OPINION: Mitch Hunt was a man on a mission against the Hurricanes this week.
Although he couldn't lead his side to victory, he was the most likely to break open the defence and did it on several occasions and got straight back up after a crunching hit from Asafo Aumua too.
Here's who else impressed:
1-Ayden Johnstone (Highlanders)
Fifteen big tackles and scrummed pretty well.
2-Asafo Aumua (Hurricanes)
Ran like a man possessed against the Highlanders, put in hits galore and threw very well on a windy afternoon in the capital. His best game in a Hurricanes jersey.
3-Ofa Tuungafasi (Blues)
Was a big part of the Blues scrum success, made a load of tackles too.
4-Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues)
Another strong performance from the inspirational captain. He's leading from the front, made plenty of bruising tackles and stayed in the fight for the full 80 minutes.
5-Scott Scrafton (Hurricanes)
Made 10 tackles in a great defensive display and jumped very well in the lineout, earning a couple of turnovers there.
6-Akira Ioane (Blues)
Really starting to find his feet at blindside flanker with Sotutu in fine form at No.8, Ioane made a game-high 14 tackles.
7-Dalton Papali'i (Blues)
Was everywhere for the Blues, was very active in a pretty good scrum that had the Crusaders on the back foot for the most part. Twelve tackles.
8-Marino Mikaele Tu'u (Highlanders)
Was a beast on both sides of the ball, making 12 tackles without missing one and beating a couple of defenders. Always drew two or three tacklers when he ran the ball.
9-TJ Perenara (Hurricanes)
Outplayed All Blacks teammate Aaron Smith, scored a nice try, beat defenders and threw some nice offloads. Just pips Smith, with a special mention to Finlay Christie, who I thought was pretty good too.
10-Mitch Hunt (Highlanders)
Crusaders fans will be up in arms about this call, but Hunt was unreal with the ball in hand against the Hurricanes, made a load of line breaks. Felt like he beat a defender every time he touched the ball, although Mo'unga a very close second.
11-George Bridge (Crusaders)
Solid performance from a player who does very little wrong - beat defenders, ran well, got a try assist and was big in the 'Saders win.
12-Ngani Laumape (Hurricanes)
Was back to his devastating best when running the ball against the Highlanders, drew in two or three defenders every time.
13-Vince Aso (Hurricanes)
Like Laumape, he was a nightmare for the Highlanders midfield to contain, running in support with his second-five too.
14-Mark Telea (Blues)
Was outstanding, may just be the best right winger in New Zealand, beating defenders at will and just pipping Kobus Van Wyk, who was really good once again.
15-David Havili (Crusaders)
An incredibly tough week to pick a fullback, but the Crusaders No.15 beat four defenders in his performance and looks to be the guy the champions are going to for their big games. Jordie Barrett a very close second.
Luke Robinson is a Newshub sports reporter
