John Day: NZ Super Rugby Team of the Week, round three

OPINION: Another week, another win for the Crusaders, but the exciting aspect for Scott Robertson would be the performance of his 'second-tier' players.

Braydon Ennor has been simply superb in his two 2018 starts, but the introduction of Will Jordan on the weekend just shows the type of class the red-and-blacks have at their disposal.

Just scary.

Ngani Laumape flexed his World Cup muscles against the Brumbies, while Ardie Savea is showing that a Kieran Read injury might not be as catastrophic in 2019.

All-in-all, there were some outstanding performances to savour in week three.

15-Will Jordan
Electric in his first Super Rugby start, the 21-year-old has 'future All Black' written all over him.

14-Braydon Ennor
Could be the quickest player in NZ, very busy on the right-wing.

13-Jack Goodhue
One of the best on the park at Suncorp, a complete performance.

12-Ngani Laumape
A happy homecoming for the blockbusting Manawatu midfielder, with three great tries.

11-Etene Nanai-Seturo
The Chiefs are horrible, but Nanai-Seturo has been the shining light.

10-Beauden Barrett
Controlled the game brilliantly in his first match of the season. Mo'unga is right there though.

9-TJ Perenara

TJ Perenara, Hurricanes halfback.
TJ Perenara, Hurricanes halfback. Photo credit: Photosport

Some magnificently tricky passes that all seemed to come off.

8-Ardie Savea
Harder to put down than 'Old Yeller', a brute with ball in hand and a menace at ruck time.

7-Du'Plessis Kirifi
Matched David Pocock at the breakdown, not many people can say that.

6-Shannon Frizell
Dropped the ball over the line for the potential match-winning try, but that shouldn't detract from another outstanding display.

5-Scott Barrett
Has really stood out, while Sam Whitelock has been chilling out at home.

4-Patrick Tuipolotu
Continues to impress, despite the Blues' struggles.

3-Owen Franks
A great job in the scrum yet again against a highly rated Reds front row.

2-Dane Coles
This team-of-the-week regular had an absolute blinder, doing everything that only Coles can do.

1-Joe Moody
Super Rugby's strongest man is an immovable force.

John Day is a Newshub sports reporter.

Join us at 7:30pm Friday for live updates of the Hurricanes vs Highlanders Super Rugby clash.