Rugby: Aaron Cruden's night for Chiefs but more needed

Sonny Bill Williams linked well with Aaron Cruden for the Chiefs in their Super 15 clash with the Crusaders. Photo / Getty Images

Aaron Cruden would have wanted a big game, facing the man that could spoil his Rugby World Cup, and the Chiefs pivot did indeed impress.

But there was little Cruden could have done against the Crusaders to ensure he remained ahead of Colin Slade in the All Black' pecking order.

That Cruden can control a game and lead his side to an encouraging Super 15 victory is not the issue - it's his ability to change a game and provide spark off the bench that will remain in question throughout the Super Rugby season.

He already appeared in mid-season form while helping the Chiefs to a four-try win that maintained their early unbeaten record. While he missed the entire pre-season before beating the Brumbies, Cruden showed little rust as the Chiefs racked up the most points they have ever managed against the Crusaders.

But the 26-year-old will need several more performances of that ilk to dislodge the similarly-firing Beauden Barrett when the first All Blacks XV of the year is named. And that task may be exactly what's required of him ahead of the World Cup, with Slade's versatility off the bench an appealing prospect.

Cruden still has plenty of time to forge ahead of his Hurricanes counterpart, particularly while playing inside of Sonny Bill Williams in a Chiefs side seemingly back in championship form.

The pair linked well on several occasions last night, always choosing the right option in favour of overplaying their hand. Cruden had already found a hole up the middle when his second successful bust led to the game's opening try.

The only black mark was with the boot. While he was strong kicking from hand - aside from one skewed clearance that created an opportunity the Crusaders duly converted - his goal-kicking left something to be desired.

Questions were raised last year about Cruden's accuracy and, after making five from five against the Brumbies, he did little to assuage concerns with a mixed effort that saw him land six-from-nine.

Goal-kicking might edge a close battle between he and Barrett - which, despite out-playing Slade last night, could very well see the Crusaders man preferred.