OPINION: Welcome back Sam Cane. The All Black flanker proved his 2019 credentials with a textbook performance for the Chiefs in their stunning win over the Crusaders.
Not bad for a bloke who had a broken neck just a few months ago.
He played so well we had to make an exception for Ardie Savea and shift him to the back of the scrum after another standout performance from the Hurricanes star.
- Super Rugby Team of the Week, Round 15
- Super Rugby Team of the Week, Round 14
- Super Rugby Team of the Week, Round 13
- Super Rugby Team of the Week, Round 12
- Super Rugby Team of the Week, Round11
- Super Rugby Team of the Week, Round 10
- Super Rugby Team of the Week, Round Nine
- Super Rugby Team of the Week, Round Eight
- Super Rugby Team of the Week, Round Seven
- Super Rugby Team of the Week, Round Six
- Super Rugby Team of the Week, Round Four
- Super Rugby Team of the Week, Round Three
- Super Rugby Team of the Week, Round Two
- Super Rugby Team of the Week, Round One
Super Rugby team of the week:
1. Atu Moli (Chiefs): How about that cut-out pass. Wouldn't look out of place in the number 10 jersey. Scrummed well in a struggling set piece but around the park he was sensational.
2. Samisoni Taukei'aho (Chiefs): Wow. Played 72 minutes in searing heat in Suva, Taukei'aho was simply sensational and has heaped a bunch of pressure on Nathan Harris next week.
3. Ofa Tuungafasi (Blues): Is having his best season of Super Rugby in a poor side that played arguably one of the most insipid games of 2019
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues): This was a tough pick in a weekend where only one lock forward stood out. But the Blues captain continues to be a menace with ball in hand so that gets him the nod
5. Scott Barrett (Crusaders): How good is this bloke. The first half try against the Chiefs showed pace and athleticism and he continues to be a lineout king.
6. Lachlan Boshier (Chiefs): Second week in a row for the Chiefs blindside and well deserved. Tackles the opposition to sleep and is a force around the breakdown.
7. Sam Cane (Chiefs): Scored a vital turnover that led to a Chiefs try but his defence is bone jarring. Steve Hansen's smile hasn't left his face after that 80 minutes.
8. Ardie Savea (Hurricanes): Probably the MVP of the season and too good to leave out so we switch him to the back of the scrum.
9. Brad Weber (Chiefs): Kept TJ Peranara out with a sensational showing in Suva. Speed of pass, option taking and defence. Must be in the ABs frame.
10. Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes): Quiet weekend for number 10's but Barrett was the best of the bunch with a solid outing in South Africa.
11. Braydon Ennor (Crusaders): Ennor is quietly pushing his case for a wing spot in the World Cup squad. He's been brilliant all year and offers great flexibility in the backline.
12. Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs): The best second-five in the world right now? Possibly. Certainly the best in New Zealand and once he settled in Suva he was unbelievably good.
13. Jack Goodhue (Crusaders): Was the best Crusader on show In Suva. His option taken is excellent.
14. Shaun Stevenson (Chiefs): Speed to burn. Gassed three Crusaders defenders for a match-defining try. Was solid all night.
15. David Havili (Crusaders): Aside from one defensive mishap he was brilliant. Cool, calm and collected and an underrated kicking game.
Brad Lewis is a digital sport producer for Newshub.
