Seven talking points from Super Rugby, the quote of the year so far, and a squad picked only on this weekend's form.
TRY OF THE WEEK
In a crowded field, a drum roll and then a standing ovation please for Ardie Savea, who 15 minutes into the second half in Wellington turned over the ball 90 metres from the Chiefs' line. He then sprinted in support of TJ Perenara, yelling and pointing in case Perenara hadn't noticed Jordie Barrett was outside him. Somehow Savea still had enough energy to take the final pass from Barrett, and bash past a couple of defenders to score. Savea's try was the breathtaking highlight of the Canes 47-19 humbling of the Chiefs, who a long, very different, six weeks ago had stretched the Canes to a 23-all draw in Hamilton.
WHERE'S A DECENT HERD TESTER WHEN YOU NEED ONE?
There were times, most notably when they were rolling mauls towards the Hurricanes' goal-line, when the Chiefs looked like the side that had pulled their season back from the brink over the last month. And then, when Jordie Barrett, or Wes Goosen, or Chase Tiatia started running in open spaces, a bad case of grass staggers turned most of the Chiefs backs into mildly interested spectators. Anton Lienert-Brown was extraordinary, but he really was the rugby version of the boy on a burning deck.
WE GET THE POINT, HE'S BEST AT FULLBACK
Jordie Barrett has had to live like a freedom camper in the Canes' backline, never sure from week to week where he'll be pitching his tent. Two tries in the first seven minutes in Wellington surely proved the 15 jersey is his perfect fit.
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL
At the ideal time if you're the All Blacks selectors, Aaron Smith comes back from injury, playing like he's never been away, as the Highlanders thrash the Sunwolves in Tokyo, 52-0. Shooting out accurate, torpedo passes, and darting past tacklers, in general he looked exactly like the daring, cheeky, inspirational, hugely gifted halfback the All Blacks will need in Japan.