Crusaders and Blues share spoils in dream team
THE Crusaders outclassing the Blues to claim their sixth piece of silverware in as many years with the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific title last weekend.
Both finalists have five inclusions in our Dream Team. The Chiefs, who finished the regular season third, have two picks, the fourth-placed Brumbies have one, while fellow Australians the Reds have two.
1. George Bower (Crusaders)
One of the most improved players this season and made critical contributions during the knockout stages at scrum time. Outside the set-piece, he showed his mobility in broken play and carried well. Bower made very few mistakes, earning a call-up to the All Blacks.
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho (Chiefs)
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the All Blacks selectors thrust Taukei’aho into a starting role at hooker ahead of Dane Coles and Codie Taylor for the first Test against Ireland next Saturday on the basis of his performances for the Chiefs this year. The 24year-old put his 18 stone frame to good use all season, carrying frequently with power and intent.
3. Taniela Tupou (Reds)
The giant played a key role for the Reds. Beyond scrummaging ability, the Wallaby boasts an impressive top speed and all-around skillset. He put together yet another good season and will be a threat to England. 4. Brodie Retallick (Chiefs) The influence of the All Black on the Chiefs this season was tremendous. With Retallick in the mix, the team showed their form of old, making it to the semi-finals. A world-class lineout jumper, a tireless worker, and a consistent support runner.
5. Sam Whitelock (Crusaders)
The veteran’s technical understanding of the lineout is second to none. Physically dominant, he also reads the game so well to make effective lineout calls in the correct areas.
6. Ethan Blackadder (Crusaders)
The flank enjoyed one of his best seasons, typified by his remarkable work rate. It is a pity the All Black sustained a serious shoulder injury in the quarter-finals as he looked set to be an important figure for Ian Foster against Ireland. 7. Dalton Papalii (Blues) One of the players of the season. The Blues skipper transcended his game this season, showing maturity in his leadership role while emptying his tank every single game. The Auckland side always looked better with him on the field.
8. Harry Wilson (Reds)
The 22-year-old illustrated his destructive ability on both sides of the ball. Making the most metres of any player (202), Wilson also finished in the competition’s top ten for offloads (17) and tackles won (158), and was the only forward to register in the top ten for metres carried (1,036). An absolutely blockbusting talent who will surely start for the Wallabies against England. 9. Nic White (Brumbies) The experienced White showed his class this season, combining with Noah Lolesio and orchestrated a strong Brumbies season as a pair. The scrum-half’s understanding of various dynamics in the game is impressive, from technical aspects such as kicking and distribution to psychological aspects of being in the referee’s ear or the face of the opponent.
10. Beauden Barrett (Blues) The playmaker hit the ground running and reminded the rugby world that he is not finished at the highest level. His ability to attack the line, kick well and distribute is remarkable; adding to this is his blistering pace. Barrett was a key component in igniting the Blues backline, and Foster will have a selection headache with Richie Mo’unga also in excellent form for the Crusaders.
11. Leicester Fainga’anuku (Crusaders)
The 22-year-old’s been in scintillating form. He proved difficult to stop once he built up a head of steam and it’s no surprise that he finished in third position for metres gained (1,278), joint third for offloads (18) and ninth for clean breaks (11).
12. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Blues)
While there is plenty to work on, the Rugby League convert’s rate of progress has to be recognised. TuivasaSheck’s great footwork, searing pace and wonderful skill-set provided headaches to defences and could make his Test debut in July.
13. Rieko Ioane (Blues)
A try-saving tackle against the Crusaders and an intercept try against the Drua in Melbourne – when the Blues were battling – showed how much his defensive game has improved. Ioane was one the Blues’ star performers.
14. Sevu Reece (Crusaders)
Proved once again that he is one of the best finishers in the world as he was the joint leading scorer with 10 tries, alongside team-mates Will Jordan and Fainga’anuku. Reece also made the most clean breaks (17).
15. Stephen Perofeta (Blues)
Although he also featured at fly-half, the 25-year-old played most of his matches at full-back and performed consistently well. Safe under the high ball, a threat in attack and excellent goalkicking making him the tournament’s top points-scorer.