Round 1 of the Super Rugby Aotearoa was extremely exciting, and there were a number of standout performers across the four teams in action. 

#1. Ayden Johnstone - Highlanders

Johnstone was a rock in a potent Highlanders scrum and was influential in the rolling maul which laid the platform for three Highlander tries. At just 23 years of age, Johnstone has a bright future ahead of him. 

#2. Dane Coles - Hurricanes

Although the All Black struggled with his lineout throws, Coles once again demonstrated why he's the best open-field front-rower in the world. His phenomenal finish in the corner capped off an outstanding try, but his try-celebration was even better.

#3. Ofa Tu'ungafasi - Blues

Wasn't necessarily dominant at the scrum, but did his job well, and made a perfect 11/11 tackles, had five carries, and made two passes for the Blues on Sunday.  

#4. Patrick Tuipolotu - Blues

Classy operator in the lineout both offensively and defensively, ferocious in the tackle, and extremely busy clearing rucks, the All Black second rower put in another strong workman's shift as captain for the Blues. 

#5. Naitoa Ah Kuoi - Chiefs

Came on in the first half as a substitute, and the 20 year old made an immediate impact. Ran some nice lines and was an absolute handful for the Highlanders to bring to deck. Extremely bright future ahead for the youngster. 

#6. Tom Robinson - Blues

The big man with big red hair was everywhere for the Blues. His defensive linespeed was great, he made 16 tackles, and had three lineout steals. He's a constant grinder and makes life difficult for opposing teams. 

#7. Dillon Hunt - Highlanders

For a team that was under the pump for large stretches in the game, strong tackling was at a premium. Fortunately for the Highlanders, their openside flanker did just that. Making 19/20 tackles on the game, Dillon Hunt was a saving grace for his side. 

#8. Marino Mikaele-Tu'u - Highlanders

There was perhaps no better forward performance over the weekend than that of young Highlanders No. 8 Marino Mikaele-Tu'u. Billed as a potential long term replacement for the All Blacks' Kieran Read, he was excellent in Round 1 of the Aotearoa. The big man ran for 51 meters and scored an important try for his team, adding in an additional turnover at the breakdown. 

#9. Aaron Smith - Highlanders

Aaron Smith is still arguably the best halfback in the world, and showed once again his class in the Highlander's win over the Chiefs. Smith picked out a few great lines to set up tries for his side, and generally marshaled around the side brilliantly for 80 minutes. He capped off a great performance by delivering a dime to Bryn Gatland for the go-ahead drop goal and then orchestrating the Highlanders final possession to run down the clock. 

#10. Otere Black - Blues

The Blues fly-half got the nod over Beauden Barrett, and proved his selectors right. He was 6/6 off the tee, punted extremely well, ran the attack real nicely, and was very strong under the high ball. Black makes the game look easy and never put a foot wrong over the weekend. 

#11. Caleb Clarke - Blues

The 21 year old dazzled spectators with his long, powerful runs on Sunday. His zig-zagging early try got the crowd on their feet and the Blues never looked back. He too was also strong under the high ball. 

#12. TJ Faiane - Blues

Faiane won't necessarily wow you with any crazy runs, but he is very handy in the midfield and glues the Blues backline together nicely. He punched onto a Mark Telea half-break to score a try and then put in a sublime grubber to Dalton Papalii to cap off a great performance. 

#13. Rieko Ioane - Blues

Ioane looks a new and improved player this year, and was instrumental for the Blues all afternoon against the Canes. His break in the first half to set up Caleb Clarke's try was brilliant and he was a constant gainline success all game with the potential for a big line break at any moment. 

#14. Shaun Stevenson - Chiefs

Stevenson was strong out wide all day for the Chiefs, making breaks and taking balls out of the air. He had some big breaks that weren't quite finished off, but as the season goes on you can expect Stevenson to be creating tries all season long. 

#15. Damian McKenzie - Chiefs

D-Mac didn't have any of his trademark highlight runs, but he was a constant threat all game long with his vision, passing, and stepping. He also kicked well and nearly gave the Chiefs the win with his 78th minute drop kick.