Mo’unga finds his kicking boots

10. Richie Mo’unga (Crusaders): Got his kicking boots back on and when Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie are throwing intercepts like they did at the weekend Mo’unga looks like the All Blacks’ safest pair of hands.

9. TJ Perenara (Hurricanes): The Hurricanes’ struggling pack brought the best out of the ultimate competitor. Continues to keep the pressure on Aaron Smith for that All Blacks No 9 jersey.

8. Akira Ioane (Blues): Seemed to get better as the game wore on and consistently challenged the Sunwolves close to the ruck with his ball carrying.

7. Ardie Savea (Hurricanes): Yes, he started the game at No 8 but he won it after shifting to openside for the last 20 minutes or so. Late turnovers were crucial and a sign of great ticker after being smacked back in contact a few times in the first half.

6. Jackson Hemopo (Highlanders): His best performance in the No 6 jersey this year and played a key role in shifting bodies to create Aaron Smith’s try after a dominant Highlanders scrum on Hurricanes ball.

5. Josh Dickson (Highlanders): Athletic lock was still going strong in the later stages and has given the Highlanders another ball carrying option this year.

4. Scott Barrett (Crusaders): The New Zealand conference’s dominant lock in the first month of Super Rugby. Is also developing into the sort of punishing defender the All Blacks like at No 6.

3. Tyrel Lomax (Highlanders): Rising tighthead prop went the full 80 minutes against the Hurricanes to show his improved fitness levels and was part of a dominant scrum.

2. Liam Coltman (Highlanders): Codie Taylor’s two tries were great for the highlights reel but by that stage the Crusaders v Chiefs game was in exhibition mode. Coltman was busy and aggressive against the Hurricanes.

1. Karl Tu’inukuafe (Blues): Big scrum shift from the Blues loosehead and some extremely solid contact in defence as well. Was expected to lift the Blues’ tight five work and is really warming into that role.