Scrolling through the statistics from Opta, we pick out the standout players from Round 14 of Super Rugby 2017.
Top tackler – Liam Messam (Chiefs)
Not a regular anymore, Messam got a rare start in place of Michael Leitch at number eight and certainly made the most of it. The most-capped Chiefs player in history made an impressive 19 tackles in their draw with the Blues. No mean feat for a player who doesn't often play the full 80 anymore and is getting on in years.
Top carrier – SP Marais (Stormers)
Marais has been one of the few consistent players in the Stormers side over recent weeks and makes the top performer list in Round 14 with 22 carries. Marais did well to gather Sharks scrum-half Cobus Reinach's numerous box-kicks and make carry after carry. One of these led to a try after his quick tap and go penalty.
Most metres made – David Havili (Crusaders)
Havili makes the list of top performers again as the full-back's incredible season continues. He made 191 metres in the Crusaders' win over the Rebels and was a constant menace on attack. He is the master of counter-attacking and exploiting space, so much so that Israel Dagg can't oust him from his position.
Most clean breaks – Havili, Waisake Naholo (Highlanders) and Manasa Mataele (Crusaders)
Havili, Mataele and Naholo made four clean breaks apiece over the weekend. Havili and Mataele exploited a weak Rebels' defence which has leaked the second most tries this season. Naholo's pace and power meanwhile really came to the fore in Round 14, most notably when bashing two defenders out of the way to create Lima Sopoaga's try.
Most defenders beaten – Rieko Ioane (Blues)
Ioane takes the cake this weekend in terms of defenders beaten and by some distance with a tally of ten. Even more impressive is that it came against a Chiefs' side who aren't exactly generous on defence in the sides' 16-16 draw. Set for a big month ahead with the All Blacks, surely.
Top points-scorer – Peter Grant (Force)
Grant was the hero for the Force as he notched up 18 points in their 40-26 win over the Reds in Brisbane. What a resurgence it has been from the veteran South African fly-half who, not too long ago, was third choice in the pecking order at number 10 for the Force and who started at full-back the previous week.
Top try-scorer – Stephen Moore (Reds), Marika Koroibete (Rebels), Thomas Banks (Brumbies)
The Australians dominate the try-scoring statistics for Round 14. Moore, Koirobete and Banks scored two tries each for their respective franchises. Wallabies coach Michael Cheika will be delighted to see his skipper Moore hitting top form again on the brink of the June Test series, while Koroibete could win his first Test cap.
Top lineout performer – Lood de Jager (Bulls)
De Jager showed what made him a first-choice Springbok not too long ago. He was imperious at the lineout in his side's brave display against the Hurricanes. However, his side failed to capitalise on their numerous attacking lineouts in 'Canes territory. De Jager finished with a remarkable 11 takes to his name.
Most turnovers won – Malcolm Marx (Lions) and Malgene Ilaua (Sunwolves)
Marx is joint-top of the list despite only coming onto the field in 31st minute. He and Ilaua made four turnovers apiece for their respective sides. Ilaua's effort was an impressive in what was an otherwise grim after for the Sunwolves at home to the Cheetahs in Tokyo.
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