Super Rugby team of the week: Richie
Come in Damian McKenzie, your time at No 10 is up. The brilliant Chief needs to be restored to the No 15 jersey for a host of reasons this weekend.
It will suit both franchise and country, not least because he has been unable to get the intercept pass out of his game and for a No 10 that is a particularly fatal flaw.
The same ailment afflicted Beauden Barrett against the Highlanders, too, while Richie Mo’unga improved on a rather slow start to the season by nailing some kicks at goal.
On a difficult weekend for the country’s playmakers Mo’unga gets the nod in Stuff’s team of the week.
15. Will Jordan (Crusaders): The latest All Black-in-waiting at the Crusaders shows what an asset it is to have out-andout pace at fullback. Rugby World Cup might be a year too soon, though.
14. Sevu Reece (Crusaders): Has gone from the courthouse to rugby penthouse with alarming speed.That raises a few ethical questions but on rugby form alone it is easy to see why the Crusaders picked him.
13. Jack Goodhue (Crusaders): The midfielder looks bigger this year – and he was already physically imposing. Offloading ability has reached new levels in 2019.
12. Ngani Laumape (Hurricanes): The power is awesome but don’t forget his subtle two-footed kicking game that turned the Highlanders’ defence.
Hard to resist although Sonny Bill Williams showed strong leadership for the Blues and a bit of pace, too.
11. Rieko Ioane (Blues): The beneficiary of the best handling and alignment from a Blues backline that we’ve seen in years.
Are Leon MacDonald’s coaching methods kicking in?