Five of the best: The top five performers in round eight of Super Rugby Aotearoa

There is just a fortnight remaining in Super Rugby Aotearoa, and, with one win separating them from the title, it's fair to say the competition is the Crusaders' for the taking.

The back-to-back-to-back reigning Super Rugby titleholders have set themselves up in a handy position leading into next week's South Island derby with the Highlanders in Christchurch following their 32-19 win over the Chiefs on Saturday.

All Scott Robertson's men need is a win against their southern rivals to seal the Kiwi domestic league, which would come as a devastating blow for the Blues.

After almost a decade of underachievement, the Aucklanders have impressed all season long under the guidance of Leon MacDonald, with Sunday's 32-21 victory over the Highlanders in Dunedin highlighting their immense physicality up front.

That win keeps them just two point adrift from the Crusaders at the summit of the table, but with a bye week looming, the Blues will be relying on the Highlanders to produce a monumental upset and win at Orangetheory Stadium in six days' time.

With all that in mind, here are the five best performers from round eight of Super Rugby Aotearoa.

Akira Ioane (Blues)

The key to the Blues' win over the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium was their bruising defence, of which only allowed two tries despite an attacking onslaught by the hosts towards the end of the match.

It wasn't only on the opposite side of the ball where the Blues shone, though - the silky, efficient play in the backline was complemented by the physicality shown in the forwards.

Patrick Tuipulotu and Ofa Tu'ungafasi were among the stars who led from the front for the visitors, but none shone brighter than man-of-the-match Akira Ioane, whose profile as a potential All Blacks candidate continues to rise.