My favourite Super Rugby Polynesian XV

There have been a number of articles and discussion around Super Rugby and its likely future namely expansion– a sixth South African team, how to include an Argentinian franchise (if we should at all), Asian involvement and so on.

The suggestion of a Polynesian team, to perhaps be based in Auckland or Sydney, got me reminiscing about the fantastic Polynesian talent and influence we have been fortunate to see in the Super Rugby competition.

So I thought it would be a fun exercise to run through my favourite Polynesian players from Super Rugby throughout the years – not a best of, but my personal favourites.

1. Bill Cavubati (Hurricanes)
Big Bill was huge. Kids loved him and his big smile and warm nature was always a pleasure. Yes, I know he usually played tighthead but I couldn’t have Olo then, could I?

2. Motu Matu’u (Hurricanes)
I love his intensity and physicality. His hits are also mighty impressive and there is genuine excitement when he takes the field.

3. Olo Brown (Blues)
The cornerstone of the mighty Blues team which dominated Super Rugby for the first few years. He was one of the finest tightheads to ever play for the All Blacks.

4. and 5. Felipo Levi (Highlanders) and Inoke Afeaki (Hurricanes)
Levi was a mainstay of the Highlanders during the mid-2000s and I loved his consistency and commitment, while Afeaki played for Petone. Enough said. I also loved his multi-coloured head gear.

6. Jerry Collins (Hurricanes)
One of my all-time favourites. Fearless in defence and a high work rate. Will never forget his hit on Charvis (or Tana Umaga’s sportsmanship – cue Brian O’Driscoll comments).

7. Michael Jones (Blues)
I don’t think I have to explain this one. Freak of an athlete and considered one of the all-time greats of the game.

8. Sione Lauki (Chiefs)
Sione had his consistency issues but boy, when this guy was on he was on. He could be absolutely devastating on his day. I remember in one particular match a brutal fend on Richie Macaw. To make Richie look like a rag doll takes some doing!

9. Ofisa Tonu’u (Blues/Hurricanes)
Built like a tank, he formed a great partnership with Spencer during the Blues’ dominance. I always felt he was underrated as a halfback.

10. Lima Sopoaga (Highlanders)
Even though he left Petone I still like this kid. Great potential and grossly underrated. Very entertaining player to watch.

11. Rupeni Caucaunibuca (Blues)
Absolute freak of a rugby player with speed, strength and skill in spades. I was at the Caketin for Round 1 in 2002 and the Blues thumped us 60-7 with Howlett and Rupeni running wild, burning Lome Faatau on the outside with freakish acceleration and speed – staggering considering Lome was rather swift himself.

12. Tana Umaga (Hurricanes)
This was Umaga’s best position in my opinion. A highly respected and feared opponent, he’s one of the best Hurricanes and the first Polynesian captain of the All Blacks.

13.  Frank Bunce (Chiefs)
Rock solid in defence and one of my favourite players growing up. Well known for his defence but a strong ball carrier also.

14. Joeli Vidiri (Blues)
Exciting. Brilliant on his day and seemingly unstoppable at times on attack. Infectious smile and great bloke.

15. George Piatau (Blues)
Cannot speak highly enough of this kid. Massive future. Has all the skills and I watch the Blues alone to see him and Francis Saili play. Destined to be a modern great in my opinion.

And if I were to pick a ‘best of’ team, it would look something like this:

1. Peter Fatialofa
2. Kevin Mealamu
3. Olo Brown
4. Felipo Levi
5. Inoke Afeaki
6. Jerome Kaino
7. Michael Jones
8. Totai Kefu
9. Ofisa Tonu’u
10. Stephen Bachop
11. Jonah Lomu
12. Tana Umaga
13. Frank Bunce
14. Joe Rokocoko
15. Mils Muliaina