Not very difficult selections this week, pretty self picking I reckon...

15:  Isaia Toeava (Hurricanes).  Whatsishame gets the nod this week for the fullback spot.  Looking more and more comfortable for the Hurricanes in the 15 shirt.  Attacking play had come up ten notches, along with his confidence.  The pass he slipped to Fa'atau was a cracker, resulting in a try for the Windy boys.  Defence getting better and better too - not so scary under the high ball now.  Still making mistakes, but what do you expect from someone who is yet to start shaving...  Good games also this week from Panadol McDonald, Mils and the Hobbit Blair.

14:  Rico Gera (Crusaders).  Fast flying back onto the form that saw him thrust into the All Black frame last season.  Another try for the Crusaders this week, and starting to get more involved with play again.  Certainly would have to be top ranked wingman in New Zealand today.
Last week:  Rico Gear (Crusaders). 

13:  Casey Laulala (Crusaders).  The former All Black came alive in the second spell as the Crusaders dug deep to beat the Sharks.  Was beating men, strong in defence, and most of all, was out looking for work all the time - or so it seemed anyway! 
Last week:  Ma'a Nonu (Hurricanes).

12:  Seilala Mapusua (Highlanders).  Was, along with Neil Brew at centre, in dominating form against the Cheetahs in the pouring rain.  Making strong breaks with clever changing of angles, and slipping nice passes to his partner in crime, Brew.  Usual solid defence.
Last week:  Aaron Mauger (Crusaders).

11:  Sitivini Sivivatu (Chiefs).  The big lad finally looks like he realises the Super 14 has started, and the games are not warm up ones!  Was dangerous every time he got the ball, scored a nice try, and well, just looked 'with it' this week
Last week:  Roy Kinikinilau (Highlanders).

10:  Dan Carter (Crusaders).  Again, head and shoulders above any other Kiwi tens.  The match winning drop goal against the Sharks a killer - performing under pressure, I love to see that!
Last week:  Dan Carter (Crusaders).

9:  Piri Weepu (Hurricanes).  Number one in New Zealand by the length of the country, much like Dan Carter.  Kevin Senio the best of the rest.
Last week:  Piri Weepu (Hurricanes).

8:  Rodney So'oialo (Hurricanes).  Again cracking game from the dread headed hard man.  A bit too hard though, as a weeks ban is a high price to pay.  Just for rucking though, nothing too sinister.  Nick Williams was a wrecking machine with ball in hand for the Blues, but about as visible as a flea on the backside of an elephant for the rest of the game.  Tuial'i still going great guns too.
Last week:  Rodney So'oialo (Hurricanes).

7:  Richard McCaw (Crusaders).  Second half performance, albeit at 6, was a real 'follow me' performance, up there with the best that you have seen from Buck Shelford.  Not quite at test level, but I am picking that will come in the next year.
Last week:  Chris Masoe (Hurricanes).

6:  Troy Flavell (Blues).  First game back, and best of a pretty average bunch this week - especially with Jerry Collins riding the pine for most of the Hurricanes win over the Cats.  But the big guy was pretty effective all round as the Blues snatched their first win of the season.  Main point though is him not reacting to provocation
Last week:  Reuben Thorne (Crusaders).

5:  James Ryan (Highlanders).  Was named man of the match by the Saffa commentary team for his effort against the Cheetahs.  And I agree, once again he was all over the field, dominating at lineout time, around the field like a loose forward, tackling like a wrecking ball, and in general, playing like an All Black should.
Last week:  James Ryan (Highlanders).

4:  Jason Eaton (Hurricanes).  Keeps the big improver this week, Chris Jack off the team, thanks to another dominating display at lineout time, around the field (that WAS a goose step we saw), both on attack and defence.  This lad has come a long way from Manawatu and the second division of the NPC...
Last week:  Jason Eaton (Hurricanes).

3:  Carl Hayman (Highlanders).  The big man vital in taming the bigger men in the Cheetahs front row last week.  By fark they were fat unfit looking bastards!
Last week:  Carl Hayman (Highlanders).

2:  Anton Oliver (Highlanders).  Grenade face led the Sporran boys well, threw like a demon, with over 22 throws to the lineout I think, and in the tight  was his usual dominant self.  Best of a good bunch this week - mainly on superior throwing over Hore and Mealamu.  Never thought I would be saying that!
Last week:  Kevin Mealamu (Blues).

1:  Greg Somerville (Crusaders).  Yep, making a fine fist of the LH side of the scrum, and in good form.  Helps being in a team that is performing.  Woodcock still playing very well for the Blues, just not showing out as much as the Crusaders veteran.
Last week:  Greg Somerville (Crusaders).