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Wallabies captain Michael Hooper hasn’t made the inaugurual Australian Super Rugby players’ choice team of the year.
Openside flanker Hooper was one of nine incumbent Test starters who didn’t get into the side chosen by players from the four Australian Super Rugby franchises.
The poll was organised by the players’ association (RUPA), which compiled a shortlist of players for each position, not excluding anybody based on nationality or international availability.
The preferred choice in Hooper’s No.7 jersey, was David Pocock, who is playing alongside him at No.8 for the Wallabies.
Pocock and prop Scott Sio were the only starters from the Wallabies pack in the loss to the All Blacks last Saturday to make the players’ side, which was based on Super Rugby form.
The players opted for two uncapped players in the back row in the Rebels’ Angus Cottrell at blindside flanker and Brumbies No.8 Isi Naisarani, the Fiijian-born forward, who becomes eligible for the Wallabies next year.
Prop Allan Alaalatoa, locks Izack Rodda and Adam Coleman and blindside flanker Lukhan Tui were the other incumbent Test players who didn’t make the team, while hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau was ineligible as he didn’t play Super Rugby this year.
The players preferred lock combination was Rory Arnold and Rob Simmons, with Reds young gun Taniela Tupou getting a prop spot and Brumbies player Folau Fainga’a at hooker.
Most of the backs selected for last weekend’s Test made the players’ side.
Winger Taqele Naiyaravoro, who set a new season try-scoring record for the Waratahs, but has moved to English club Northampton, was named ahead of Test incumbent Marika Koroibete.
Fullback Israel Folau and centre Tevita Kuridrani, both of whom are currently injured, also made the team.
The players choice team replaced the people’s choice team conducted the previous two years.
2018 Volvo Players’ Choice Super Rugby Team of the Year: Israel Folau (Waratahs), Jack Maddocks (Rebels), Tevita Kuridrani, (Brumbies), Kurtley Beale (Waratahs), Taqele Naiyaravoro (Waratahs), Bernard Foley (Waratahs), Will Genia (Rebels), Isi Naisarani (Brumbies), David Pocock (Brumbies), Angus Cottrell (Rebels), Rob Simmons (Waratahs), Rory Arnold (Brumbies),Taniela Tupou (Reds), Folau Fainga’a (Brumbies), Scott Sio (Brumbies).
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.