OPINION: As another round of Super Rugby finishes, we take a look at the stand-out performances of the New Zealand teams and, in particular, their players.
In the first match of the week, the Highlanders took on the Reds in Dunedin in a high scoring game, the Highlanders coming out on top 36-31.
The Crusaders took care of the Hurricanes 38-22 on Saturday, with a clinical performance in Christchurch.
The Chiefs were absolutely outclassed 54-17 in Canberra by a raging Brumbies side.
The Blues finished off a weekend of pretty poor performances from the Kiwi sides - aside from the Crusaders - with a 26-7 loss to the Sharks.
There were some outstanding individual performances in the second round from the Kiwis and Newshub's John Day named his star New Zealand XV from round two.
15-David Havili
Beating defenders from the back, like he did in his breakthrough 2017 campaign.
14-Manasa Mataele
What. An. Offload!
13-Matt Faddes
Came on as a substitute after 20 mins and made several game-changing plays.
12-Ryan Crotty
A classic Crotty performance that we're so used to seeing from the Crusaders talisman.
11-Ben Lam
Good to see him doing his thing again, after fading away last season.
10-Richie Mo'unga
An attacking masterclass and never backs away on defence.
9-Bryn Hall
A great combo with Mo'unga and no co-incidence the 'Saders stopped dominating when they both went off.
8-Whetu Douglas
A powerful workhorse off the back of the scrum.
7-Dalton Papalii
The busiest and easily the best Blues player on Kings Park.
6-Shannon Frizell
Exactly what the ABs selectors are looking for in a blindside. Huge game.
5-Quinten Strange
He's bulked up and is using it to good effect. Great in the lineout too.
4-Scott Barrett
The total package and right now, the best Barrett.
3-Owen Franks
Another top-drawer performance by the ABs tighthead
2-Dane Coles
The only Hurricanes forward who got the better of his opposite number.
1-Joe Moody
Backing up last week's effort with another strong outing.
Team is made-up of: 10 Crusaders, 2 Highanders, 2 Hurricanes, 1 Blues, 0 Chiefs
John Day is a Newshub and Magic Talk sports reporter.
