Super Rugby Pacific: There is an unexpected points leader after this week’s stats round-up

Dylan Coetzee
Super Rugby Pacific: Split with Gilbert, Wright and Fainga'anuku

After six rounds of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, Planet Rugby takes a closer look at the players who are key to the exciting rugby on show and who leads the rest in the respective individual statistics categories.

Top try-scorers

There is now a three-way tie as Chiefs star Shaun Stevenson has been caught by the impressive duo of Leicester Fainga’anuku and Jordan Petaia.

Robust Crusaders star Fainga’anuku has really taken the bit between the teeth and scored all seven of his tries in the last four games. His form is very, very impressive and is well timed with Sevu Reece ruled out for the World Cup.

Meanwhile, Petaia of the Reds looks brilliant on the wing. His physicality has always been notably good, but especially so in the outside channels and he deserves to be right up at the top of the pile.

Runners-up: Reds centre Josh Flook gets a special mention with his six tries as a player who looks dangerous with ball in hand and one to watch for the future. His blistering form has earned him a Wallabies call-up.

Top points-scorer

Round Six saw a relatively unexpected new leader in the points category as Highlander Sam Gilbert leapfrogged several high-profile stars to reach the summit.

The full-back kicked four conversions and a penalty to add to his try on the day, all of which tallied to an impressive 15 points. Given the slower start for the Highlanders, it is a brilliant effort to see Gilbert leading the pack.

Runners-up: There is star power aplenty hot on Gilbert’s heels, with Jordie Barrett, Richie Mo’unga and Damian McKenzie all within 10 points of him. We are in for a blockbuster race for the top points-scorer’s mantle this season.

Top tackler

There is no surprise to see Crusaders star Tom Christie continue leading the tackle count again this week with 96.

Christie seems to reach a double-figure count every week and notched up 13 tackles in his side’s win over the Reds. A relatively average week for him but still more than enough to keep him at the summit.

Runners-up: Reds flank Fraser Mcreight put in a monstrous shift making 19 tackles. Outrageous. He is still nine behind Christie on 85, whilst Western Force’s Ollie Callan is sticking with the leaders on 83.

Top carrier

Reds superstar number eight Harry Wilson emptied the tank yet again for his side making 18 carries against the defending champions. His work rate with ball in hand particularly is simply outstanding and is second to none in the competition with his lofty tally of 93.

The star’s form has earned him a two-year contract extension with the Reds.

Runners-up: The two-horse race in this category continues as Blues star Hoskins Sotutu is the only player remotely close to Wilson with 84 carries. Catching the rampant Red will take some doing this season.

Most defenders beaten

The gargantuan Timoci Tavatavanawai ripped his lead back from Mark Telea this week, who did not feature for the Blues.

The Moana Pasifika star beat eight defenders in Round Six and adds to his tally as he does every game, which is now on 35 players beaten.

Runners-up: Another Moana star, Levi Aumua, climbs this week into second with 32 players left in his wake. Telea hangs on with 31.

Running metres

Probably the most dynamic of all the categories sees electric Brumbies outside back Tom Wright take the lead for the first time this season.

The Wallabies star made an impressive 99 metres from full-back to push his total to 627 and grab a slim lead. Wright’s form has earned him a spot in the national squad.

Runners-up: There are a herd of stars just behind as Sotutu sits on 623 whilst the ever-present Wilson is only one metre behind the All Black.

Most line-outs won

The Brumbies continue their charge in the line-out category, and the theme remains the same, with the second-rows stealing the lead from each other every week. Once again, it bodes well for the Australian side.

This week it is Nick Frost with 33 takes after completing eight in round six and making a steal for good measure.

Runners-up: Cadeyrn Neville is only two behind his team-mate, with Josh Canham in the mix yet again. Another constant in this round is that Hurricanes’ Isaia Walker-Leaware is still the only New Zealand-based player in the top 10.

READ MORE: Super Rugby Pacific: Richie Mo’unga hits 100 for Crusaders against Moana Pasifika

Australia Shaun Stevenson Tom Wright

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