Super Rugby Aotearora Team of the Week - Round 1

The opening round of Super Rugby is back and both games were an exciting start to the tournament. From Bryn Gatlands drop goal winner to beat the Chiefs to the speed and power of Caleb Clarke. Here is our Team of the Week.

Front Row: Aidan Ross (Chiefs), Ash Dixon (Highlanders), Ofa Tu'ungafasi (Blues)

Both Ross and Tu'ungafasi managed the tight phases of the game well with solid scrum performances and good carries. Ash Dixon scored a try and made 10 tackles beating Dane Coles to the number 2 jumper this week

Second Row: Naitoa Ah Kuoi (Chiefs), Tupou Vaa’i (Chiefs)

The Chiefs lock pairing both put in great shifts in a losing cause. Ah Kuoi came on early for Brown beating 3 defenders and putting in 6 tackles with 6 carries.

Loose Trio: Tom Robinson (Blues), Dillon Hunt (Highlanders), Hoskins Sotutu (Blues)

Robinson Hunt and Sotutu all contributed with powerhouse performances. Marino Mikaele Tu'u unlucky to miss out on the 8 jumper.

Halfbacks: Aaron Smith (Highlanders), Otere Black (Blues)

Brilliant by Aaron Smith but the half back stand out performance has to be Otere Black who must be feeling the pressure with Beauden Barrett and Dan Carter hunting the 10 jersey at the Blues. Black hardly put a foot wrong on the day and was 100% off the kicking tee

Backs (11-15): Caleb Clarke (Blues), TJ Faine (Blues), Rieko Ioane (Blues),  Mark Telea (Blues), Damian McKenzie (Chiefs)

Brilliant play by Rieko Ioane to set up Caleb Clarke who finishes well

🤩 Will we see more stunning moments like this in the second half? Tune into @skysportnz to find out!#BLUvHUR pic.twitter.com/RPRjcjyw1R

— Super Rugby (@SuperRugbyNZ) June 14, 2020

The Blues dominate the backline after their performance against the Hurricanes. With Black and Barrett pulling the strings, Faine and Ioane had space and quality ball to run riot freeing up Clarke and Telea to run riot. Damian McKenzie was solid and may not have been his usual dazzling self but earned 3 turnovers and linked exceptionally well.

Beauden Barrett may have missed out narrowly on the TOTW he still gets a mention after Sky Sport picked up this bit of entertainment after the Dane Coles try from the Player Cam.

😂The @beaudenbarrett 'Player Cam' on Sky Sport Channel 50 picked up this absolute gem as Beaudy gets caught in the middle of his former team's try celebration on his @BluesRugbyTeam debut 😂😂😂 @Hurricanesrugby @SuperRugbyNZ #BLUvHUR pic.twitter.com/RSBdMh12Ss

— Sky Sport NZ (@skysportnz) June 14, 2020