Super team of the year
The Crusaders are favourites to win a second Super Rugby title in a row and have earned a home final on the back of some excellent individual performances.
In fact, in picking a New Zealand Super Rugby team of the year there are worthy contenders from the Crusaders in every position.
However, there were some strong performers at every franchise – players whose contribution to the fortune of their sides can’t be ignored.
Gareth Evans at the Hurricanes is a fine example. The hard-working loose forward has had a huge impact.
Chiefs prop Angus Ta’avao is another. No-one would dispute that Owen Franks is still the premier tighthead prop in the country, but Ta’avao stepped up and, in a way, saved the Chiefs’ season.
For some premier All Blacks – Joe Moody and Brodie Retallick for example – a lack of game-time counts against them.
At the other end of the scale Ricky Riccitelli may have had his flaws but the Hurricanes hooker emptied his tank for the cause.
With that in mind, here are 23 players who have been influential this year.
1. Karl Tu’inukuafe (Chiefs) His power scrummaging display against hyped Reds and Wallabies prop Taniela Tupou back in April announced that NZ rugby had something special on its hands.
2. Codie Taylor (Crusaders) Dynamic and abrasive, the Crusaders hooker is clearly the country’s best in the absence of Dane Coles.
3. Angus Ta’avao (Chiefs) Answered the call in Hamilton as the Chiefs quickly ran out of props. Big minutes, big ticker, big improver.
4. Scott Barrett (Crusaders) Has taken giant strides this year and just smashes over the gainline. Expect more lock rotation within the All Blacks with Barrett gaining ground on ‘the Big Two’.
5. Sam Whitelock (Crusaders) Brilliant captaincy and consistently high standards. Early season loss to Hurricanes came after this guy went off injured early.
6. Jordan Taufua (Crusaders) Can you still be an enforcer in the era of lowered tackle heights? Watch J Taufua for the answer. Broken arm is cruel timing.
7. Matt Todd (Crusaders) Wouldn’t be surprised if Todd plays a part in the first two Bledisloes. The form No 7 in the country and such a nuisance over the ball.
8. Gareth Evans (Hurricanes) Massive work-rate, versatile, good over the ball and a lineout option. The Hurricanes’ player of the season.
9. Bryn Hall (Crusaders) Gets better every week. Composure and improved passing game has supplemented his natural running game.
10. Richie Mo’unga (Crusaders) Defence and play in the backfield has improved a lot. And did anyone realise he was quite that quick?
11. Rieko Ioane (Blues) Forced into midfield role at the Blues but still smoked defenders every time he carried the ball and you can’t punish him because of the Blues’ struggles.
12. Ngani Laumape (Hurricanes) Carried the Hurricanes attack at times with his power running and his defence was strong too.
13. Jack Goodhue (Crusaders) Long-term All Blacks midfielder is so classy he may also be the All Blacks short- and medium-term midfielder.
14. George Bridge (Crusaders) Played on the left wing and fullback but can’t be ignored. Genuine pace and great defender. The ABs’ sort of player.
15. Solomon Alaimalo (Chiefs) Beat defenders with ease all season and has built some power into his tall frame. Another future All Black with test-level pace.
Replacements: Ricky Riccitelli (Hurricanes), Joe Moody (Crusaders), Owen Franks (Crusaders), Brodie Retallick (Chiefs), Akira Ioane (Blues), Aaron Smith (Highlanders), Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes), Rob Thompson (Highlanders).