And then there were two. The Crusaders and the Hurricanes went hammer and tongs in a Christchurch classic, with the home team just pipping the visitors in the end.
And in South America it was very one-sided, the Jaguares making history as they emphatically put the Brumbies to the sword.
These are the players that caught fire this week.
15. Emiliano Boffelli
An electric display from the 24-year-old. He was always around the ball, using his pace to create things and break apart the Brumbies’ defence.
14. Sevu Reece
A brace for the Fijian, who scores tries for fun. Right now one of the best finishers on the planet. Will be wearing black soon.
13. Matias Orlando
Two tries for the bustling outside centre and 70 metres as well. Kept cutting the Brumbies’ defence to shreds all night.
12. Ngani Laumape
Two tries and a huge display from the Hurricanes centre. A freight train with ball in hand and some silky skills to match.
11. Matias Moroni
No tries but the winger worked his socks off. Made a team-high 108 metres from ten carries and beat five defenders, as well as setting up a try. A joy to watch.
10. Richie Mo’unga
Pure class once again. Finished with 20 points, with some masterful kicking and excellent game control. Has to be on the plane to Japan at the end of the year.
9. TJ Perenara
Very unfair for this man to be on the losing side. The No.9 gave it everything, scoring a brilliant try and setting up another. May have pipped Aaron Smith to the starting All Blacks spot.
(AAP Image/Joe Castro)
8. Kieran Read
The old-stager showed there’s still plenty left in the tank. Gave a great shift in the back-row, making a whopping 15 carries, more than any other player in red.
7. Matt Todd
Created a try, won a turnover and made a team-high 16 tackles in a herculean effort.
6. Ardie Savea
Yes he’s an open-side, not a blind-side, but we just can’t leave Julian’s little brother out. He was devastating again – one of the best on the field – but was just unable to get his team over the line in a thriller.
5. Isaia Walker-Leawere
Another Hurricane who can hold his head high after Saturday. The lock was strong in the breakdown and excellent in defence.
4. Tomas Lavanini
A weapon in both attack and defence. Crossed for a try and made more tackles than any of his team-mates. Immense.
3. Santiago Medrano
Dominant at scrum time and in the line-out, the 23-year-old was exceptional. Chipping in with nine tackles as well, as the Jags suffocated the Brumbies.
2. Agustin Creevy
The hooker was in everything against the Brumbies, making ten tackles and winning a turnover. A big performance.
1. Toby Smith
Did a lot with ball in hand, managing to beat seven defenders and make a clean break with his elusive carries. Did his fair share in defence as well.
Tony
Guest
TJP to my mind has been the form 9 in the NZ Super Teams all year, his all round game - attack, defense and support play has been better than Smiths all thru the comp. His threat to any defence around the ruck and maul and his quick thinking has been amazing, also hes played with BB all year. His passing and clearing has also been top drawer. How Smith supersedes that I dont know
Jacko
Guest
Tony ...Mounga is up to 10 tests now...Started against Arg and japan and been bench for the other 8...He is maturing nicely and this year has shown more growth but he is still a slightly unknown quantity at test level. With Dmac out Hansen has no choice but to give him some good gametime in the RC and frendlies before the WC but i also believe Ioane from the Highlanders will need a bit of time also as 1 injury to either BB or RM and its Ioane at 10 in a WC match...And I would trust in Ioane if thats what it came down to...i would have no choice...Mounga has grown but he is not BB as yet....a bloody good second choice tho and getting better all the time
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yep, Hansens been quite staunch on that one, with good reason...
Tony
Guest
Taylorman - dont think there is any chance Hansen wld start Mo'unga ahead of BB in the crucial RWC games simply doesnt have the experience - whats he had 1 Test start and a 4 run on's in games - BB has 73 Caps and been in the white hot cauldron of RWC and Test rugby, plus twice World Player of the Year. He's also a better defender - Mo'unga will be the starting 10 after the RWC when BB taking his sabbatical - thats what I think anyway
Jacko
Guest
Cant argue that.....One will start and one will be bench.....i believe Hansen will go with BB But mounga will add something when he comes on...
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yeah who outpointed who isnt so important, its that they both stood up in a pressure match. As did several. Thats all Hansen asked for.
Ralph
Roar Guru
And after a heavy knock early in the match.
Smiggle Jiggle
Roar Guru
Smiths man management is also on a class of its own, and his 4-sec box kicks.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Gosh I thought Mo’unga was stronger throughout. I’d prefer Barrett but it’s one of the best, most self assured matches I’ve seen from mo’unga. And to do it semis time against his main competition I thought he was great, certainly nailed his spot if it wasn’t already and I’d have either start to be honest (knowing obviously that BBBBB is by far the best sub of all time of course)
Jacko
Guest
Moaman TJP and Barrett play all their Sr rugby together so I find it a bit odd that you would not want TJ if BB was still at 10.......Combinations work well together......I still see smith and BB as the 9 and 10 tho and I certainly did not see Mounga outplay Bb at all in that Semi....BB and TJ were keeping the canes in the game and almost got the Canes over the line....I didnt understand the 1st half tactics from the canes but that 2nd half showcased BBs talent thats for sure....
Riccardo
Roar Rookie
This is a subjective process but I like that you do it John. What I will say is how marvelous it is to see so many Jaguares players in this team. They were magnificent.
Val Saunders
Guest
At least one Australian prop got named in the team - Toby Smith!!
Ralph
Roar Guru
Yes, quite generous I would say. One lucky break for the Jaguares was the collapsing of the first scrums with no penalty.
moaman
Roar Guru
Personally I would hate to see TJP starting at 9 for the ABs---particularly if Barrett is still at 10. The ABs rely heavily on Smith's passing game.Perenara's remains pretty ponderous.
Tutema
Roar Rookie
Certainly...
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
Nice team John. Wouldn't we all love to see them take on a corresponding selection from northern hemisphere. Cheers KP
Toddyq
Roar Rookie
Coles!!!!!!
Nobrain
Roar Guru
I agree, but this his opinion and we must respect it.
Origin
Roar Rookie
Fully agree!
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Carlos, the Brumbies Sio and AAA were pretty average - scrummed just OK but poor around paddock. Seemed a fair pick I reckon. The Jags props will do it tough this week, methinks.