Super Rugby standout leads top performers in Pacific Nations Cup

In the opening round of the 17th edition of the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup, there were two upsets.

In Calgary, Canada conquered the USA for the first time in five years, 34-20. In Nuku’alofa, Tonga had the better of four-time champions Samoa 30-17.

Who were the standout performers in the first round of the Pacific Nations Cup?

Tyler Ardron (Canada)

Workhorse No. 8 Tyler Ardron debuted for Canada in 2012 and has announced that 2025 will be his final season in international rugby. At 34 years old, he plays for Castres in the Top 14 in France and is on course to end his distinguished career on the highest note. Ardron became the first Canadian international since centre Kyle Nichols against Japan in 2000 to score four tries in a Test match.

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While his quartet of tries may not be the most spectacular in rugby history, it highlighted Ardron’s ability to be in the right place at the right time, showcasing both determination and superior body positioning near the try line.

Ardron completed a hat-trick by halftime, as Canada overcame deficits twice during the match. In the 57th minute, with the score tied at 20-20, he blasted through the Eagles’ defence, helping Canada take control and not concede again. Additionally, Ardron led the match in tackles (25) and carries (19), while also securing a handful of lineouts.

Canada had not beaten the USA since 2021 and had only won two of their last 16 encounters against the Eagles. Curiously, Ardron captained Canada 16 times without registering a win.

Piers Von Dadelszen (Canada)

Although the USA was solid in the scrums against Canada, they struggled in the lineout. Canada won 15 of 17 lineouts on their own possession, while the USA managed to secure only 58% of their ball. Von Dadelszen excelled in this area, winning seven lineouts and contributing 16 tackles, which helped to neutralise the Eagles’ attack.

An engineering graduate from Oxford University, Von Dadelszen has played for the last two New England teams that won Major League Rugby championships. In 33 MLR matches, he has 26 wins.

Patrick Pellegrini (Tonga)

Mercurial first five-eighth Patrick Pellegrini has experienced a breakout year in 2025. He was exceptional for Moana Pasifika during their groundbreaking Super Rugby Aupiki campaign, where they secured six victories. He scored tries in wins against the Crusaders and Waratahs and was exceptional in the North Harbour Stadium conquest of the Hurricanes.

Pellegrini has always been capable of dazzling attacks, but at times, he needs to be more methodical. In this match, he showcased sparks of flair while adhering to structure, avoiding overplaying his hand. He goal-kicked superbly, successfully converting three tries and making three penalties.

Pellegrini was well-supported by a robust forward display, with Tonga winning 10 of their 11 lineouts and scoring a try from a rolling maul. In contrast, Samoa struggled, winning only 60% of their own possession. No. 8 Lote Inisi was busy, making 11 tackles and nine carries.

As for Pellegrini, he has won five of his 13 Tests for Tonga, scoring a total of 53 points. Tonga has only won 27 of their 68 Tests against Samoa.

Points Flow Chart

Tonga win +14

Time in lead

76

Mins in lead

0

93%

% Of Game In Lead

0%

51%

Possession Last 10 min

49%

7

Points Last 10 min

5

Iakopo Petelo-Mapu (Samoa)

Iakopo Petelo-Mapu comes from the village of Fale’ula on Upolu, Samoa’s second-largest island. His rugby journey has taken him from Wesley College (Samoa) to Massey High School (Auckland), Kia Toa (Palmerston North), Moana Pasifika, Northampton, and Stade Francais.

Petelo-Mapu is highly sought after due to his tireless work rate and combative physical edge. In a match where Samoa was outmuscled, Petelo-Maputo refused to buckle, leading Samoa with a dozen carries and gaining 69 meters. He also made six tackles.