Although Ngani Laumape stole the show against the Blues, it was the young outside centre who won the plaudits against the Crusaders.
Peter Umaga-Jensen has been named to start for the Hurricanes against the Reds on Friday night, ready to make a long-awaited Super Rugby debut.
Former All Blacks outside back Nehe Milner-Skudder has been named to play for the Highlanders for the first time since signing with the Dunedin franchise last year.
Highlanders head coach Tony Brown has made a surprising admission after naming a mix-and-match team to take on the Crusaders this Friday.
Other notable additions to the pack include Maori All Blacks prop Josh Hohneck, three-test Wallabies prop front-rower Jermaine Ainsley, and two-cap All Blacks lock Bryn Evans, both returning to New Zealand after stints overseas.
Former All Blacks loose forward Liam Squire will return to Super Rugby next year after signing with the Highlanders in 2021.
One of the most loyal servants to the Highlanders since 2016 looks to have played his last game for the Dunedin club.
While the Crusaders emerged from Saturday’s South Island derby victorious with a flattering scoreline to boot, Highlanders boss Aaron Mauger is not dismayed by what his side produced.