Hika Elliot - Chiefs
95 points, 11 games
Not many other hookers to compete with Elliot for this spot with Mealamu and Andrew Hore failing to impress in terms of Fantasy value. Elliot has scored double figures in his last three weeks, including a season high of 13 against the Force.
Incumbents: Tony Woodcock (61 points, nine games), Keven Mealamu (37 points, six games), Owen Franks (110 points, 11 games).
Locks
Brodie Retallick - Chiefs
181 points, 13 games
The second highest scoring second rower behind Hugh Pyle, Retallick has proven his price tag as one of the most expensive locks, having broken the 20-plus mark three times this year. Season best was 25 points against Pyle's Rebels.
Luke Romano - Crusaders
127 points, 10 games
With Whitelock injured, teammate Romano would step in as expected for the actual test at Eden Park, but his six points against the Chiefs last week was one of his lowest scores of the season.
Incumbents: Sam Whitelock (134, 12 games), Retallick.
Backrowers
Matt Todd - Crusaders
216 points, 11 games
The third best among backrowers, Todd has been outstanding all season with five scores over 20 and a season best of 32. His worst is 12 which is a high score for many other players.
Sam Cane - Chiefs
216 points, 12 games
Right alongside Todd is Cane who has played six 20-plus games with a season-high of 32 coming against the Rebels. Had a strong start but a little less consistent in recent weeks.
Liam Messam - Chiefs
203 points, 13 games
Messam has scored well, much like Todd and Cane, because of a high tackle count. He's had more than 15 tackles in a game on six occasions including 19 against the Hurricanes two weeks ago.
Incumbents: Richie McCaw (0 points, 0 games), Kieran Read (84 points, 6 games), Messam.
Halfback
TJ Perenara - Hurricanes
105 points, 12 games
The Hurricanes number nine is the second highest scoring halfback behind Petrus van Zyl of the Cheetahs. Halfback is a hard position to score points but Perenara has managed to do it most weeks. Putting aside his zero last week, he scored 35 across the previous two rounds.
Incumbent: Aaron Smith (41 points, 12 games).
First-five
Beauden Barrett - Hurricanes
157 points, 12 games
The talk may be all Carter v Cruden for the No10 jumper, but Barrett has been the top performing New Zealander. His season breakout performance came two weeks ago with 31 points against the Cheetahs. But Carter has a better points-per-game average since returning from injury.
Incumbent: Dan Carter (127 points, eight games).
Second-five
Bundee Aki - Chiefs
133 points, nine games
Aki has had an impressive run of late, averaging almost 18 points in his last five matches. 22 points against the Crusaders last week was two short of his season high.
Incumbent: Ma'a Nonu (43 points, seven games).
Centre
Rene Ranger - Blues
139 points, 12 games
The seventh best back in Herald Fantasy Rugby, Ranger had a strong start to the season with a points drought mid-season. Scores of 22, 7 and 15 in the last three outings prove he's back to his best.
Incumbent: Conrad Smith (111 points, 10 games).
Wings
Frank Halai - Blues
140 points, 12 games
Halai is a great example of the Blues' rollercoaster season. He's had three scores of 20-plus along with six outings scoring just five points or less. A season best of 37 can't be ignored.
Lelia Masaga - Chiefs
123 points, 12 games
May have been benched in recent weeks but his hat-trick against the Kings helps him move into the second wing spot. Like Halai, he's a very hot and cold performer.
Incumbents: Cory Jane (0 points, 0 games), Julian Savea (116 points, 11 games).
Fullback
Charles Piutau - Blues
135 points, 12 games
The third Blues member to make the backline, Piutau had a great start to the season with 31 points in the opener against the Hurricanes but hasn't been near those heights since. Hasn't scored in five weeks but he still beats out Ben Smith (116, 12 games) and Israel Dagg.
Incumbent: Dagg (91 points, 10 games).
