Franco Molina Shines as Super Rugby Pacific Kicks Off
The 31st edition of the Super Rugby Pacific tournament has begun, with Argentinian players making their mark. Franco Molina stood out for his team, Western Force, by scoring a try in the opening match.
A Strong Start to the Season
The first round of Super Rugby Pacific saw action across the competition. Highlanders defeated the defending champions, Crusaders, 25-23, in a closely contested match. Tomás Lavanini did not participate for Highlanders.
Argentinian Contributions to Western Force
Western Force faced a tough challenge against the Brumbies, ultimately falling 24-56. Franco Molina played a key role from the start, and Leonel Oviedo contributed as a substitute. Molina successfully grounded the ball after a pass from Ben Donaldson.
Other Results from Round 1
Additional matches in the first round included a 36-12 victory for the Waratahs over the Reds, a 40-26 away win for Moana Pasifika against Fijian Drua, and a 19-12 win for the Chiefs against the Blues.
Super Rugby Pacific Format
The Super Rugby Pacific format was adjusted in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, limiting play to franchises in Australia and New Zealand. In 2022, the competition continued with teams from Australia and New Zealand, leading to the departure of the Argentinian Jaguares and the Japanese Sunwolves. South African teams moved to the United Rugby Championship. The Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika joined the following year.
Currently, the championship features 11 teams competing in a round-robin format. Each team plays 14 matches over 16 rounds, with two bye weeks. The top six teams advance to the playoffs.
The playoff format involves matchups between the 1st vs 6th, 2nd vs 5th, and 3rd vs 4th ranked teams. The highest-ranked losing team from these matches qualifies for the semifinals as the fourth seed, playing away from home. The final is scheduled for June 20th.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Super Rugby Pacific?
Super Rugby Pacific is the premier rugby union club competition in the Southern Hemisphere.
How many teams are in Super Rugby Pacific in 2026?
There are 11 teams competing in the 2026 season.
What is the playoff format?
The top six teams qualify for the playoffs, with a series of matches leading to a final on June 20th.
Did you realize? Franco Molina is set to join Newcastle Red Bulls after the conclusion of the Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Stay tuned for more updates on Super Rugby Pacific and the performance of Argentinian players throughout the season!
