Kris Shannon reviews the best and worst from week 12 of Super Rugby.
Back of the week
Matt Faddes - Highlanders
In a backline with All Blacks in almost every position, it was the odd man out who sparked the Highlanders to their most impressive win. This time last year Faddes was playing club rugby in Dunedin but the centre is shining in his maiden Super Rugby season, producing his best performance in a top-of-the-table clash. Faddes had to do plenty of work for both of his tries and did so with a level of expertise that the Crusaders just couldn't handle. He finished the game with 115 running metres, four clean breaks and half a shout that he could one day join his teammates at the next level.
Forward of the week
Luke Whitelock - Highlanders
Playing against the All Black captain, his older brother and the franchise he left behind, there was no shortage of motivation for Whitelock. And the No 8 was in inspired form while setting the defensive tone in the victory over the Crusaders, tackling with accuracy and thriving at the breakdown to earn his side plenty of turnover ball. The youngest of the Whitelock brood, the 25-year-old forms with Liam Squire a potent pair at the back of the scrum. And given he, like Faddes, is another first-year Highlander, it's easy to see why the champs now appear even more dangerous than last year.
