Super Rugby Pacific team of the week: Blues and Crusaders dominate after semi-final wins

After the first ever Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals, Planet Rugby breaks down the key performers from a thrilling weekend of rugby.

The Blues and Crusaders take up most of the team but there is a strong showing from the Brumbies who very nearly toppled the Auckland men at Eden Park.

15 Stephen Perofeta (Blues): The versatile star continued his sublime form again this weekend. A complete performance contributing accurately to the kicking game (both out of hand and at goal), attack and defence. The full-back held up a certain try with an unbelievable defensive effort – a play that would prove vital for the game’s outcome.

14 Jonah Lowe (Chiefs): The wing worked hard in his team’s defeat to the Crusaders, and whilst he did not set the game alight, Lowe completed the fundamentals of the game efficiently whilst looking threatening with ball in hand.

13 Reiko Ioane (Blues): The lightning-fast centre continues his blistering form breaking the line on one occasion whilst carrying the ball 64 metres in seven carries. Ioane is performing consistently and proving his worth as a world-class centre.

12 Irae Simone (Brumbies): A physically powerful performance from the centre began with a brilliant try early on where Simone ran over the top of Beauden Barrett to score and give his side early momentum. Making just short of 50 metres from eight carries, the centre was massive for the Brumbies. The Crusaders’ David Havili also had a notably good performance in the semi-final.

Irae Simone gives the Brumbies the perfect start at Eden Park. #BLUvBRU pic.twitter.com/nblV2KbOkU

— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) June 11, 2022

11 Mark Telea (Blues): The wing finished a good team try and looked to get involved in the game wherever possible. Solid