In the final four we saw the Crusaders and the Brumbies cruise, the Hurricanes edge the Bulls and the Jaguares grind down the Chiefs.
This is the team that shone in the quarter-finals.
15. David Havili
Scored a try, beat five defenders – more than anyone else on the pitch – and made two clean breaks, along with a game-high 71 metres. The Highlanders unsurprisingly struggled to handle him.
14. Cornal Hendricks
Two tries for the Bulls flyer, who was a force of nature. His knock-on at the very end of the game was the only blemish on an outstanding performance.
13. Rob Thompson
The outside centre took it to the Crusaders and gave it everything. Tough for the 27-year-old to be on the losing side.
12. Teihorangi Walden
Thompson’s centre partner broke tackles all night and picked up a try. Another Highlander who can hold his head up high despite the elimination.
11. Matias Moroni
The Jags wing man bagged a try, beat three defenders and made a clean break. Was a real problem for the Chiefs to solve.
10. Richie Mo’unga
Two tries and perfect kicking from the playmaker as he broke a Crusaders record with 23 points in a semi-final match. Simply sensational.
9. TJ Perenara
An all-action 80 minutes from the scrum-half. Crossed for a try, created another and seemed to be everywhere at the Cake Tin.
TJ Perenara of the Hurricanes makes a break. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
8. Pete Samu
A brace and another bullocking display from the Melburnian. Surely he has to be the Wallabies starting No.8. Let’s hope his hammy is OK.
7. Ardie Savea
The best open-side in world rugby? If not, he’s certainly in contention. Was phenomenal for the Hurricanes as they won their quarter-final. Snagged a crucial turnover at the death as well.
6. Pablo Matera
One try, a team-high 58 metres, a team-high 17 carries and a team-high six defenders beaten. Oh, and made a team-high 15 tackles as well. Just a pure freak.
5. Guido Petti Pagadizabal
Stole two turnovers and made ten tackles in a real shift from the lock. Will be a threat for the Brumbies next weekend.
4. Rory Arnold
Continues his great season. His ability to disrupt opposition mauls, as well creating line-breaks for team-mates with his deft passing game, is second to none.
3. Allan Alaalatoa
Was massive for the Brumbies on Saturday night. Ripped in with defence, making a team-high 19 tackles, and anchored a dominant scrum.
2. Dane Coles
A strong ball-running game, combined with some good set-piece work and effective defence by the All Black.
1. Scott Sio
A key part of the Brumbies’ fearsome forward pack. Brilliant scrimmaging helped lay a platform in Canberra, though he will have his work cut out for him in Buenos Aires.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
McCaffrey did more than Samu in his half No one played better than Banks, Sio, Aalattoa ,Faingaa, Arnold or Carter.
Lara
Guest
Moody n Franks are weapons of mass destruction at scrum time n I fear for the Canes props n they are not bad either.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Kremer is a beast in the best of the old school Afrikaner model.
jeznez
Roar Guru
How about a team of the U-20 final? 1. Beria 2. Lachaud 3. Mallez 4. Wood 5. Frost 6. Wilson 7. McReight 8. Joseph 9. Coly 10. Carbonel 11. Nawaqanitawase 12. Lolesio 13. Vincent 14. Pinto 15. Lucas The reserve French props really turned the screws when they came on, the guidance and control from Carbonel was massive and Joseph was impressive in how he stepped up as the contest got tighter. For the Aussies Wood was most impressive in the pack, his work rate was exceptional, Wilson struggled to work his way into the game but the longer it went the stronger he got. McReight was a threat all day. IMO the most contentious selections were 5, 9 and 14 with other worthy candidates in each position. Mcdonald in particular was a line call with Coly.
John Alexander
Guest
Allan's brother Michael had a good shift when he came on for the 'Saders. What a bench they have. And what a get for the Wallabies squad Michael would be. The former 'Saders duo of Pete Samu and Michael would go well as a couple of forwards for the other Michael to think about for the W.C. in the squad. Samu looked good at no.8, good option there if Pocock could go to 7 for the Wallabies, a good player and a great player in positions better suited to them. Unfortunate for yet another Michael but he may have limitations as a bench player in terms of covering a backrow but 2nd choice no.7 if Pocock unfit.
Carlin
Roar Rookie
Hard to argue with this team. The Highlanders midfield gel really well together and are both highly underrated players.
Riccardo
Roar Rookie
What they did to the next All Black front row at the Highlanders was compelling Ralph. The scrum battle was a highlight of the game for me; a real statement
Ralph
Roar Guru
We don't mind sharing the accolades, we are happy with the record books and trophy cabinet.
Ralph
Roar Guru
Moody is certainly getting close to his destructive best now. That Moody, Taylor and Franks front row is going to a handful as Taylor and Franks build form as well from here as well.
Riccardo
Roar Rookie
These can be subjective but your's are usually spot on John. Thought Joe Moody eclipsed Sio however.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
He had to get some aussies in somewhere, UH? Personally I wouldn’t put my hand up for this job at the pointy end of the season. 120-184 players over four games distilled down to 15. But true, the Saders may have one or two worthy forwards. Wink.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Maybe he missed the Saders game, oh no wait…perhaps that’s why they win, they play as a unit…:-) Strangely that’s typical of the Saders.
Uriah Heep
Roar Rookie
So let me get this right. The most dominant forward pack (agin a very decent pack) on display over the QFs in the most dominant display gets 0 in your selection ?
Origin
Roar Rookie
Thanks, John. I agree with your picks. However, IMO Marcos Kremer was just few inches ahead from Ardie Savea.
CAB_CBA
Roar Rookie
That's about right!