Two local derbies provided a great chance to see some of New Zealand's best talent go toe to toe in Super Rugby over the weekend.
The Chiefs remain unbeaten after a ruthless display against the Blues, while the Crusaders scored three unanswered tries to stun the Highlanders.
The Hurricanes ran up a cricket score against the Rebels, but which players impressed the most to make the New Zealand Team of the Week?
BACKS:
15. Nehe Milner-Skudder (Hurricanes)
Welcome back Mr. Milner-Skudder. As if he hadn't missed a season with a serious shoulder injury the All Blacks fullback cum wing showed just how good he is with a hat-trick of tries on his return for the Canes as they thumped the Rebels. Damian McKenzie was equally as impressive for the Chiefs.
14. Waisake Naholo (Highlanders)
Three moments of brilliance almost helped Highlanders to what would've been an impressive win over the Crusaders. Set up the first try off a lovely long line-out throw, while he showed serious pace in chasing an Aaron Smith chip-kick and in support for Malakai Fekitoa in both of his tries.
13. Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs)
There was plenty of talk pre-match about the battle of the promising New Zealand centres and it's fair to say ALB won on points against Blues livewire Rieko Ioane. Very safe defensively, and finished off a superb team try to seal the deal for the Chiefs in Hamilton.
12. Ngani Laumape (Hurricanes)
It's proved difficult this first fortnight to read much into the Hurricanes form against woeful opposition, but Laumape resembled a freight train bowling over Rebels players at will at the Cake Tin. Ran hard and straight like he did in his days in rugby league, making five clean breaks, beating eight defenders and scoring two tries.
11. Seta Tamanivalu (Crusaders)
Nemani Nadolo left big shoes at the Crusaders with his French departure but Tamanivalu proved he's capable of filling the Fijian's void. His silky offload skills adds another dimension to the Crusaders attack, while he's got plenty of power as he showed to break two tackles to score the match-winner.
10. Aaron Cruden (Chiefs)
Cruden bossed the Chiefs around the park in his 100th Super Rugby game with three try assists in their big win over the Blues. His touch to put James Lowe away for his try was nothing short of world class, while his clever re-starts to the other side of the opposition forwards put his team on the front foot.
9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow (Chiefs)
You always want to have a big game when you're lining up against your former team-mate and Kerr-Barlow certainly outshone Augustine Pulu. Really impressed with his fitness to provide the Chiefs quick ball, while his defence around the fringes is also commendable with a team high 11 tackles.
FORWARDS:
1. Kane Hames (Chiefs)
Hames played a big part in the Chiefs turning the screws just after half-time with a big shove to push the Blues off their own scrum feed that led to a try moments later. His defensive and clean out work at the breakdown makes him a key asset in Dave Rennie's arsenal.
2. Liam Coltman (Highlanders)
You have to doff your cap to any front row forward who plays almost every minute of a New Zealand Super Rugby derby. After the Highlanders lost their replacement hooker in the warm ups Coltman put in a colossal effort, while his long throw to Waisake Naholo was right on the money.
3. Charlie Faumuina (Blues)
It's a bit generous putting a Blues player in after Friday's game but Faumuina deserves the nod after making a profound impact off the bench. Shored up the Blues scrum that was getting bossed around and showed light feet to jink past James Lowe en route to the try line. There were also encouraging cameos from young tight heads Michael Alaalatoa (Crusaders) and Atu Moli (Chiefs).
4. Dominic Bird (Chiefs)
Stellar performance across the park. His touch to put Tim Nanai-Williams away would surely have caught the eye of the All Blacks selectors such is their love for big ball-playing locks. At 2.06 metres he's a big presence at line-out not just as a jumper but a lifter too.
5. Sam Whitelock (Crusaders)
Could probably pick Brodie Retallick each week in this position but his All Blacks second-row partner put in a huge 80 minute shift from the front in his new role as Crusaders captain. It's no wonder to me why big clubs like Toulon are interested in his services.
6. Brad Shields (Hurricanes)
A consistent performer week in week out who deserves more recognition. Always pops up in the right place in the right time with his 11 runs leading the way for Hurricanes forwards as well as a team high four offloads; one of which put Julian Savea away for a try.
7. Lachlan Boshier (Chiefs)
If ever you needed evidence of the conveyor belt of depth in New Zealand Rugby look no further than Lachlan Boshier. The Chiefs already have All Blacks openside Sam Cane and the very impressive Mitch Karpik, yet the relatively unheralded Boshier gets a rare chance in a big local derby and takes it with both hands. Some lovely exchanges in attack and scored a deserved try.
8. Whetu Douglas (Crusaders)
Another example of strength in depth, Douglas wasn't even in the Crusaders initial Super Rugby squad. Kieran Read's injury has given the big Waikato No. 8 an opportunity and Douglas hasn't wasted it. His most impressive moment wasn't his second try in as many weeks but a big burst in the 78th minute of a ferocious match before finding Seta Tamanivalu who did the rest.