Super Rugby Pacific performers of the week round 13

Marcel Renata (Blues)

Blues coach Vern Cotter observed that the Dura “don’t like being taken to the dark places.” That observation was vindicated in the Blues resounding 34-5 victory in Suva.

After securing two-thirds of possession, the visitors turned with a 22-0 advantage at halftime. Props Marcel Renata, Joshua Fusitu’a and Angus Ta’avao all crossed the line as the Blues uncomplicated, direct and brutal approach stymied any chance for the locals. Renata has scored tries in five consecutive matches. Fusitu’a scored his first try in 35 appearances for the Blues.

Maori All Black Renata is a mainstay for the Blues and was productive with nine tackles, four carries, and the application of pressure on Dura’s loosehead Haereti Hethet. The Blues lineout only wobbled after Renata departed.

Renata started in the Blues 19-18 victory over the Hurricanes in Round 8 and then missed a month injured. In that period, the Blues lost to the Crusaders and Reds. Since his return, the Blues have scored convincing victories over the Dura and Western Force 34-5.

When the Blues won the championship in 2024, Renata started the last five matches in a row, all of which the Blues won.

Earlier that season, Renata had the middle finger of his right hand amputated at the knuckle, allowing him to continue to pursue rugby at the professional level. His finger was crumpled, affecting his ability to perform everyday tasks.

Josh Canham (Reds) 

The Reds became the first team to win in Sydney in 2025, defeating the Waratahs 28-21. The Reds were down 14-0 but drew level by half-time and deserved their victory with 59% of possession.

Lock Josh Canham played a major role in the visitors’ success. He won eight of the Reds dozen lineouts. The Reds lineout was unblemished, the Warathas lost a third of their throws.

Canham was busy around the paddock with 11 carries and eight tackles. In the first half, he was denied a try and then subjected to a lifting tackle by Daniel Botha, which led to the prop’s yellow card.

Canham made his Wallabies debut on 7 September 2024, coming on as a substitute in the 66th minute for Nick Frost in a record 27-67 defeat against Argentina in Santa Fe. An Australia A tourist in Europe in 2024, Canham has started eight of ten matches for the Reds in 2025.

Of the six locks selected in the British and Irish Lions squad for their tour of Australia this week, only Irishman James Ryan (72 Tests, 58 wins) is taller than Canham.

Damian McKenzie (Chiefs)

The Chiefs did to the Crusaders what was done to them last Saturday, blanking their opposition in the second half.

A flurry of 32 unanswered points was triggered by an Emoni Narawa try after a skip pass by Damian McKenzie. The All Blacks first-five then seized the initiative after halftime with a trademark try, burning an inside defender.

Later, McKenzie equaled the feat of Stephen Donald at Lancaster Park in 2007 by scoring 20 points in a Christchurch win against the Crusaders. McKenzie has scored 20 or more points in a single game eight times for the Chiefs.

The Super Rugby record is held by Morne Steyn, who achieved the feat 20 times. Andrew Mehrtens (14), Daniel Carter (13), Beauden Barrett (13) and Richie Mo’unga (7) were others to break the twenty-point barrier unusually often.

Tom Hooper (Brumbies)

With 69% possession and 66% territory, the Brumbies eventually wore down the Force 33-14 in Perth.

Wallabies first five Noah Lolesio, was stretchered off with a reported spinal injury 19 minutes into the first half. That left the Brumbies rudderless on attack, but the industry of their forwards ensured they were in no real danger of losing.

Openside Tom Hooper was relentless with a chart-topping 21 carries and nine tackles. Despite conceding a couple of penalties, Hooper will likely add to his ten Wallabies Tests on his current form.

The Force’s defense was herculean at times. Jeremy Williams and Tom Robertson combined to make 62 tackles without a miss.

Ollie Sapsford marked his 50th Super Rugby match by scoring the Brumbies’ bonus point try.