Who were the standout performers in the first round of the Pacific Nations Cup?<\/p>\n
Workhorse No. 8 Tyler Ardron<\/a> debuted for Canada<\/a> in 2012 and has announced that 2025 will be his final season in international rugby. At 34 years old, he plays for Castres<\/a> in the Top 14<\/a> in France<\/a> and is on course to end his distinguished career on the highest note. Ardron became the first Canadian international since centre Kyle Nichols against Japan<\/a> in 2000 to score four tries in a Test match.<\/p>\n While his quartet of tries may not be the most spectacular in rugby history, it highlighted Ardron\u2019s ability to be in the right place at the right time, showcasing both determination and superior body positioning near the try line.<\/p>\n Ardron completed a hat-trick by halftime, as Canada overcame deficits twice during the match. In the 57th minute, with the score tied at 20-20, he blasted through the Eagles\u2019 defense, helping Canada take control and not concede again. Additionally, Ardron led the match in tackles (25) and carries (19), while also securing a handful of lineouts.<\/p>\n Canada had not beaten the USA since 2021 and had only won two of their last 16 encounters against the Eagles. Curiously, Ardron captained Canada 16 times without registering a win.<\/p>\n Piers Von Dadelszen (Canada)<\/p>\n Although the USA was solid in the scrums against Canada, they struggled in the lineout. Canada won 15 of 17 lineouts on their own possession, while the USA managed to secure only 58% of their ball. Von Dadelszen excelled in this area, winning seven lineouts and contributing 16 tackles, which helped to neutralize the Eagles\u2019 attack.<\/p>\n An engineering graduate from Oxford University, Von Dadelszen has played for the last two New England<\/a> teams that won Major League Rugby<\/a> championships. In 33 MLR matches he has 26 wins.<\/p>\n Patrick Pellegrini (Tonga)<\/p>\n Mercurial first five-eighth Patrick Pellegrini<\/a> has experienced a breakout year in 2025. He was exceptional for Moana Pasifika<\/a> during their groundbreaking Super Rugby Aupiki campaign, where they secured six victories. He scored tries in wins against the Crusaders<\/a> and Waratahs<\/a> and was exceptional in the North Harbour<\/a> Stadium conquest of the Hurricanes.<\/p>\n New Zealand Women\u2019s superstar Portia Woodman-Wickliffe spoke to RugbyPass after receiving the prestigious, inaugural RugbyPass Women\u2019s Top 50 award this week. <\/p>\n![\"Video](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/spacer-new.png\")
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe receives Women\u2019s Top 50 award<\/p>\n