First take: Two in-form first fives

Colin Slade scored the Crusaders' second try. Photo / Getty

Hurricanes 29
Crusaders 23

Colin Slade or Beauden Barrett? Beauden Barrett or Colin Slade?

The starting order would not matter, the All Blacks would be happy with either at first five eighths. Certainly in the form they showed as the Hurricanes rumbled with the Crusaders in a cracking match at the Cake Tin.

Both are showing great touches, strong direction and skills which have covered the season exit of Aaron Cruden who was in such grand form for the Chiefs. He was also seen as the senior man after leading the All Blacks in their last major outing against England.

He was humming again for the Chiefs until his knee fell apart. Rock up Slade and Barrett for audition in the rest of the Super rugby series.

They have been shooting the lights out most weeks and tonight they cracked it again until Barrett limped away with a twisted right knee.

Oh and by the way Daniel Carter was there too. In fact he was there to trail Slade and pick up the first try. The All Blacks greatest five eighths seemed to wear a locator beacon which attracted Ma'a Nonu throughout and while he was battered he did not buckle.

Nor did the Canes. They were shut out of all the stats, possession, territory and lineouts in the first half. However they stayed in the fight and when the game opened up a shade they had too much expression for the Crusaders to defend.