OPINION: Who were the position-by-position standout NZ performers in the latest round of Super Rugby Pacific?
This weekend's encounters certainly threw out some new faces for All Blacks selectors to consider, with the next World Cup now just a year away...
1-Ethan de Groot (Highlanders)
Scrummed well and made a couple of nice runs. Big defensive effort again, including a huge hit on Will Jordan.
2-Kurt Eklund (Blues)
Solid outing for the hooker, bagging a couple of tries, and solid at both setpiece and the breakdown.
3-Nepo Laulala (Blues)
Solid showing first up, strong at the scrum, but also carried well. Often found himself in open space and was strong with ball in hand.
4-Josh Goodhue (Blues)
Huge workrate from the lock, showing up in every area of the game. Strong at the lineout and just as menacing at the breakdown - exactly what the Blues need in the absence of Patrick Tuipulotu.
5-Scott Barrett (Crusaders)
Made a typical nuisance of himself, carried well and was strong in the lineout.
6-Tom Robinson (Blues)
Another strong showing for the stand-in skipper, making a big impact at the breakdown and carrying well. Always a threat on the edges, where he often finds himself.
7-Tom Christie (Crusaders)
Had 17 tackles in the first half alone and was an absolute machine at the breakdown. Twenty-four tackles made for the match - none missed.
8-Ardie Savea (Hurricanes)
He is different gravy, continuing to go from strength to strength and immense once again. Thirteen tackles and 13 runs, and on hand to score the crucial game-winning try.
He is so big for the Hurricanes.
9-Aaron Smith (Highlanders)
A big part of why the Highlanders dominated the early stages against the Crusaders, typically quick ball service and forming a nice combination with Mitch Hunt.
Finlay Christie was very good for the Blues as well.
10-Mitch Hunt (Highlanders)
Took the ball to the line well, looked controlled and direct with his running, lovely ball to set up the Highlanders' first try. Another strong night from the tee as well.
11-Salesi Rayasi (Hurricanes)
Terrific effort from the winger, when the 'Canes backs struggled to get into the game for large periods. Bagged a hat-trick and carried well every time he saw the ball - instrumental in the 'Canes comeback
12-Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Blues)
A really strong outing from RTS on debut, carrying well and looking more than comfortable. Missed the tackle on Bailyn Sullivan that ultimately led to the 'Canes' game-winning try, but he should be happy with his Blues debut and will only get better.
13-Bailyn Sullivan (Hurricanes)
Surely a key cog for the Hurricanes this season. An immense first start and looked right at home in the midfield, making the crucial break at the end to set up the match-winning try.
14-Sevu Reece (Crusaders)
A couple of really important heads-up plays, including a quick tap for the first try, making up for a nothing kick in behind with the Crusaders hot on attack. A couple of other nice plays.
15-Will Jordan (Crusaders)
The man was everywhere. His running game once again sparked the attack, beating five defenders and there to finish a typical Crusaders team try.
Zarn Sullivan also very good for the Blues.
Ollie Ritchie is Newshub rugby reporter. Join us at 7pm Friday for live updates of the Crusaders v Moana Pasifika Super Rugby Pacific clash
