilliant against Moana Pasifika, and came very close to a team of the week selection – but Ricky Riccitelli was even better. The Blues No. 2 was accurate at the lineout, defended well, and was lively on the attacking side of the ball as well.

Riccitelli scored a try late in the first half after peeling off the back of a maul. In the context of the match, this was a crucial score for the visitors. Around the park, the hooker ran the ball 13 times and finished with 100 per cent tackle accuracy from eight attempts.

3. Nepo Laulala (Blues)

Blues prop Nepo Laulala continued to impress in round seven, having scrummed quite well against a physical Melbourne Rebels outfit. But the All Black also made his mark around the field, having run the ball eight times and making four tackles.

4. James Blackwell (Hurricanes)

Hurricanes lock James Blackwell is one of the hardest working players in Super Rugby – and that’s been quite clear for a number of years now. Against the Landers on Saturday, the second rower was relentless in both attack and defence. To put it simply, he was everywhere.

Blackwell crossed for a try early in the second half, as he was rewarded for his efforts around the park. The lock was the go-to man at the lineout for the Hurricanes, and also finished with an elite 12 tackles and 13 carries.

5. Dominic Gardiner (Crusaders)

Lock Dominic Gardiner was sensational for the Crusaders in round seven. The rising star continued to impress with another try on Friday night, and was otherwise impactful around the field. Gardiner carried the ball six times and making 14 tackles, and beats Brumbies lock Nick Frost into the team of the week as a result.

6. Rob Valetini (Brumbies)

Rob Valetini is world-class, not that’s not exactly breaking news but it seems like a good starting point. The backrower is just that good – you can’t ignore it. Playing against the Reds in Brumbies, Valetini made his mark in defence but punished his opponents in attack.

Valetini made nine tackles on the night, but also carried the ball a staggering 12 times – which included a try in the 73^rd minute.

7. Du’Plessis Kirifi (Hurricanes)

There are two Hurricanes in the round seven team of the week, starting with openside flanker Du’Plessis Kirifi. Right from the get-go, you could tell Kirifi was on song in Dunedin. The loose forward made an impressive burst into the Landers’ 22 early in the match, and continued to impress throughout the contest.

Kirifi carried the ball 11 times, but was especially impressive on the defensive side of the ball. The flanker made an incredible 14 tackles, and was also busy around the breakdown.

8. Ardie Savea (Hurricanes)

World-class backrower Ardie Savea is the final addition to the round seven team of the week. The Hurricanes captain returned to the run-on side against the Highlanders and certainly didn’t look out of place – not that ever does on a rugby field.

Savea was wreaking havoc with the ball, and also got stuck in on the defensive side of the contest. The No. 8 finished with 100 per cent tackle accuracy from 11 attempts, and also beat one defender from his eight carries.