Barrett is back in the saddle
Put aside all the talk about his future with a highly assured performance against the Brumbies. Nailed four kicks out of five off the tee, too.
9. TJ Perenara: Two memorable offloads to set up tries for Dane Coles and Ngani Laumape and some nice tactical kicking to get him the mood for this Friday’s date with Aaron Smith.
8. Ardie Savea (Hurricanes): The way he is carrying the ball could persuade the All Blacks that he is the man to cover Kieran Read at No 8 at the World Cup, which would give them greater flexibility elsewhere in the loose forward mix.
7. Du’Plessis Kirifi (Hurricanes): Given that the Hurricanes are lethal from turnover ball it doesn’t hurt to have two turnover specialists – Kirifi and Savea – in the back row. Might be hard to shift from the starting XV now.
6. Shannon Frizell (Highlanders): Used extensively as a ball carrier by the Highlanders because of his ability get through the tackle line. Early frontrunner for the All Blacks’ No 6 position.
5. Jackson Hemopo (Highlanders): Growing into the campaign and was a real physical presence against the Rebels. Powered over for a close range try and – at Super Rugby level at least – seems suited to the locking position.
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues): Cocaptaincy seems to suit him. The big lock has been the Blues’ best player so far this year, showing greater accuracy and consistency.
3. Owen Franks (Crusaders): Another week, another strong performance by the hard man prop. There was talk at the start of the year that Nepo Laulala could be nipping at his heels but Franks looks hungry and mean.
2. Dane Coles (Hurricanes): Showed that his trademark acceleration hasn’t been taken away from him by that long spell on the sidelines. Lineout immediately deteriorated when he was replaced, too.
1. Joe Moody (Crusaders): Would have taken great delight out winning his scrum contest with Reds powerhouse Taniela Tupou. The Crusaders set-piece generates penalties and points and is one of their big advantages over the rest of the New Zealand conference.