Super Rugby Players Of Round 12

Patrick Tuipulotu – 1 Point

It was just his third game of the season, but Patrick Tuipulotu looked back to near his best on Saturday. The big lock produced an industrious effort at North Harbour Stadium, recording a team-high 18 carries and seven tackles and, crucially, got the Blues off to a strong start in the second half, scoring inside the opening minute. Up just 14-12 at halftime, the Aucklanders needed to produce a big second 40 to record a bonus point win, and Tuipulotu ensured they would do so by powering his way over the line to set up what became an onslaught of points from the Blues. His partnership with Sam Darry is looking like an elite one, with the duo really finding some form as we the business end of the season approaches.

Frank Lomani – 2 Points

There was a bit of a surprise in the Fijian Drua’s team list when it was announced last Wednesday, with Frank Lomani being named on the wing — his first time playing in that position in over five years — but the usual halfback looked right at home. His kicking was accurate and he was able to thrive in open space, which he fortuitously received a lot of, to help the Drua build a buffer in the second half. It was Lomani that set up Sikeli Rabitu’s second try, with a well-timed offload putting the full-back away in the corner, and the usual halfback’s constant runs really kept the Highlanders’ defence guessing, giving the Drua enough of an advantage to hold on for the win.

Ben Donaldson – 3 Points

Just who ends up being the first choice first five-eighth for the Wallabies this year is perhaps the golden question in Australian rugby at the moment, and Ben Donaldson certainly furthered his case with a stellar performance on Friday night to lead the Force over the Waratahs. It was a crucial win on the road for the men from Western Australia, and it was largely Donaldson who got them there, with his kicking being a thing of beauty. Whether it be chip kicks over the defence, hoofs down the field to get his team into better field position, or his goal kicking, Donaldson barely put a foot (or boot) wrong. His running game was also impressive, with the standout moment coming early in the second half as he sliced through the Tahs’ defence to set up Dylan Pietsch’s second try, which ultimately helped the Force seal the victory in Sydney.

Fraser McReight – 4 Points

Saturday’s Reds vs Brumbies clash was a huge one in terms of determining which Australian team would finish the season with the best record, and Fraser McReight put in a massive shift to steer his team to a 30-21 triumph. As one of the most consistent players in the competition, it came as no surprise that McReight was the Reds’ best, but his effort was really something to admire as he racked up a game-high 21 tackles, 12 carries and won three turnovers to allow Queensland’s pack to get the better of their Canberra counterparts and leapfrog them into the top four. Two of his turnover wins were big ones, firstly denying the visitors of an attacking opportunity in the Reds’ half before winning a penalty deep in Brumbies territory to allow Harry McLaughlin-Phillips slot over a penalty goal. McReight’s work often goes unnoticed but it was hard not to see him everywhere on Saturday.

Cam Roigard – 5 Points

After the Hurricanes’ dramatic loss to the Chiefs a couple of weeks ago, some people were questioning their title credentials and circled this clash with the Crusaders as a ‘prove it’ game for Clark Laidlaw’s team. Prove it they did, and their superstar halfback left his fingerprints all over the game. In terms of his direct involvements, Roigard had one try and one try assist, and he had the ball on a string with his box kicks. More than that, Roigard showed off his ability to unlock this dangerous Hurricanes back line. His service was often quick and accurate, helping Ruben Love and co. consistently get on the front foot, and his attack-first instincts helped get the Canes rolling, with his quick tap setting up the hosts’ first try of the night through Du’Plessis Kirifi. The halfback’s regular darts around the ruck resulted in cracks in the Crusaders’ defence and he made his presence known at the breakdown, for good measure, to round out another stellar performance from the All Black.

Leaderboard After Week 12

1st Fehi Fineanganofo (15 points)
2nd Cam Roigard (10 points)
T-3rd Callum Harkin (8 points)
T-3rd Fraser McReight (8 points)
T-5th Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (7 points)
T-6th Caleb Clarke (6 points)
T-6th Leicester Fainga’anuku (6 points)
T-8th Billy Proctor (5 points)
T-8th Miracle Faiʻilagi (5 points)
T-8th Taha Kemara (5 points)
T-8th Will Jordan (5 points)