"Fainga’anuku on Fire" - Team of the Week: New Zealand NPC Round 2

Taranaki fired an early warning shot with a dominant 46-24 dismantling of North Harbour, hooker Bradley Slater stealing the headlines with a rare front-row hat-trick. Wellington kept their perfect start intact, holding off a determined Waikato side 35-24 in Hamilton, while Tasman bounced back from a first-round loss to smash Manawatū 49-17 in Nelson – Leicester Fainga’anuku marking his comeback with a double.

Bay of Plenty’s clinical finishing proved too much for Counties Manukau in a 39-22 win in Pukekohe, while Hawke’s Bay edged Otago 27-21 in a tense battle under the roof in Dunedin. Canterbury ground out a gritty 19-15 victory over Auckland in Christchurch, the red-and-blacks’ trademark patience and defence proving decisive in wet conditions. And in the Far North, Northland staged a second-half surge to overturn Southland 22-17.

It was a weekend of powerful forward packs, game-breaking backs, and individual moments of brilliance. From rolling maul specialists to try-scoring wingers and relentless defenders, here’s our selection for Round 2’s standout performers with RUCK's Team of the Week.

15. Sam Gilbert (Otago) – Sparked Otago’s revival against Hawke’s Bay with a superb line-break that set up Nareki’s try. The fullback was calm under the high ball, accurate off the boot, and dangerous in broken play, creating momentum-shifting moments that kept the Magpies’ defence under constant examination.

14. Leicester Fainga’anuku (Tasman) – In just his second game back after injury, the All Black wing was a force of nature against Manawatū, bagging two tries. His mix of pace and brute strength shredded defenders, while his timing and reading of play ensured he was perfectly placed to finish.

13. Jone Rova (Canterbury) – Scored the match-winner in wet, slippery conditions against Auckland, reacting first to Johnny McNicholl’s clever grubber. Strong defensively, shutting down Auckland’s midfield, and offered bursts of attacking energy to keep Canterbury on the front foot in a tight second-half battle.

12. David Havili (Tasman) – Pulled strings in midfield during Tasman’s seven-try blitz. Assisted Fainga’anuku’s opener with a perfectly timed pass and consistently directed traffic. Balanced creative touches with defensive authority, shutting down Manawatū’s attack while maintaining control in a high-tempo game.

11. Jona Nareki (Otago) – Grabbed a well-taken try in Otago’s comeback effort, finishing off Gilbert’s break with pace and precision. Worked tirelessly in kick chases, tested defenders with elusive running, and offered constant threat out wide in a narrow defeat.

10. Jackson Garden-Bachop (Wellington) – Controlled Wellington’s 35-24 victory over Waikato with sharp game management. Scored a try himself after slick link play, kicked with accuracy, and varied the attack to exploit gaps. Steered the Lions through key momentum swings away from home.

9. Ere Enari (Hawke’s Bay) – Bagged a brace in the first half against Otago, both from instinctive support lines. Controlled ruck tempo, linked well with forwards, and kicked smartly to pin the opposition deep, guiding the Magpies to a crucial road win.

1. PJ Scheck (Wellington) – Opened Wellington’s scoring with a try from a driving maul. Solid at the set piece, smashed rucks to secure possession, and carried hard in heavy traffic to help secure a valuable away win.

2. Bradley Slater (Taranaki) – A hat-trick hero from the rolling maul, leading Taranaki’s forward dominance. His lineout throwing was on point, his tackling relentless, and he inspired the pack to one of the round’s most powerful displays.

3. Jared Proffit (Taranaki) – Snatched a loose ball to score in a game-changing moment against North Harbour. Strong in the scrum, made crucial tackles, and added punch in tight carries during Taranaki’s emphatic away win.

4. Lopeti Faifua (Tasman) – Scored off a perfectly executed long throw and dominated the aerial contest. Brought physicality in defence, disrupted Manawatū’s lineout ball, and kept Tasman’s set-piece platform rock solid throughout the match.

5. Zac Gallagher (Canterbury) – Scored a crucial try to close the gap on Auckland. Excelled in the lineout, added muscle in defence, and was a constant physical presence around the ruck and maul in a close-fought battle.

6. Adam Brash (Counties Manukau) – Crossed for a vital try that narrowed Bay of Plenty’s lead in a tense second half. Was a relentless presence at the breakdown and never shied away from the physical contest.

7. Ethan Blackadder (Tasman) – Immense work rate in attack and defence, including a key role in Havili’s set-up for Fainga’anuku’s first try. Dominated breakdowns, disrupted opposition ball, and led Tasman’s physicality in a commanding victory.

8. Devan Flanders (Hawke’s Bay) – Crashed over for a first-half try with low, powerful leg drive. Constantly punched through Otago’s defensive line, offered offload options, and remained a rock in defence, making big tackles during key moments under the roof.