A bit of a harder team to pick this week, unfortunately not due to the quality of the play and the players, but the reverse.  From a few weeks ago, when form players were all over the shop, to this week, where it is a struggle - how things change, and in such a short time too.  I missed seeing the Highlanders game, but by the sounds of it on the radio, it was a shocker.  Jimmy Cowan being the chief shock according to the coms team.  I did see a couple of highlights on the 'try time' show though, and Hobbit Blair at fullback missed his 100th tackle for the season, and one of Cowan's passes was beyond bad.  So no players from that match!

15:  Leon McDonald (Crusaders).  The form McDonald is in is going to make the job for the All Black selectors easy when it comes to test time.  Mils Muliaina will be chucked the 13 jersey by default, no other fit centre offers the well rounded game that is needed there.  Anyway, McDonald again in top form with the Crusaders.  Timing runs into back line to perfection, deciding when to counter attack or kick, just doing it all right at the moment.  Most of all not having any Panadol moments.  Disclaimer:  Bart won't accept any responsibility for the injuries which may follow after that last sentence...

14:  Sitivini Sivivatu (Chiefs).  OK, so he usually hangs out on the left wing, but this week he plays on the right, as no one else on the right really did much, and two left wings, who did, just don't fit into one jersey.  Lightning quick again, especially off the mark, looking for work, and best of all, busy off the ball too.  With Gear, the two wingers in front in the race for All Black jerseys come test time.
Last week:  Rico Gear (Crusaders). 

13:  Mils Muliaina (Chiefs).  I know, I know, I KNOW.  I hate playing people out of the positions they are playing at Super 12 level, but no one else stuck their hands up, and Mils continues to play well at fullback for the Chiefs, after proving last week that he is up to it as a centre too.  So he retains this jersey, despite not playing here this week.     
Last week:  Mils Muliaina (Chiefs).

12:  Aaron Mauger (Crusaders).  Another top notch game from the at last, injury free midfielder.  Having this many games on the trot has seen Mauger at the top of his game.  Lightning breaks, right decisions, good kicking - doing it all right, and at the right times at the moment.  Rua Tipoki again a close second to he current All Black, Sammy T also in good form for the Chiefs, but neither quite with the all round class of Mauger.  Best part of Mauger's game at the moment, his his excellent defence.  Not trying to kill people with brute force, but hiting them low, wrapping the legs up and putting them on the ground. 
Last week:  Aaron Mauger (Crusaders).

11:  Scott Hamilton (Crusaders).  Future All Black Scott Hamilton.  Probably not, but he is certainly in fine form.  not many errors in his game, quick, accurate, and playing bloody well.  Has a kick and chase tendency at the moment, but it seems to be working for him.
Last week:  Joe Rokocoko (Blues).

10:  Isa Nacewa (Blues).  Again, not a great display from our first fives, so Nacewa gets the nod again.  Carter playing on memory at the moment, not really performing, but still good enough for the Crusaders to keep on winning!  But Nacewa gets the nod again for leading the resurgence of the Blues over the last two games.
Last week:  Isa Nacewa (Blues).

9:  Andrew Ellis (Crusaders).  The little fella has had two starts in two weeks, and impressed both times.  Must be catching the eyes of all the right people, and pissing Senio off no end by playing so well!
Last week:  Andrew Ellis (Crusaders).

8:  Nick Williams (Blues).  Best of an average bunch this week.  Tuiali'i thinking running forward was a bad thing, and watching too much dancing with the stars, sideways was his main direction this week.  Williams good solid display once again.  Still needs to work off the ball more, but getting better with more game time. 
Last week:  Sione Lauaki (Chiefs).

7:  Josh Blackie (Highlanders).  OK, I lied about the 'no Highlanders' thing.  This would be the first selection I have made from listening to the radio, and some limited highlights on TV.  But that is about as accurate as any other methods I have used, although the Tarot cards weren't too bad.  Marty Holah and McCaw both played well too, but Blackie gets the nod this time out.
Last week:  Marty Holah (Chiefs).

6:  Steve Bates (Chiefs).  Back into top form, work rate full on once again, seems to have got a grip on the flanker duties as opposed to the eight job he has been at for the last few seasons.   
Last week:  Jerry Collins (Hurricanes).

5:  Chris Jack (Crusaders).  Better-er and better-er.  Again all around the field like a turbo charged flanker, but a lock.  All power at lineout time, effective at ruck and maul time, and just all round playing good code. 
Last week:  Chris Jack (Crusaders).

4:  Ali Williams (Blues).  The big man finally running into some form, along with the rest of the Blues pack.  Must be one relieved camper with the season ending injury to James Ryan putting him back into the All Black frame.
Last week:  Jason Eaton (Hurricanes).

3:  Greg Somerville (Crusaders).  Handed Baxter his arse a few times, and got through a ton of work as per usual.  A few nice touches with the ball in hand, and strong defensive game.  And yes, did this all from loosehead.
Last week:  Carl Hayman (Highlanders).

2:  Kevin Mealamu (Blues).  Transmission back to normal, Mealamu a pocket rocket around the field, and the line outs working once again.  Phew.
Last week:  Corey Flynn (Crusaders).

1:  Tony Woodcock (Blues).  Taking care of business.  Again.
Last week:  Tony Woodcock (Blues).