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The Rugby Championship, the best international competition in Southern Hemisphere rugby, has concluded.
New Zealand won the tournament for the third consecutive year. Argentina improved winning their first game in tournament history and South Africa was unbeatable at home.
Australia had their moments, but were largely ordinary again.
What about the individual players? Here is a Form XV for the Rugby Championship, with players from all four teams included. Do you agree?
15. Israel Folau (Australia)
Didn’t capture the form that he showed in Super Rugby, but still had a strong series. Folau was easily Australia’s best in the Eden Park massacre.
His stats were impressive: two tries, 27 defenders beaten, almost 500 running metres and 13 offloads, Folau reinforced the fact he is a world-class player.
14. Ben Smith (New Zealand)
Did well at full-back during the All Blacks’ early games and continued that fine work in the number 14 jersey for the rest of the tournament.
Smith was among the leading players with clean breaks (9), defenders beaten (18), metres gained (299) and offloads (6). He also scored two tries and impressed in the air where he was consistently good under the high ball.
He moved to centre in the South African Test in Wellington where he impressed. Cornal Hendricks with his searing pace was outstanding and close to making the team. His try in Wellington was perhaps the best of the Rugby Championship.
13. Jan Serfontein (South Africa)
In 2012, South Africa won the IRB Junior World Championship and Serfontein was a star of that tournament. Two years later Serfontein has become a valuable Springbok. He played four games and impressed in each one.
In Wellington against the All Blacks he was the top tackler with 19 and in the return match at Ellis Park he created a try with a debt grubber kick and looked threatening with ball in hand.
12. Jean de Villiers (South Africa)
De Villiers is an outstanding leader and an equally effective player. He scored two tries against Australia at Newlands which won the Springboks the game and was rock solid on attack and defence throughout the series.
11. Julian Savea (New Zealand)
Steve Hansen has labelled him as being “probably” better than Jonah Lomu, which is some statement. In this year’s tournament, Savea showed that such comparisons might not be too overstated.
His try-scoring record of 27 tries in 28 internationals is outstanding and he has developed a kicking and all-around attacking game which makes him one of the most devastating players in international rugby. Savea topped the Rugby Championship try chart with four.
10. Nicolás Sánchez (Argentina)
Top of the points scoring chart with 52, Sánchez attacked the line with authority and was sound on defence. He was also the only fly-half to play every game. Handré Pollard, who scored 19 points against the All Blacks on Saturday, might become one of the all-time greats for the Springboks.
9. Aaron Smith (New Zealand)
Easily the best halfback in world rugby. His slick service to his backline has always been impressive, but his defensive qualities have improved and he seems more willing to have a crack around the fringes of the ruck now.
8. Duane Vermeulen (South Africa)
An absolute beast and surely a contender for IRB player of the year, Vermeulen at 193cm and 116kg is a monster of a man. He hits harshly, runs with gusto hits the breakdowns furiously and is a secure option in the lineouts. Kieran Read was huge for the All Blacks, but Vermeulen might edge Read as the best 8 in world rugby at present.
7. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
The warhorse equaled Colin Meads record for most games for the All Blacks with 133 and had a strong series, perhaps his best in years. He topped the tackle count with 77 and scored three tries, carrying strongly when required.
Australian captain Michael Hopper reinforced his quality again, but his yellow card in the last game against Argentina was costly. Marcell Coetzee was very impressive for South Africa.
6. Jerome Kaino (New Zealand)
Despite an injury during the championship, Kaino was immense for the All Blacks when available. His ball carrying his outstanding and his strength in defence both at the initial collusion and post tackle is colossal. Kaino has established himself as one of the great All Black flankers in recent times.
5. Victor Matfield (South Africa)
The old master can still cut it at 37. Supreme in the lineouts, abrasive on defence, Matfield was huge against the All Blacks in Wellington making 17 tackles and winning seven lineouts. Matfield is an inspirational player, great competition for this spot from Sam Whitelock and Mariano Galarza.
4. Brodie Retallick (New Zealand)
One of the best players in the world, athletic, powerful and skilful. Retallick is a key part of the All Blacks attack. In Wellington against the Springboks he passed the ball 18 times suggesting that he has the ability to draw in defenders and offload swiftly allowing the All Blacks to outflank their opposition.
3. Ramiro Herrera (Argentina)
Part of the reason Argentina impressed so much in 2013 was down to Juan Figallo, the tighthead prop who was uncontainable at the scrum and made a name for himself. Figallo hasn’t been available for this year’s competition, but Herrera has stepped up big time. The Castres prop wasn’t bettered by anybody and should be around for a long-time in international rugby.
2. Dane Coles (New Zealand)
The All Blacks form suffered when Coles was absent. Coles is an accurate thrower and the most skilful tight forward in world rugby. Coles running and passing game is gives the All Blacks many options both in tight and outwide on the tramlines. Coles is changing the definition of his position, a super little player.
1. Marcos Ayerza (Argentina)
Consistently the best loosehead over the course of the championship, Ayerza remains as potent at scrum time as ever. Ayerza who has enjoyed huge domestic success with the Leicester Tigers in England has already amassed 54 Tests and should collect many more if his fierce form of 2014 continues.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.