PLAYERS WHO MOST IMPRESSED US
RICHIE MO’UNGA
However good he was in 2017, Richie Mo’unga took his game to the next level in 2018.
He was so controlled and influential in steering the Crusaders to their second Super Rugby title that most of the country began demanding he start ahead of Beauden Barrett.
That was never going to happen but it was indicative of how much he impressed with his tactical control, kicking and running.
What everyone really likes about him most is his temperament and attitude: he is never flustered and he never stops trying to become better.
After a masterclass performance for the All Blacks against Japan where he ignited the attack to score almost 70 points, what impressed him most about his game, was his defence.
“I was really happy with how physical I was,” he said. “Some of my tackles…a bit of unheard of for a No 10…but I was pleased with them.”
Now that’s why he’s going to be special – that desire to put every part of his performance under the microscope.
JACK GOODHUE
It wasn’t that Jack Goodhue was unknown at the start of this year, but he had an unknown quality about him.
No one really knew just how good he was until he produced an impressively versatile set of skills with the Crusaders.
In the first half of the year he was asked to smash it up and defend with everything – be a brick wall – and then in the second he was encouraged and able to show that he’s the best in the country at exploiting a two-onone.
When he stepped up to the All Blacks he played much like he did in Super Rugby and by October had established himself as the first choice centre.
He’s a class player – calm, visionary, disciplined, tough and able to distribute with a wisdom beyond his years.
“He’s a very mature young man,” said All Blacks coach Steve Hansen. “There is no doubt about that. He’s - I don’t want to use the word overconfident - but he’s got plenty of confidence and it is justified.
“It is just an inner belief as to who he is as a person and I think that reflects in how he plays. We think he is a good player and he has shown that over the seasons for the various teams he has played for.”
CODIE TAYLOR
Much like Mo’unga, Codie Taylor took the step from being good to really good this year.
His game, already in good shape by the end of last year, was even more dynamic and physical in 2018.
He had greater confidence in his ability to impose himself in tests and he ran hard, straight and with great purpose.
We saw all his handling skills, too and he made sure that his core role was carried out at the expected level.
The big question next year will be whether he can continue to start ahead of Dane Coles? It will be a tight battle.
KENDRA COCKSEDGE
The veteran Black Ferns halfback shouldn’t bristle at the term veteran. It is a compliment about her ability to use her experience to be one of the best game managers in New Zealand rugby.
She is the tactical director for the Ferns and one of the more astute readers of the game. She dictated the tempo of every test in which she played and determined where and when the Ferns were going to attack.
Few players in international rugby can have that sort of influence.
ARDIE SAVEA
In April, Ardie Savea announced he was only extending his contract by one year, through to the 2019 World Cup.
It was a decision that ignited speculation he was looking to head oshore after the tournament to join his brother Julian in France.
But what it really meant was that he wanted to put intense pressure on himself to change the direction of his test career.
He was giving himself 12 months to go from bit part player to integral force. And he did just that.
He was brilliant against Argentina in Nelson, even better again when he had to play No 8 in Buenos Aries and then again when he delivered a match-winning 45 minutes in Pretoria after Sam Cane broke his neck.
Savea started to pinch turnovers by staying stronger over the ball. He made thumping tackles, drove over the gainline when he carried and he played like a big, solid No 7.
“I guess in the past I was probably trying to do a bit too much – on the field and in my head,” he said by way of explaining the dramatic turnaround in form.
“I have found a way to simplify things and I’m now going out there and playing instinctively what is in front of me.”