OPINION: With two of the top three sides of the New Zealand conference having a bye weekend (Chiefs, Hurricanes), all three remaining Kiwi sides entertained foreign opposition.
And judging by the results, it couldn't have come at a better time for some.
Here are five things we learned;
1. Aaron Smith looks to have rediscovered his mojo
Behind a forward pack that hasn't had its own way in 2017, it's been a tough first four rounds for Smith. But the win over the Brumbies might just be a corner turned for the 28-year-old, who looked more assured at the base of the breakdown and more confident behind the pack.
He's still got some way to becoming a certain start at nine for the All Blacks against the Lions in a few months' time, but it seems he's on an upward trajectory.
2. Bryn Hall, Mitch Drummond are the ideal 1, 2 combo for the Crusaders
Sticking with halfbacks, the Crusaders were left to fill a sizeable gap in the team at the end of last season with the departure of Andy Ellis. However, it seems as if they've done better than plugging the hole, actually adding a dimension with Hall and Drummond. Neither halfback will likely be the starting one as their alternation is working wonders for the Crusaders.
3. Sunwolves are playing some exciting rugby
Despite looking like they're going to be Super Rugby whipping boys for another season, the Sunwolves are playing some very exciting rugby. Going down to the Stormers 44-31 after being up by 11 points in the second half, the Japanese franchise is playing with a freedom not seen from Australian or South African teams.
Regardless of SANZAAR's decision on the future of the new Super Rugby franchises, they definitely bring something to the competition.
4. A lot of ball causes a lot of problems for the Highlanders
A big problem for the southerners this season has been a lack of ideas with ball in hand and, despite Aaron Smith's resurgence, this problem still exists. The Highlanders are dominating the possession statistics but they still look like they don't know what to do with the ball.
It doesn't help having their chief playmaker in Lima Sopoaga on the sideline but they need to be more adventurous. Perhaps moving Ben Smith into first receiver more may be a temporary solution.
5. A release of a little pressure is a big factor for Ihaia
The Blues had no struggles freeing the shackles on Saturday night against the dreadfully one-dimensional Bulls. And while West came onto the field when the game was already finished, he played with the kind of flair that the Blues wished they saw from him all the time. Setting up a try and scoring one himself, West was fluid and dynamic.
Matt Tewhatu is a digital sport reporter at Newshub
