Super Rugby: Team of the Week; Planet Rugby

15 Damien McKenzie (Chiefs): This selection is almost becoming automatic. McKenzie's sensational form continued in Canberra, as the full-back provided a try and an assist. With the ball in hand he's a constant threat, making two line breaks from multiple carries while landing seven out of his ten kicks. What a talent. Dane Haylett-Petty gave his all for the Force.

14 Johnny McNicholl (Crusaders): Faultless in his team's victory over the Lions on Friday, making the most metres in the game (116) while offering solidity under the high ball. He was deserving of his try also set up two scores on the night and sees off Bulls wing Jamba Ulengo as our 14.

13 Malakai Fekitoa (Highlanders): Three players deserving of a mention are Lionel Mapoe of the Lions, Blues centre Rene Ranger and Sunwolves star Harumichi Tatekawa, who all had strong games. However, Fekitoa was in much better form on Friday against the Force, offering a threat every time he touched the ball. He's forming a nice combination with Rob Thompson.

12 Ryan Crotty (Crusaders): Firstly the performance of Kings inside centre Shane Gates deserves a round of applause. However, there was only going to be one wearer of this jersey after Crotty's hat-trick against the Lions. A week after rival for an All Black spot Charlie Ngatai scored four, this was a timely response from the experienced centre.

11 James Lowe (Chiefs): This is a wing enjoying his rugby, and who can blame him. Lowe plays with a smile on his face and on Saturday he racked up yet more running metres and scored two tries as well, taking him to five for the season. Highlanders wing Patrick Osborne also impressed, as did Crusaders talent Nemani Nadolo, but Lowe was a cut above for the Chiefs.

10 Aaron Cruden (Chiefs): Outstanding. Three unbelievable try assists from the fly-half when nothing seemed on. Definitely the front-runner to take over from Dan Carter in black at the moment as he shrugs off admirable challenges for our shirt from Sunwolves pivot Tusi Pisi and Jack Debreczeni of the Rebels. A special mention must also go to Lions playmaker Elton Jantjies, who was brilliant against the Crusaders.

9 Aaron Smith (Highlanders): Maybe harsh on busy Chiefs scrum-half Brad Weber, who continues to turn heads with his performances, but we go for Smith after he set up two vital scores against the Force. Despite being without the injured Lima Sopoaga outside him, Smith once again proved to be the heartbeat of the champions' effort as they saw off a spirited Perth outfit.

8 Ben McCalman (Force): Speaking of the Force, the return of McCalman at number eight was a noticeable one as the Wallaby got them over the advantage line on several occasions. He crossed for their second try of the game and was a rock throughout in both attack and defence. A fine comeback to edge Steven Luatua and Liam Squire of the Blues and Highlanders respectively.

7 Sean McMahon (Rebels): It was telling that up against Wallabies incumbent Michael Hooper, McMahon was the better openside. An outstanding leader for the Rebels despite remarkably only being 21. Nine carries, thirteen tackles and three lineout takes to his name, he edges out Lions flanker Jaco Kriel.

6 Pablo Matera (Jaguares): Matera, a late inclusion due to Tomás Lezana being ruled out, was a rock for the Jaguares against the Blues. The 22-year-old takes no nonesense on the field and was always a willing carrier in Albany. He gets the nod over Brumbies workhorse Scott Fardy, who put in another mammoth shift that saw him rewarded with a try.

5 Tomás Lavanini (Jaguares):  Makes our team for the second successive week after another busy shift in a losing cause for the Argentine side. Once again, Lavanini did well in defence with ten tackles and also impressed when cleaning out the rucks and putting in big hits. Comes in ahead of the Bulls' RG Snyman and Taleni Seu of the Chiefs.

4 Steven Sykes (Kings): Impressed, once again, with his leadership which helped the men from Port Elizabeth to a deserved first victory of the season. Sykes led the way by scoring one of his side's four tries, but also impressed in defence with nine tackles and at the line-outs where he won five balls.

3 Charlie Faumuina (Blues):  Another impressive display at the coalface of the Blues' forward effort against a strong Jaguares pack in Albany. Faumuina scrummed well but was also in the thick of the action as a ball carrier gaining thirteen metres from six runs with one clean break, three defenders beaten and an offload.

2 Armand van der Merwe (Lions):  Made a huge impact as a replacement in his side's defeat to the Crusaders in Johannesburg. Van der Merwe was a revelation with ball in hand, scoring a brace of tries, after gaining 57 metres with two clean breaks and six defenders beaten. Edges out Edgar Marutlulle of the Kings. 

1 Toby Smith (Rebels): On top all afternoon against Angus Ta'avao at the scrum and took his try well, running a sharp support line off Lopeti Timani. Six tackles too for the Wallaby prop as he helped his team beat the 'Tahs.

...JW, not enough Chiefs in that one - try this NZ team of the week instead

1. Mitchell Graham (Chiefs) - solid in a scrum that was being test on the side opposite to his, great fringe defending, excellent cleanout work, good lineout lifting (not as easy a task as some would have you think) and good work around the pick and goes, either as a carrier or support player.

2. Hika Elliott (Chiefs) - the lineout was superb against a Brumbies side with quality aerial forwards. Wherever Michael Allardice called the space, Elliott put the ball in that spot with unwavering accuracy. Always busy around the field, his presence and leadership up front was vital on Saturday night for the young quartet around him in the Chiefs tight five.

3. Charlie Faumuina (Blues) - not sure why you'd removed Faumuina with 30 minutes to play, especially considering his effectiveness in all areas during those preceding 50 minutes.

4. Scott Barrett (Crusaders) - so much to like about this young man's game. From his abrasiveness to his work at both set pieces to his skills and work rate around the field, Barrett was excellent at Ellis Park.

5. Taleni Seu (Chiefs) - I know what you folk north of the Bombays are thinking - why is this bloke playing for the Chiefs and not the Blues? (Best not to think about that, especially this week) In a game where there were 9 current or former internationals in the two starting packs, the former Onehunga High School student's athleticism, physicality, appetite for work and ball skills shone in an eye catching performance - my NZ Forward of the Week

6. Jimmy Tupou (Crusaders) - relished the extended time on the field as a loose forward and reminded us of what a talented ball player, powerful defender and damaging runner he is.

7. Sam Cane (Chiefs) - after a slow(ish) start to the season, the Chiefs co-captain is pinging along nicely now. Took his game up another notch, as you have to when David Pocock and Scott Fardy are in the opposition loose forward trio; the way he interacts with the refs is pretty beneficial for his side too. Matt Todd (Crusaders) also warrants a mention as he was darn good at Ellis Park with 17 tackles and generally being you're A-typical openside irritant.

8. I am behoved to do this but I can make strong cases for Liam Squire (Highlanders) Keiran Read (Crusaders) and Michael Leitch (Chiefs) and simply cannot figure out a way to separate them. This trio were industrious, physical, brilliant at set piece (especially the lineouts) great over the ball and always lurking in support. Honestly folks, just take your pick because there is no wrong answer ... and yes I acknowledge this is a cop out.

9. Aaron Smith (Highlanders) - with no Lima Sopoaga and his team trialling 14 nil, Smith took control and helped get the Highlanders back on track with some quality decision making and direction. He ran more (14 carries including 2 line breaks) which gave a nice balance to his (as always) accurate kicking and passing game

10. Aaron Cruden (Chiefs) - With Lima Sopoaga (injury) and Beauden Barrett (bye) not playing this week, Cruden had the stage to himself and he produced a superb display of control and option taking as the Chiefs ran amok in Canberra. Not only that but Cruden is defending his position very well as oppositions send some rather large bodies down his channel, as the Brumbies did again on Saturday night - my NZ Back of the Week

11. James Lowe (Chiefs) - got a multitude of opportunities to contribute on Saturday night and made the overwhelming majority count in spades. A lovely blend of speed, elusiveness and strength when he gets the ball, Lowe's kicking game is a major strength as proven with the chip and chase that led to Brad Weber's try; solid defence.

12. Charlie Ngatai (Chiefs) - he's making the game look easy, which it isn't. Last week he was the recipient; this week he was often the provider to the provider, making subtle plays and decisions that along with Cruden helped dictate and control the game. Ryan Crotty (Crusaders) and his effective, steadying presence at Ellis Park cannot be ignored either.

13. Malakai Fekitoa (Highlanders) - I always take statistics with a grain of salt, but in the case of Fekitoa against the Force, the numbers are reflective of his busy and effective night. 16 carries, 69 metres made, 7 defenders beaten, 3 line breaks and 3 off loads on attack was complimented by another rock solid night on defence.

14. Johnny McNicholl (Crusaders) - you know how last week I said was his best performance in his Super Rugby career? Well that was last week. McNicholl went next level at Ellis Park. He was unflinching under the high ball; he ran with intent, incisiveness whilst showing judicious use of the off load; he defended stoutly and was never out of position.

15. Damian McKenize (Chiefs) - its performances in games like the one in Canberra that will earn McKenzie high honours. It was a much hyped game against vaunted opposition and the young Southlander showed wonderful composure as well as the dazzling array of skills New Zealand rugby fans are falling in love with. Damian McKenzie is flat out fun to watch play rugby ... mind you, that comment could also apply to the Chiefs in general. 

 JW...nice thought but as we saw last year that an injury to Cruden could be devastating given he has a finger in so many of the team's tries...all the plays revolve around him - he's the control and command but unfortunately susceptible to knee injuries... 

...that said we also have the Japanese captain Leitch, Maori AB captain Ngatai , part time AB captain Cane i.e a wider leadership group that also contributes in no small way towards the team's current success.... but Cruden imho is the pou tokomanawa - the central post that supports the roof of the Chief's wharenui and without him things could come crashing down..

...that said with McKenzie at standoff and Lowe at fullback we would still have a chance and other teams would still have a mighty battle on their hands..