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Australia’s rugby fans have picked four uncapped players in their Super Rugby team of the year – but it’s an exclusion rather than any inclusion that’s causing a stir.
For the first time in his five-season rugby career, superstar fullback Israel Folau has failed to make the Peoples Choice Team of the Year.
In the poll conducted by the Rugby Union Players’ Association (RUPA), fans voted for Folau’s Wallabies teammate and Western Force ace Dane Haylett-Petty as their No.15.
There was also no room in the centres for Folau, with Queensland Reds star Samu Kerevi winning the No.13 jumper, while the Melbourne Rebels’ uncapped rugby league convert Marika Koroibete and Brumbies flyer Henry Speight named as the two wingers.
Despite dominating Michael Cheika’s 34-man Wallabies squad for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship, the NSW Waratahs only had two players picked – new Test captain Michael Hooper and his vice-captain Bernard Foley.
There is double cause for celebration in the Haylett-Petty family with his second-rower brother Ross also earning a place in the fans’ team of the year.
Western Force centre Billy Meakes and his teammate, dynamic halfback Michael Ruru are the other two uncapped players to make the team.
For the first time in the competition’s history, a Japanese international has been selected, with freshly resigned Rebels star Amanaki Mafi the overwhelming choice in the No.8 jersey.
In total, six Force players made the XV, a further reflection of the standing of the franchise that finished second in the Australian conference yet remains on the Super Rugby chopping block.
Four players from the conference-winning Brumbies – Speight, flanker Scott Fardy, lock Adam Coleman and prop Allan Alaalatoa – made the team.
RUPA’s Peoples Choice Team of the Year: Dane Haylett-Petty (Western Force), Henry Speight (Brumbies), Samu Kerevi (Queensland Reds), Billy Meakes (Force), Marika Koroibete (Melbourne Rebels), Bernard Foley (NSW Waratahs), Michael Ruru (Force), Amanaki Mafi (Force), Michael Hooper (Waratahs), Scott Fardy (Brumbies), Adam Coleman (Force), Rory Arnold (Brumbies), Allan Alaalatoa (Brumbies), Tatafu Polota-Nau (Western Force), Pek Cowan (Force).
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.