OPINION: The loose forward trio of Ardie Savea, Reed Prinsep and DuPlessis Kirifi were three huge reasons why the Hurricanes claimed their first win of Super Rugby Aotearoa this week.
The three combined for 42 tackles and only missed three, while outplaying the formidable Chiefs combo of Sam Cane, Lochlan Boshier and Pita Gus Sowakula.
Here's who else stood out in the latest round of the revamped post-coronavirus competition...
1-Aidan Ross
Scrummed well, didn't miss a tackle against a good Hurricanes attack. Solid game.
2-Dane Coles
Missed a couple lineouts, but ran well. Great intercept that led to a 'Canes try, didn't miss a tackle.
3-Tyrel Lomax
Massive defensive outing from the prop and scrummed very well. Has blossomed since his move from the south.
4-James Blackwell
Was a big part of the Hurricanes' massive defensive display, made tackles all night. Did as well as he could in the lineout, without Scrafton for nearly half the match.
5-Mitch Dunshea
Was solid at the lineout, missed a couple of tackles, but was solid enough to slot into lock this week.
6-Reed Prinsep
Had some game in his 50th. Between himself, Kirifi and Savea, they made 42 tackles and missed three - a huge outing from the loose forward trio.
7-DuPlessis Kirifi
Fourteen tackles in a mammoth game from the flanker. Provided huge support at the breakdown, alongside Savea and Prinsep.
8-Ardie Savea
His best performance since returning from injury. Was a nightmare for Chiefs' defenders, ran for more than 50 metres, made eight tackles and didn't miss any.
9-Aaron Smith
One of Smith's best matches in a Highlanders jersey. Sky's 'player cam' channel gave us a great insight into his leadership and movement on the field.
Still can't believe he got subbed.
10-Richie Mo'unga
Vintage Mo'unga this week. Was at his accurate best with his on-field kicks, ran with purpose and was a handful to contain.
11-Leicester Fainga'anuku
Did a fantastic job filling in as a starter. He's not going to get many chances, but like this week, needs to make the most of it.
Beat three defenders in a solid performance.
12-Jack Goodhue
Beat defenders, offloaded well and was supportive in almost every break the Crusaders made.
13-Braydon Ennor
In a week where the centres were about average, Ennor stood out alongside Goodhue. The two went to work on attack, beat a few defenders and didn't miss a tackle.
14-Will Jordan
Something special this guy. Another week with more than 100 running metres, beat defenders with ease and scored a cracking try.
All Black in waiting, but is he the best right wing or fullback in the country?
15-Jordie Barrett
After a shaky start, he had a cracking first game back. Kicked the ball well, ran superbly and nailed that monster penalty on half-time.
Luke Robinson is a Newshub sports reporter
