OPINION: After being overlooked for last year's Rugby World Cup, Hurricanes second-five Ngani Laumape has a point to prove to critics this season.
On Saturday, he seemed to target Beauden Barrett - arguably the world's best player - as his own personal whipping boy - running around and then through his rival early in the win over the Blues.
This was a performance that put Laumape squarely back in the selectors' consideration, if or when the All Blacks take the field this year.
Other standout performers this week were:
1-Ayden Johnstone (Highlanders)
The youngster is playing some great rugby at the moment, scrumming well and not missing a tackle all game.
2-Bradley Slater (Chiefs)
Scored two tries, threw reasonably well - solid match for the Chiefs hooker.
3-Ofa Tuungafasi (Blues)
The picture of consistency, another classy outing, scrumming pretty well and making 13 tackles, without missing one.
4-Jack Whetton (Highlanders)
Solid outing from the 'Landers lock, jumped very well and didn't miss a tackle.
5-Mitch Brown (Chiefs)
Was very good for the most part, jumped well too, and a game-high 12 tackles.
6-Lachlan Boshier (Chiefs)
Great battle with Shannon Frizell, but the Chiefs flanker gets the nod, beating more defenders, opening the scoring and missing no tackles - won two massive turnovers in the final 10 minutes.
7. Dalton Papali'i (Blues)
Once again, was the best player in the park for the Blues - he's everywhere around the ruck and loves making tackles.
8-Ardie Savea (Hurricanes)
Beat defenders with ease, unleashing a couple of storming powerful runs, and made 12 bruising tackles without a miss.
9-Aaron Smith (Highlanders)
Absolutely vintage from Smith, scoring tries, getting assists and providing world class ball throughout the match - sneaky good defence too.
10-Mitch Hunt (Highlanders)
Backs up after another superb week with a classy game against the Chiefs, scored a very nice try, kicked well and took the ball to the line, beating a couple defenders.
11-Mark Telea (Blues)
Changing wings wasn't a problem, still ran with intent and provided great support running.
12-Ngani Laumape (Hurricanes)
One of the best games I've ever seen him play, running through and around Beauden Barrett, scoring a beast of a try and running for more than 150 metres - easily Player of the Week.
13-Peter Umaga-Jensen (Hurricanes)
Played very well outside Laumape, sliced through defenders too, beating four of them. Big threat with ball in hand.
14-Josh McKay (Highlanders)
A must-have for the Highlanders moving forward, the youngster was everywhere on attack,
15-Michael Collins (Highlanders)
The glue in that back three for the Highlanders was super solid all game - didn't miss a tackle and had a nice battle with Damian McKenzie.
Luke Robinson is a Newshub sports reporter. Join us next weekend for live updates of Super Rugby Aotearoa.
