Crusaders' unbeaten run at home reaches 36 games, with a hard-fought 26-15 victory over the Blues. Video / Sky Sport
Five weeks into Super Rugby Aotearoa and the competition is starting to look all too familiar with the Crusaders yet to drop a game. In his regular Monday fixture, Christopher Reive ranks the top performers after the weekend's action.
It was another big, physical shift for the Blues captain at the weekend, working hard across the park and having success in the contact areas and at lineout time.
Tuipulotu remains the standout performer in the competition, with Aaron Smith and TJ Perenara nipping at his heels.
Positional power rankings
Props
1. Michael Alaalatoa
Another week, another strong performance from the Crusaders tighthead prop.
Strong with ball in hand and on the defensive side of the ball, while his lineout throwing has been much better in recent weeks.
2. Ash Dixon
3. Dane Coles
Locks
1. Patrick Tuipulotu
The competition's standout performer through five rounds. Tuipulotu continues to find a way to make an impact for the Blues in every area of the game.
2. Sam Whitelock
3. Jack Whetton
Loose forwards
1. Dalton Papalii
Blues loose forward Dalton Papalii. Photo / Photosport
Papalii has been immense this season, making plenty of tackles and securing a bunch on turnovers while also making an impact on attack.
2. Hoskins Sotutu
3. Dillon Hunt
Halfbacks
1. Aaron Smith
Smith continues to be a massive influence for the Highlanders and has made all the right plays to this point of the season.
2. TJ Perenara
3. Brad Weber
First five-eighths
1. Richie Mo'unga
A strong performance against the Blues, Mo'unga didn't panic under the pressure of the scoreboard and made plays to change the game. He's established himself clearly as the best No 10 in the country right now.
2. Otere Black
3. Mitch Hunt
Midfielders
1. Rieko Ioane
Ioane has been a strong presence in the midfield for the Blues this season and while his impact has been somewhat inconsistent, he remains in the top spot.
2. Jack Goodhue
3. Anton Lienert-Brown
Wings
1. Caleb Clarke
Struggled to find a way to impact the game against the Crusaders, but remains the competition's best performing winger on the season.
2. Mark Telea
3. George Bridge
Fullbacks
1. Will Jordan
Whether in the starting side or on the bench, when Jordan is on the pitch, he makes sure everyone knows it. Not one to struggle finding a way into the game, Jordan continues to impress.
Will Jordan scores for the Crusaders against the Blues after coming off the bench. Photo / Photosport
