Super Rugby team of the week: Hurricanes midfielder Billy Proctor sends a message to All Blacks coach Dave Rennie
Tuesday, 12 May 2026
ANALYSIS: There will be a few midfielders in New Zealand quietly celebrating Leicester Fainga’anuku’s move into the loose forwards.
Fainga’anuku is making himself a certainty for All Blacks squad selection but might be also doing himself out of a starting spot, either in No 13 or No 7.
That leaves Hurricanes midfielder Billy Proctor with one less contender to worry about, although his greatest rival is arguably Anton Lienert-Brown.
Dave Rennie’s Kobe side beat the Malcolm Marx-powered Kubota Spears at the weekend to secure top spot in Japan Rugby League One, with Lienert-Brown featuring in the Kobe No 13 jersey.
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Rennie and Lienert-Brown go way back - there is obviously a lot of trust between the player and coach.
But Proctor did his own chances no harm with his performance against Moana Pasifika on Saturday.
Despite the tough conditions, Proctor produced three try assists in the latest example of how well he moves the ball into space.
If the All Blacks want to build a game plan around getting the ball to their dangerous outside backs, Proctor is a strong contender.
He is the No 13 in The Post’s team of the week.
15 Josh Moorby (Hurricanes): The closest thing to the next Ben Smith in New Zealand rugby scored four times against Moana Pasifika.
14 Caleb Tangitau (Highlanders): Embarrassed multiple Waratahs defenders with his pace and evasive skills, but don’t overlook the beautiful flat ball at the line that almost set up a Jona Nareki try.
13 Billy Proctor (Hurricanes): A major reason why the Hurricanes wingers have scored 1000 tries this season.
12 Quinn Tupaea (Chiefs): Enjoyed a rugged battle with Reds and Wallabies midfielder Hunter Paisami and was typically strong in defence and attack.
11 Jonah Lowe (Highlanders): Departing midfielder/winger picked up two tries and a try assist as the southerners’ attack finally clicked.
10 Rivez Reihana (Crusaders): Forgettable start to the contest but grew into it and took his try nicely with some good footwork.
9 Xavier Roe (Chiefs): Fed his big ball runners well and cleverly milked a penalty to set up the Chiefs’ second try.
8 Wallace Sititi (Chiefs): Wins a tight decision against Christian Lio-Willie but Sititi’s two tries were critical in a tough contest against the Reds.
7 Leicester Fainga’anuku (Crusaders): Can’t be kept out of the game at the moment and showed lovely hands in the lineout move that set up a popular try for George Bower.
6 Ethan Blackadder (Crusaders): Could be penalised for five offences at every ruck but his work rate and toughness can’t be questioned.
5 Jamie Hannah (Crusaders): Showed nice skill to scoop up the loose ball for his try and got around the paddock effectively. Playing under the roof suits him.
4 Tupou Vaa’i (Chiefs): Senior lock stepped up when Josh Lord was forced off after 35 minutes and won crucial breakdown penalty in second half.
3 Angus Ta’avao (Highlanders): He has aged like a fine wine and the All Blacks could do a lot worse than take the 36-year-old on tour to South Africa.
2 Codie Taylor (Crusaders): Busy and physical performance from the All Blacks veteran to set up the game perfectly for replacement George Bell.
1 Ethan de Groot (Highlanders): Destroyed the Waratahs set-piece and All Blacks scrum coach Jason Ryan - who was at Highlanders HQ last week - will be praying he stays fit.