OPINION: The favourites are in Wellington and Christchurch but Dunedinites and Hamiltonians are still in the game.

At the halfway point of Super Rugby it is no surprise that the Hurricanes and Crusaders are atop the table, so that is not where the interesting storylines are.

Instead it is the performance of the Highlanders and, particularly, the Chiefs, that has made this year interesting.

MARTY MELVILLE/PHOTOSPORT The Hurricanes are deserved favourites but are yet to play the Crusaders, Highlanders and Chiefs away from home.

Both sides changed coaches but not a lot else. Clearly the Highlanders are still having fun and the Chiefs are still playing for their community. Do not write either off just yet.

READ MORE:

* Genia: We can beat Crusaders

* Peni cops five-week ban

* Dagg's chances ruined

* Mo'unga, Goodhue return

Of course the Hurricanes and Crusaders still have better hands to play.

Nehe Milner-Skudder and Dane Coles, when he returns, have the capacity to lift the Hurricanes to new heights.

Similarly, Richie Mo'unga and Jack Goodhue are about to get back into it for the Crusaders.

GETTY IMAGES The Highlanders' team spirit was typified by a tough win against the Bulls in Pretoria last weekend.

And in recent sideline commentary duties for television, prop Joe Moody resembled a grumpy bear who could see but not yet touch a pot of honey.

It is plausible that when he returns, and winter closes in, that the Crusaders could go into bulldozer mode with Owen Franks and Moody driving the vehicle.

Yet the Hurricanes still have to play the Crusaders, Highlanders and Chiefs away from home. The Crusaders still have to get through the June test series with Ryan Crotty intact.

It's a reminder that you do not need to be the best team in Super Rugby from February to August to win it.

You just need to be the best team, the luckiest with injuries, the luckiest with referees (yes, luck does play its part) for the last month.

The Highlanders and Chiefs may just give themselves that chance.

To watch the Highlanders is to watch a team that enjoys itself. You do not make 5000 tackles a game if there are not bonds between the players.

It helps too, that when you do win back the ball it finds itself in the hands of Aaron Smith. The halfback is already brilliant but now is in pursuit of greatness. Longevity will do that and fitness is the key.

Ben Smith has revealed his halfback had a strong offseason. Perhaps Aaron Smith felt he needed to repay a debt and perhaps he heard the first footsteps of Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi approaching. Regardless of his motivation, he has been magnificent.

As for the Chiefs, they have battled through so many injuries that many have overlooked that they have bedded in a back line that has some sting and unearthed some unlikely performers.

They need Charlie Ngatai to stay on the paddock. His ability to step into first receiver is just what Damian McKenzie needs and he has the nous to resist going wide when the situation calls for a step back inside and some straight running.

But their biggest surprise package is Karl Tu'inukuafe and that is saying something because Angus Ta'avao and Tyler Ardron have been standouts.

The North Harbour loosehead really can scrum. In Brisbane three weeks ago he worked over Taniela Tupou. A year ago that might not have been a big deal but Tupou has made great strides under Brad Thorn and the Reds scrum demolished the Lions last week.

The smart money is still on the Hurricanes and Crusaders but the bookies don't want to be caught out. They'll only give you $6-$6.50 for the other two New Zealand contenders because they know a threat to the bottom line when they see one.

For another year New Zealand is blessed. The All Blacks have four high-functioning sides to select from. Eighteen months out from a World Cup, it is that competitive advantage that puts it ahead of all of its rivals.

TICKET GIVEAWAY

Investec Super Rugby Referees have had their eyes tested at Specsavers to ensure they have perfect vision for the matches ahead. To help everyone keep their eyes on the ball, Specsavers and Rugby Stuff are making sure our readers don't miss a thing by giving them the chance to win a double pass to the Chiefs vs Jaguares game at the Rotorua International Stadium on Friday. On top of this, they'll win a voucher for two pairs of designer frames from Specsavers. To enter, simply join the Rugby Stuff Facebook group, or head to the page if you're already a member. In the comments field of the giveaway post tell us you think you're the most deserving of the tickets. Entries close at 10pm on Wednesday.