By Cameron Russell
How great have this year's New Zealand derbies been in Super Rugby?
The Highlanders 34-26 win over Crusaders lived up to the excitement last night in front of a sold-out Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.
But with All Blacks matches on the horizon, the real question we all want to know is which players put their hand up for the first Test squad of the year?
(Getty Images)
Ben Smith vs Israel Dagg
Smith: Carried the ball well, but luckily for the Crusaders, the bounce of the ball wasn't on Smith's side last night. Twice he spied a gap and chipped in behind the line, but was eluded by the roll of the pill. A polished and instinctive performance.
Dagg: Did everything he could to kick-start things running the ball 17 times (six more than anyone else) as he tried to dazzle some life into his side. Easily the best of the Crusaders back three. Good run for his try and had a solid night with the boot. Almost set up Read with a low kick and produced a beauty to find touch in a game where territory was critical.
Verdict: Dagg gets the nod here, but that's only because he carried more of the load on his shoulders. I really hope for his sake that his last All Blacks appearance isn't rapping in an Air New Zealand video. He has looked good since returning from a shoulder injury, but will the rampant Damian McKenzie (or Beauden Barrett with his cover) be named as Smith's back up?
Elliot Dixon vs Jordan Taufua
Dixon: Where do I start with Dixon's review? The Highlanders No.6 was everywhere. Winning 9 lineouts, completing 15 of 15 tackles and grabbing two turnovers, Dixon was my clear man of the match. What he does isn't pretty, but he sure made a solid impact across a tireless 80 minutes where he kept competing. A scrappy player who has a high motor is always a dangerous combination for the opposition.
Taufau: Grabbed himself a try and was great at off-loading to the inside man. Didn't see as much ball as he would have liked and was subbed in the 67th minute. However, what I did like is his positive reaction after dotting down. Knowing Joe Wheeler was off the field after being sin-binned for a late hit, Taufau ran to halfway and waved his teammates back to get things restarted as quickly as possible.
Verdict: Both are in the mix of a talented pool of blindside flankers, but Dixon took a giant leap last night. With Messam switching his attention to Sevens and Kaino slowed by a shoulder niggle, Dixon could find himself in position for an All Blacks call next month. His adaptability in the loose forwards will help.
Luke Whitelock vs Kieran Read
Whitelock: Followed up a good showing against the Chiefs with another solid 80 minutes. He only missed one tackle, and landed a crunching hit on Dagg.
Read: Did he best to get involved and looked poised with ball in hand. Set up Dagg's try with a marvelous off-load out the back and sprung Richie Mo'unga through a hole early in the game. Would have scored if not for Aaron Smith's interference while he attempted to ground Dagg's kick.
Verdict: Not exactly a match-up for the All Blacks No.8 jersey, but Whitelock continues to make strides towards adding to his one international cap.
Lima Sopoaga: The call for Sopoaga's inclusion in the All Blacks takes another step forward. He looked a real playmaker and combined great with Smith from a few lineout set-pieces. His flat cross-field kick for Waisake Naholo's try was a thing of absolute beauty. A fluid and dynamic showing.
Matt Faddes: Could Faddes be this year's Nehe Milner-Skudder? Okay, let's not get carried away, but how good was this bloke? A mix of speed and strength, the 24-year-old scored two tries and is making moves in Super Rugby after a breakout ITM Cup for Otago. He does look a little raw at times, but he's a relentless guy on the field. We all know the All Blacks have holes in midfield, but I still think there are a few names ahead of him in the pecking order.
The Zoo: The Highlanders student section was packed to the brim and in great voice. You forget how good the atmosphere can be at a rugby match, but last night's crowd did a great job.
Newshub.
