Four SA players in team of the season

Winger George Bridge was the only player from champions Crusaders to be included in the official Super Rugby team of the season released on Tuesday.

Jean-Luc du Preez, Lood de Jager, Malcolm Marx and Steven Kitshoff were the only South Africans to make the team.

Bridge scored 15 tries during a season that ended last Saturday with the Crusaders defeating the Lions 37-18 in the Super Rugby final in Christchurch.

His try haul was the equal second best in the competition, surpassed only by the 16 from Hurricanes winger Ben Lam, who did not make the team.

Crusaders were the outstanding team this season as they achieved a ninth title and second in a row.

Super Rugby organiser Sanzaar justified the selections, saying on its website that they were “based on a comprehensive statistical index that monitors in detail every action of every match”.

Damian McKenzie was named player of the season.

“McKenzie’s statistics are pretty impressive … including beating 74 defenders and amassing 177 points during the season,” Sanzaar said.

Team: Israel Folau (Waratahs); Solomon Alaimalo, Anton Lienert-Brown (both Chiefs), Michael Little (Sunwolves), George Bridge (Crusaders); Damian McKenzie (Chiefs), TJ Perenara (Hurricanes); Akira Ioane (Blues), JeanLuc du Preez (Sharks), Pablo Matera (Jaguares); Lood de Jager (Bulls), Brodie Retallick (Chiefs); Taniela Tupou (Reds), Malcolm Marx (Lions), Steven Kitshoff (Stormers)