After another season of exciting rugby, and also some games that featured the Australian teams, the magnificent Bulls have reclaimed the Super Rugby title and all that is left to do is (hopefully) watch the Springboks obliterate the pride of the British Isles and then (probably) do the same to the Wallabies.
The following is my Super 14 team of the year.
1. Guthro Steenkamp (Bulls)
I can honestly say that in all my years of watching rugby, I have always found it most difficult to assess frontrow forwards. What I can tell you, though, is that this guy scares the bejesus out of me – even on TV.
2. Derick Kuun (Bulls)
As with props, assessing hookers is tough for someone who hasn’t played there. I can tell you what not to look for: inaccurate lineouts, for example. Tatafu, I’m looking at you. But Kuun was consistently effective in the team that won the competition. So, until I understand hooking better, that will do me.
3. Ben Robinson (Waratahs)
The only Waratah on the list and, frankly, the only Waratah under any consideration. Strong ball carrying and tackling all season and from all accounts is an excellent scrummager.
4. Victor Matfield (Bulls)
I’m not sure that I have the ability to describe just how good Matfield and Botha are. Put simply, If you named a World XV, they would be the second row partnership. I’d go on but I’m worried he might one day read this and then obliterate me if I’m not complimentary enough.
5. Bakkies Botha (Bulls)
Do you think he even understands what the words “backwards step” even means?
6. Adam Thompson (Highlanders)
This selection may surprise some, but if you cast your mind back to mid-season when the Highlanders were looking like contenders, it was Thompson and his little mate Jimmy Cowan who were the reason. Thompson was a titan for the Highlanders and edges out Juan Smith and Taneru Latimer for this spot.
7. George Smith (Brumbies)
Without him and Mark Gerrard, the Brumbies go three and ten. Also the hardest man in Australian rugby.
8. Thomas Waldrom (Crusaders)
The unsung hero of the Crusaders’ tenacious season. Waldrom, despite looking like the Gungun leader Boss Nass from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, was tremendous throughout the season. A difficult category to select and honourable mentions go to Pierre Spies, Sione Lauaki and the tireless Richard Brown.
9. Fourie du Preez (Bulls)
Best player in world rugby? Probably. Sure, directing Matfield, Botha, Spies and Steenkamp around and then handing off to Morne Steyn looks easy, but du Preez was outstanding again this year. This was the tightest category of all and Cowan, Leonard, Vermaak and Kockott could all feel rightfully aggrieved at missing out.
10. Matt Giteau (Force)
Not only Australia’s best player, but now probably the number one flyhalf in world rugby. Is a genuine three way run-pass-kick threat and can confuse an opposition defence just by standing still. Is probably going to go insane over the next few months watching the Wallaby ‘backline’ waste everything he creates.
11. Sitevani Sivavatu (Chiefs)
If you had to use one word to describe him, it would be “elusive.” If you had to use two words, it would be “really elusive.” Time and again, Sivavatu was the driving force for the Chiefs with his scything runs back through midfield and his incendiary pace down the flank.
12. Wynand Olivier (Bulls)
Would probably have made the team based on his tremendous Percy Montgomery-lite hairstyle, but was also simply superb all season. Probably the most consistent Bulls player, he actually plays the hard running mixed with ball handling game that Stirling Mortlock is alleged to add to the Brumbies.
13. Digby Ioane (Reds)
No really, a Reds player made the list! Ioane was a revelation in Queensland this year. Like Sivavatu, he seemed to possess some sort of otherworldly ability to run through a cluttered midfield at will without so much as a hand being laid upon him. Will now reap his reward when the ARU backs a truck full of cash up to his door.
14. Lelia Masaga (Chiefs)
In the Grand Final autopsy has been accused by some of being a one-trick pony, but let’s face it, there isn’t a single Australian team who wouldn’t gratefully let him burn up and down the right wing for them. Had a great season and was, with Sivavatu and Muliana, part of the most compelling and entertaining back three we have seen in the competition in years.
15. Mark Gerrard (Brumbies)
See Smith, George, above. Again, this category could have gone to a number of players, with Mils Muliana and Zane Kirchner particularly unlucky to miss out.
Second XV
1. James McGougan
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau
3. Neemia Tialata
4. Brad Thorn
5. Jason Eaton
6. Juan Smith
7. Liam Messam
8. Pierre Spies
9. Brendon Leonard
10. Morne Steyn
11. Bryan Hanbana
12. Ma’a Nonu
13. Jacque Fourie
14. JP Pietersen
15. Mils Muliana
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