Hail to the Chiefs and their strong back three
No Damian McKenzie, no problem.
The Chiefs rested the All Blacks fullback against the Waratahs in Wollongong on Friday but still ran up the half-century against a Waratahs side that was chasing shadows in the second half.
That scoreline emphasised the depth the Chiefs have in the back three, where Solomon Alaimalo is nudging towards the sort of form that put him in All Blacks contention a few years ago.
Sean Wainui is an absolute rock for them in the back three, consistent and tough, and Shaun Stevenson again provided a glimpse of his special skills.
The Blues deservedly took most of the acclaim at the weekend, but the Chiefs look well equipped to give this competition a shake.
Here is Stuff’s team of the week.
15. Solomon Alaimalo (Chiefs): Looks like a more powerful athlete this year but hasn’t lost any of his pace or footwork.
14. Shaun Stevenson (Chiefs):
Still just 23 and might have been just the sort of player NZ Rugby had in mind when it created the ‘All Blacks XV’ side.
13. Jack Goodhue (Crusaders): Edges out the Blues’ Rieko Ioane on account of his distribution skills, but Ioane was a big threat with ball in hand.
12. Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs): Switched to No 13 in the second half to show his versatility. Always a threat on attack.
11. Mark Telea (Blues): One of the finds of the season and took his try with aplomb.
10. Aaron Cruden (Chiefs): The form No 10 in New Zealand at the moment with his authoritative and creative play.
9. Brad Weber (Chiefs): A few wonky box kicks but is this the year Weber breaks the All Blacks duopoly of Aaron Smith and TJ Perenara? Running ability could help the ABs’ game.
8. Akira Ioane (Blues): Nothing in it between Ioane and Chiefs big man Pita Gus Sowakula but in the context of a close game Ioane’s try was crucial.
7. Blake Gibson (Blues): Workaholic openside is part of that excellent Blues back-row unit that has real balance and a hard edge.
6. Lachlan Boshier (Chiefs): Made another 1000 turnovers as he outplayed the Waratahs’ Michael Hooper and appears destined for higher honours.
5. Mitchell Dunshea (Crusaders): Can’t be too many other locks with Dunshea’s pace. Played a key linking role in Leicester Faingaanuku’s try.
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues): The captain is having his best Super season and is equally impressive during his post-game interviews, where he keeps a lid on the rising excitement levels about the Blues.
3. Ofa Tuungafasi (Blues): An asset around the paddock with his mobility and defensive work.
2. Codie Taylor (Crusaders): Another busy evening but there is no doubt the Reds won a few more collisions up front than Scott Robertson would have liked. 1. Joe Moody (Crusaders):
Missed a few tackles but had the edge on the Reds’ Taniela Tupou at scrum time.