Sopoaga's exceptional play has been one of the key reasons that the Highlanders are right in the playoff mix.
In his seven matches, the Highlanders have won five games, including away wins over the Chiefs and the Crusaders.
He has four try assists in those games - the highest of Kiwi first-fives - directing his fearsome backline around the park with precision.
His kicking percentage is the best of New Zealand's All Black contenders, making 28 of his 35 attempts off the tee, good enough for 80 per cent.
Compare that to Slade (72 per cent), Carter (75 per cent) or Barrett (68 per cent) and you realise how valuable his boot can be.
Defensively, Sopoaga has been making 5.1 tackles per game this season compared to Slade (5.6 per game) and Cruden (5.4 per game), but at a better percentage.
Some say Sopoaga doesn't attack the line enough, but he averages the most linebreaks of Kiwi first-fives this season at 1.1 per game, while beating 2.7 defenders per game.
This is a player who has finally found his feet at Super Rugby level and is flourishing.
Sopoaga's passing is some of the best in New Zealand rugby.
He has formed a lethal combination with All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith, and knows where to put the ball for the likes of Malakai Fekitoa, Ben Smith and Waisake Naholo outside of him.
If he can do it with those guys, he can do it with Ma'a Nonu, Sonny Bill Williams or Julian Savea.
Selecting Sopoaga in the All Blacks' squad for the Rugby Championship wouldn't be a case of the selectors giving away an All Blacks jumper, but a justified selection based on form.
Ben Stang .
