Friday's Top Super Rugby Performers
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Round 7 of Super Rugby kicked off with a New Zealand derby between the Chiefs and Highlanders, followed by the first Trans-Tasman derby of the year.
Here are our Top Performers from the opening two games of the Weekend:
Sam Cane
Another busy performance by Sam Cane in his 100th appearance for the Chiefs.
He made 12 tackles, 12 carries and did some exceptional work at the breakdown.
Liam Messam
Messam was superb for the Chiefs as his side claimed a 27-22 victory over the Highlanders.
He was often used as a first receiver and put plenty of his teammates into space.
He made 5 tackles and made 1 turnover as the Chiefs dominated possession and territory during Messam's 65 minutes on the pitch.
Anton Lienert-Brown
The 22-year-old had another fine performance for the Chiefs, making 71 running metres from his 13 carries.
He also beat 4 defenders, made 3 offloads and one clean break. On defence he made all 6 of his attempted tackles and a won turnover for his side.
Waisake Naholo
Naholo was brilliant in a losing effort against the Chiefs.
He carried the ball 17 times making 91 running metres beating 5 defenders and scored yet another try.
Waisake Naholo has now scored 7 tries in his last 7 games against the @ChiefsRugby 🔥
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) March 30, 2018
Chiefs 6-7 Highlanders after 30 minutes
Follow #CHIvHIG 👉 https://t.co/rPgq4eR9pe pic.twitter.com/ipzI1h198u
Beauden Barrett
The All Black first five put in a brilliant 62 minutes for the Hurricanes, with some trademark kicks.
He hung the ball up well for his wingers and even grabbed a try for himself when he sold the Rebels defenders with a fantastic dummy.
Ben Lam
Ben Lam scored 4 tries as the Hurricanes scored 42 unanswered points to beat the Melbourne Rebels 19-50.
The 26-year-old's first try was an exceptional finish in the corner and he racked up over 100 metres beat 4 defenders and collected 4 clean breaks
Julian Savea
Although Savea did not get on the scoresheet, the All Blacks winger has sublime game beating 4 defenders, made 3 clean breaks and 152 metres from his 17 carries.
Amanaki Mafi
A special mention to Mafi who had a superb 40 minutes for the Rebels as his side were only down by 6 points when he was substituted for an HIA test at halftime.
The Japanese international made 14 carries for 85 metres, beat 3 defenders and made 1 turnover.
