Player of the week is Hurricanes No.8 Ardie Savea who was at his destructive, ball carrying best in his sides comprehensive 41-15 victory over the Highlanders in Wellington.
Only four times in Super Rugby history has the team with the best defensive record in the regular season lifted the trophy but effective defence remains a cornerstone of a tilt towards championship success.
Player of the week is Lions scum-half Ross Cronje who was dynamic against the Waratahs in Johannesburg helping his side beat the visitors 55-36 in a high scoring match.
The 18-team Super Rugby tournament kicked off for the second time after a bustling 2016 campaign and there were points galore amidst a swath of entertaining rugby during the opening round.
Sharks fly-half Pat Lambie was all class with the boot but the Reds outscored the visitors from Durban four tries to two to win a tight one at Suncorp 28-26.
There have been six different winners of the trophy across the last seven seasons but New Zealand teams have won 14 of the 21 Super Rugby championships. Will this change in 2017?
Australia players Michael Hooper (Waratahs), James Slipper (Reds), Sam Carter (Brumbies), Tatafu Polota-Nau (Force) and Nic Stirzaker (Rebels) were on hand for the 2017 Australian Super Rugby launch in Brisbane.
SANZAAR has announced the referee team that will officiate the 2017 Super Rugby season. The 19-strong team went through its paces at a training camp in Sydney recently.
The Blues will take an historic first Super Rugby Championship match to Samoa in June. The Blues will play the Round 14 fixture against the Reds on Friday 2 June in Apia.
