Round Three of Super Rugby Pacific 2026 was historic for the Australians, completing the first clean sweep of Kiwi-based teams in a round since 2013.
It started with back-to-back wins on Friday as the Western Force accounted for Moana Pasifika, followed by a cruisy Queensland Reds victory over the Highlanders.
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The ACT Brumbies completed the trio of victories with a last-gasp winner against the Blues in Canberra.
Rugby.com.au breaks it down and selects its Team of the Week from the Australian teams in Round Three.
Slipper’s fairytale run continues in his record-breaking season, setting the Brumbies alight with a freak 50 metre grubber for Declan Meredith’s try.
But it was his scrummaging work alongside Rhys van Nek that was most impressive as they pieced apart the Blues park.
van Nek was especially effective, dominating a seasoned All Black in Ofa Tu’ungafasi to the extent that he was hooked from the park.
Faessler rounds out the front row thanks to a tidy night at set-piece time and a well-worked try, picking his moment to strike from a rolling maul.
Salakaia-Loto and Swain were physical beasts in their respective victories.
The Reds lock smacked the Highlanders up front, with his hit on Rohan Wingham an early contender for tackle of the year. He then bulldozed through the line for the well-deserved try and had the celebration to match the effect.
It was a similar showing from Swain, also getting on the scoresheet while controlling the line-out game with ease.
It’s always tough to split the back-rowers but Fraser McReight was a clear pick for openside in a true captain’s knock. He was relentless at breakdown time, made a ton of tackles and backed up the attacking raids to score the opener.
The other spots go to Valetini and Cale after they grinded down the Blues for a crucial win. The pair stepped up in the crunch moments, with Valetini delivering 11 carries in the second half comeback, all with big post-contact metres, while Cale was the hero who found the line for the match-winner.
Joe Brial, Vaolini Ekusasi and Harry Wilson were all excellent and could’ve easily made this side.
Another tough choice but Werchon gets the nod at nine as he continues to impress with no Tate McDermott.
His kicking game and delivery all night were rock solid, whilst showing off the goal-kicking with some nice conversions.
As for Donaldson, he looked like a threat whenever he touched the ball, setting up the first and should’ve set up the second if not for George Bridge’s brain fade.
This saw him just edge out Carter Gordon, who was influential throughout his return to Super Rugby and showed sparks of the playmaker that dominated in 2023.
Paisami bounced off defenders for fun as he enjoyed an entertaining battle with Timoci Tavatavanawai.
The centre was a constant threat carrying the ball with five tackle busts to go with some big carries.
For Bridge, he shrugged off bombing a try and delivered a world-class showing when the Force needed it.
The former All Black demanded the ball and caused Moana Pasifika trouble when he cut the ball back inside, slicing his way through for a try and five line breaks.
Ryan and Lancaster provided a tantalising insight into the potential future of the Wallabies down the line as the young wingers lit up Super Rugby.
The ‘Junkyard Dog’ looks even quicker in his third season of Super Rugby, torching the Highlanders for a try and several line breaks.
It was a similar story for Lancaster, starting his Force career with a try off his first touch and nearly a spectacular solo effort straight afterwards.
At the back, Muirhead edges out the rock solid Mac Grealy, steadying the Brumbies and providing the leadership to inspire the comeback.
