Another week, another XV.  Not too hard to pick this week, some outstanding performances in the three matches involving Kiwis.  Starting to be able to get a grip on a form XV over the first two thirds of the Super 14.  But for picking an All Black side, with all the rotating and the like, bloody hard!  The best side though, I don't think will be too far off the one below, perhaps three changes, at prop, number 8 and wing.

15:  Leon McDonald (Crusaders).  Another strong game from Panadol.  Decision making top notch, running with then ball dangerous, and mistakes to a minimum.  Just what you need from your last line of defence. 

14:  Rico Gear (Crusaders).  Limited opportunities, but the ones he took, he took with class, two breaks, two tries for the Crusaders.  His in and out swerve thingy is just a joy to watch.  Picked up his work off the ball too (from the limited viewing you get from TV), and is looking a shoe in come test selection time.
Last week:  Rico Gear (Crusaders). 

13:  Mils Muliaina (Chiefs).  Wow, straight into centre, and looking like he has played there all season.  Has great vision, as we know from his fullback play, but looked far more dangerous when getting the ball more often in the midfield than when at fullback.  Would not be adverse to seeing him starting the test season here if he continues on with the Chiefs in 13.   
Last week:  Caleb Ralph (Crusaders).

12:  Aaron Mauger (Crusaders).  Class.  Made Nonu look silly at times, as Ma'ascara tried to tackle the elusive Cantab.  If Mauger doesn't get the nod this season at 12, then I'll eat my hat.  In top form, dangerous with ball in hand, smart kicking, and best of all, his passing game, knowing when to move it, and when not.
Last week:  Sam Tuitupou (Chiefs).

11:  Joe Rokocoko (Blues).  Remember this bloke, more test tries than tests, fast as lightning, able to leap small buildings in a single bound?  Well, he got some ball this weekend, and while looking a little gun shy at times, also looked as dangerous as hell.  Memo to Blues, shift the ball wide some more, lets get the Rock back in form. 
Last week:  Sitivini Sivivatu (Chiefs).

10:  Isa Nacewa (Blues).  His first start at first class level as a ten, and Nacewa made every post a winner.  Dangerous with ball in hand, accurate kicking, massive defence as the Bulls forwards kept trying to stampede over him, he did it all.  Hopefully though, next weekend will see him back to 15, with McAlister restored to ten, and Laveatory back playing club rugby...
Last week:  Dan Carter (Crusaders).

9:  Andrew Ellis (Crusaders).  Was picked ahead of last seasons All Black Senio for this game, and repaid the faith put in him by the Deans Cartel in spades.  Good clearance from breakdowns, he has quite a sharp, accurate pass, and all the other skills halfbacks posses.  The cover defence, good support play, and a loud mouth, telling his fatties what to do all day.  Exactly what you want from your half.
Last week:  Piri Weepu (Hurricanes).

8:  Sione Lauaki (Chiefs).  There were two one man wrecking machines in action this week, and the Chiefs version gets the nod over the Blues version, Nick Williams.  Both were super effective taking the ball forward, looking like men against boys, but Lauaki's all round game was miles better, he actually does some work off the ball, in defence, an attribute that Williams is yet display. 
Last week:  Mose Tuiali'i (Crusaders).

7:  Richard McCaw (Crusaders).  Must be doing all things right, as thus far has had three opposition Super 12 coaches crying to the press about him.  Just a damn nuisance at breakdowns, and usually legally.  Only two penalties against him in this game, not the five that the radio has been waffling on about.  Keeps getting better and better, and looking good as a six too, when Leo'o comes on and takes over the flying spot on the side of the scrum. 
Last week:  Marty Holah (Chiefs).

6:  Jerry Collins (Hurricanes).  Was in fine form, on attack and defence.  His vision and short passing game is getting better and better, while his defence and play around the park continues to be first class.  The high hitting hard man is no more, now it is just the hard man. 
Last week:  Jerry Collins (Hurricanes).

5:  Chris Jack (Crusaders).  Class is showing now for the big potato eared lock.  Just controlling the tight exchanges for the Crusaders.  Running the show from the engine room.  Also getting around the park like the modern day locks are meant to.  His support play and offload giving young halfback Ellis his first Super 14 try.
Last week:  Chris Jack (Crusaders).

4:  Jason Eaton (Highlanders).  Playing against the best in New Zealand bought the best out of Eaton.  He was everywhere, into everything, and still was wanting more.  The lineout kingpin for the Canes, he took what ten takes I think the stats showed at one stage.  Also around the field, covering like a man who really wants to win, and further down the line to wear a black jersey beside Jack at test time.
Last week:  Jono Gibbes (Chiefs).

3:  Greg Somerville (Crusaders).  Switched him to TH for this team, as Woody can play loosehead.  Somerville.
Last week:  Carl Hayman (Highlanders).

2:  Corey Flynn (Crusaders).  The Fitzy try on the wing, solid all round play, accurate throwing, and strong defence.  Everything a hooker needs.  Especially that throwing thing.  Right Mr Mealamu...
Last week:  Corey Flynn (Crusaders).

1:  Tony Woodcock (Blues).  Nice passing touches, nice running, nice punching touches, and strong in his core duties of scrum, lineout, rucks 'n' mauls.  A props prop this week!!
Last week:  Simms Davison (Chiefs).