OPINION: Another week, another win for the Crusaders, but the exciting aspect for Scott Robertson would be the performance of his 'second-tier' players.
Braydon Ennor has been simply superb in his two 2018 starts, but the introduction of Will Jordan on the weekend just shows the type of class the red-and-blacks have at their disposal.
Just scary.
Ngani Laumape flexed his World Cup muscles against the Brumbies, while Ardie Savea is showing that a Kieran Read injury might not be as catastrophic in 2019.
All-in-all, there were some outstanding performances to savour in week three.
15-Will Jordan
Electric in his first Super Rugby start, the 21-year-old has 'future All Black' written all over him.
14-Braydon Ennor
Could be the quickest player in NZ, very busy on the right-wing.
13-Jack Goodhue
One of the best on the park at Suncorp, a complete performance.
12-Ngani Laumape
A happy homecoming for the blockbusting Manawatu midfielder, with three great tries.
11-Etene Nanai-Seturo
The Chiefs are horrible, but Nanai-Seturo has been the shining light.
10-Beauden Barrett
Controlled the game brilliantly in his first match of the season. Mo'unga is right there though.
9-TJ Perenara
Some magnificently tricky passes that all seemed to come off.
8-Ardie Savea
Harder to put down than 'Old Yeller', a brute with ball in hand and a menace at ruck time.
7-Du'Plessis Kirifi
Matched David Pocock at the breakdown, not many people can say that.
6-Shannon Frizell
Dropped the ball over the line for the potential match-winning try, but that shouldn't detract from another outstanding display.
5-Scott Barrett
Has really stood out, while Sam Whitelock has been chilling out at home.
4-Patrick Tuipolotu
Continues to impress, despite the Blues' struggles.
3-Owen Franks
A great job in the scrum yet again against a highly rated Reds front row.
2-Dane Coles
This team-of-the-week regular had an absolute blinder, doing everything that only Coles can do.
1-Joe Moody
Super Rugby's strongest man is an immovable force.
John Day is a Newshub sports reporter.
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