Top Performers: Highlanders v Blues

After a thrilling game which saw the Highlanders fight back from a 17-24 halftime deficit to beat the Blues 41-34.

Aaron Smith

The Highlanders halfback showed why he is considered as one of the best scrumhalves in the world as he controlled the Highlanders attack and put in a kicking masterclass.

Smith assisted two of the Highlanders tries and threw only one bad pass out of 55.

Akira Ioane 

Two tries for the All Black looseforward, Ioane had a busy match for the Blues scoring his first try off the back of a strong scrum and was on hand to finish a brilliant try set up by Michael Collins.

The 22-year-old gained 50 metres from his 7 carries beating 2 defenders and made 1 turnover.

Rob Thompson 

Taking over from Malakai Fekitoa in the Highlanders no.13 jersey, Thompson continued some of his fine form that helped Canterbury win the Mitre 10 Cup last season as he scored two tries and assisted another with a perfect chip kick for his partner Teihorangi Walden.

Thompson beat 3 defenders, collected 2 clean breaks and made 3 offloads. His ball carrying and decision making on attack and defence was superb.

Brilliant opening 40 minutes by Rob Thompson who has taken over the 13 jersey from Malakai Fekitoa 🔥

2⃣ Tries 🏉
1⃣ Clean break 💨
2⃣ Defenders beaten 🔥
6⃣0⃣ Metres gained 🏃‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/so0xEoAVd8

— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) February 23, 2018

Michael Collins 

The Blues fullback was sensational from 73 minutes for the Blues as he dealt with the high-hanging kicks that the Highlanders threw at him. He set up a brilliant try for Akira Ioane and carried the ball 12 times, making one clean break, beat three defenders and made 66 metres.

Tom Franklin 

The Highlanders second rower had a busy evening making 8 tackles and carried the ball 6 times, but his contribution at set piece was outstanding as the Highlanders took control of the match in the latter stages of the game.