The seven-time champion Crusaders sounded an ominous warning to the other Super Rugby teams at the weekend.
And, following their 43-15 demolition of the defending champion Chiefs at the weekend, they rightly dominate our famous weekly selection.
There are six Crusaders in our starting XV and another three bubbling under.
Our starting XV also features three Cheetahs, reward for their impressive 34-13 win over the Blues - which resulted in them booking a place in the play-offs for the first time.
The Hurricanes, Sharks (two each), Bulls and Highlanders (one each) make up the numbers in our starting XV.
Apart from the three Crusaders in our back-up squad, there are also four Highlanders, two each from the Bulls, Sharks and Cheetahs, as well as another Hurricanes player.
Only players return from last week - flyhalf Dan Carter (Crusaders), lock Franco van der Merwe (Sharks) and Tendai Mtawarira (Sharks).
Team of the Week - Round 19:
15 - Israel Dagg (Crusaders):
When he is in this kind of form, he is a sight to behold - a delight and great entertainment.
Bubbling under: Ben Smith (Highlanders)
14 - Willie le Roux (Cheetahs):
He may have made a few errors, but injected himself into the game in an exciting manner and effective manner - popping up everywhere, at scrumhalf, first receiver and even covering at fullback.
Bubbling under: Kade Poki (Highlanders)
13 - JJ Engelbrecht (Bulls):
The one is young and exciting, the other a seasoned player with a calm head. It was not an easy call to make, but in the end our panel's final vote for the young Bull over All Black Conrad Smith.
Bubbling under: Conrad Smith (Hurricanes)
12 - Reynold Lee-Lo (Hurricanes):
Having struggled for game time in the Chiefs region, the 26-year-old Samoa-born Lee-Lo got reward for his move to Wellington this year.
Bubbling under: Jan Serfontein (Bulls)
11 - Julian Savea (Hurricanes):
New Zealand teams are blessed with an array of wings who have both pace, power and the ability to read the game.
Bubbling under: Hosea Gear (Highlanders)
10 - Dan Carter (Crusaders):
His form is one of the key reasons the Crusaders are making a late charge for the title.
Bubbling under: Morné Steyn (Bulls)
9 - Aaron Smith (Highlanders):
It may not have been his most productive season so far, but at the weekend he showed why he is so highly rated.
Bubbling under: Andy Ellis (Crusaders)
8 - Kieran Read (Crusaders):
Along with Dan Carter, one of the most influential players in the competition.
Bubbling under: Willem Alberts (Sharks)
7 - Matt Todd (Crusaders):
He has been behind Richie McCaw for a while, but is using his time as starting openside flank.
Bubbling under: Elliot Dixon (Highlanders)
6 - Heinrich Brüssow (Cheetahs):
He won a couple of turnovers, but it was more his incredible workrate on defence - giving him the highest tackle count in the match.
Bubbling under: Marcell Coetzee (Sharks)
5 - Franco van der Merwe (Sharks):
He is one of those players who does the hard yards - 15 tackles, six carries and a mountain of work at the breakdown.
Bubbling under: Sam Whitelock (Crusaders)
4 - Luke Romano (Crusaders):
One of the most dynamic locks in the business.
Bubbling under: Lodewyk de Jager (Cheetahs)
3 - Owen Franks (Crusaders):
He may have missed a tackle and was penalised as well, but his set-piece play and general workrate more than made up for those mishaps.
Bubbling under: Lourens Adriaanse (Cheetahs)
2 - Adriaan Strauss (Cheetahs):
He was one of the Cheetahs' most productive ball carriers and did not shirk his duty on defence.
Bubbling under: Ash Dixon (Hurricanes)
1 - Tendai Mtawarira (Sharks):
He may have struggled earlier in the season, but his form is fast returning.
Bubbling under: Tony Woodcock (Highlanders)
