Why Chiefs star Samisoni Taukei'aho is the 'world's best'

All Blacks great Ian Jones believes Samisoni Taukei’aho is the “best” hooker in world rugby following his sensational performance against the Crusaders on Friday.

Led by New Zealand internationals Taukei’aho, Damian McKenzie and Brodie Retallick, the Chiefs shocked the rugby world in Christchurch to open their season.

Venturing to the South Island of New Zealand, the Chiefs took on the defending champions and won – although, that undersells how emphatic their performance was.

After tailing 10-nil, Taukei’aho was among the standouts for the Chiefs as they clawed their way back into the contest.

The star hooker was in the middle of everything, and had the equal-most carries out of any player by half-time, and was also leading the tackle count for the Chiefs.

By the end of the contest, which the visitors won 31-10, Taukei’aho had carried the ball 14 times and made 12 tackles.

Former international lock Ian Jones gave Taukei’aho a “shout-out” on New Zealand radio this week.

“I need to give a big shout-out to Samisoni,” Jones said on SENZ’s Chiefs Mana.

“I said last week (he’s the) world’s best five-10 metres out, there is no question in the world about that but (I asked) is he the world’s best for the other kind of 80 metres of the paddock, and he was.

“His work rate was phenomenal. His ball carries, both sides was phenomenal.

“He did a lot of momentum building for the Chiefs, he was active everywhere, clearly when you looked at it (he) outshone his opposition which was great, but he did a lot of work.

“I was stoked with his fitness levels from game one so clearly he’s done a lot of work aerobically.”

Looking to extend their winning start to the season to two matches, the Chiefs are set to face Moana Pasifika in Super Round this weekend.

All Super Rugby teams will play at AAMI Park over three nights, including a blockbuster between the Crusaders and Highlanders to kick things off.