Super Rugby Players Of Round 11

Damian McKenzie – 1 Point

Dmac has been the rock of the Chiefs’ back line this season and it was no different on Sunday, helping his side pick up a bonus point win over the Fijian Drua. There was nothing particularly fancy about McKenzie’s performance, but he was constantly able to get the Chiefs into the right parts of the field and played a key role in a couple of his team’s tries to keep the Fijians at bay. He also had some key defensive contributions, with 10 tackles, while showing some good pace at the death to win a foot race to deny the Drua a try and, crucially, keep the Chiefs’ bonus point in tact.

Dalton Papalii – 2 Points

Continuing the theme of loosies in the Players of the Week, Dalton Papali’i deserves high praise for his effort in the Blues’ gritty 36-33 Super Point win over the Reds. There were a few moments of brilliance from both teams that got the headlines from this game, but Papali’i was the key cog in the Blues’ win, continually shutting down Queensland’s attacks in tight while scoring a try of his own early in the second half. The Blues’ set piece and ruck defence was strong, and Papali’i played a big role there, while also getting stuck in elsewhere with nine carries — beating four defenders in the process — 19 tackles and one turnover.

Leicester Fainga’anuku – 3 Points

It would have felt crazy one week ago to mention Leicester Fainga’anuku’s name in a section praising the Crusaders’ forward pack, but here we are. Rob Penney raised a lot of eyebrows when naming the hard-running centre and win at openside flanker last Wednesday, but the selection certainly paid off, with Fainga’anuku keeping the Waratahs on the back foot all night long. His game-high 19 carries were often impactful and he was often able to keep the ball alive, finding support players in offloads or getting past the advantage line to make a real difference. He made a couple of mistakes and infringements on the night, but it was only right that he was rewarded with a true forward’s try, powering over from close range to leave his mark on the scoreboard and close out a memorable 80-minute shift.

Dom Gardiner – 4 Points

The Crusaders were able to make it a winning start to life in their new stadium, and it was the forward pack, led by Dom Gardiner, who were largely responsible for the victory. The big men from the hosts dominated the breakdown but were also impressive in open play, which was best illustrated by Gardiner’s try assist to send Dallas McLeod away to run 40m for the try. However, the loose forward was also involved in a lot of the dirty work, compiling 16 carries, 10 tackles and one line break, while also helping the Crusaders dominate at set piece. The Cantabrians have been been a loose forward factory in their time, and Gardiner looks to be on track to be another special Christchurch product.

Fehi Fineanganofo – 5 Points

Fehi Fineanganofo has been the form winger of the competition in 2026, and things didn’t change in the Super Round as he scored four tries to help the Hurricanes dismantle the Brumbies. It was a finishing masterclass from Fineanganofo, as he completed his hat-trick in the first half, before scoring his best try of the night in the second half, as he collected a kick behind the Brumbies’ defence and won the foot race to put the Hurricanes up by 28 points. It was a memorable night for the Canes’ wingers, with Fineanganofo, Josh Moorby and replacement Jone Rova scoring all seven of the team’s tries, but Fineanganofo’s running lines and his power have separated him from the rest of the wingers in the competition so far in 2026, and he is looking right on track for All Blacks selection.

Leaderboard After Week 11

1st Fehi Fineanganofo (15 points)
2nd Callum Harkin (8 points)
3rd Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (7 points)
T-4th Caleb Clarke (6 points)
T-4th Leicester Fainga’anuku (6 points)
T 6th Cam Roigard (5 points)
T 6th Will Jordan (5 points)
T 6th Billy Proctor (5 points)
T 6th Taha Kemara (5 points)
T 6th Miracle Faiʻilagi (5 points)