TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT: A Super line-up
OPINION: Super Rugby 2018 has ended, and it is time to reveal our Team of the Tournament.
The Crusaders are the champs again and they deservedly lead the way with four players in our selection. The Lions are the next best represented with three players.
The Waratahs, Jaguares, Highlanders, Hurricanes, Melbourne Rebels and Sharks are the other teams represented in our final selection this year.
In the backline, Israel Folau is our fullback with Bautista Delguy and George Bridge on the wings. Ryan Crotty and Rob Thompson make the midfield.
Richie Mo’unga gets the No.10 spot with Thomas Perenara at No.9.
In the pack, Amanaki Mafi is at No.8 with Michael Hooper and Pablo Matera on the flanks.
The second row consists of Francois Mostert and Scott Barrett.
In the front row, we have Thomas du Toit, Malcolm Marx and Jacques van Rooyen.
Team of the Tournament – Super Rugby 2018:
15 – Israel Folau (Waratahs)
His pace and power on attack took the spotlight on many occasions and he was unbelievable under the high ball. He scored 11 tries this season.
Bubbling under: Ben Smith (Highlanders)
14 – Bautista Delguy (Jaguares)
He was a lethal finisher out wide for the Jaguares. He scored 10 tries in their run to the play-offs and he had a hand in many others.
Bubbling under: Solomon Alaimalo (Chiefs)
13 – Rob Thompson (Highlanders)
He beat defenders with ease all season and was involved in many of the Highlanders’ tries. His vision and awareness on attack was excellent.
Bubbling under: Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs)
12 – Ryan Crotty (Crusaders)
The stalwart’s experience, especially his decision making, was vital in the Crusaders’ success this season. He was a rock on defence and an enforcer on attack.
Bubbling under: Ngani Laumape (Hurricanes)
11 – George Bridge (Crusaders)
He scored a whopping 15 tries for the champions this season. He often created something out of nothing out wide and he never let his team down on defence.
Bubbling under: Ben Lam (Hurricanes)
10 – Richie Mo’unga (Crusaders)
The 24-year-old was consistently the best No.10 throughout the season. He dictated play with the help of his powerful forward pack. Tactically, he was smart on attack, unlocking defences with ease.
Bubbling under: Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes)
9 – Thomas Perenara (Hurricanes)
His service from the breakdowns was outstanding. He made good quick decisions and was a constant threat around the fringes.
Bubbling under: Aaron Smith (Highlanders)
8 – Amanaki Mafi (Melbourne Rebels)
He made more carries than any other player in this year’s tournament and he is fourth in terms of running metres, which is the highest amongst the forwards.
Bubbling under: Akira Ioane (Blues)
7 – Michael Hooper (Waratahs)
His work rate was unbelievable this season. He led by example on the field and gave his all, especially on defence where his tackle count went through the roof on occasions.
Bubbling under: Jean-Luc du Preez (Sharks)
6 – Pablo Matera (Jaguares)
He was a force at ruck time where he won a number of turnovers and his work rate on attack and defence was second to none in his position.
Bubbling under: Jordan Taufua (Crusaders)
5 – Francois Mostert (Lions)
He was an important cog in a powerful Lions pack. He never seemed to run out of gas on the field.
Bubbling under: Samuel Whitelock (Crusaders)
4 – Scott Barrett (Crusaders)
He was the enforcer up front for the Crusaders. He was immense with ball in hand and gave his all on defence as well.
Bubbling under: Brodie Retallick (Chiefs)
3 – Thomas du Toit (Sharks)
He lifted his game tremendously this season. He scrummed well in the No.3 jersey and gave a good account of himself with a high work rate around the park.
Bubbling under: Ruan Dreyer (Lions)
2 – Malcolm Marx (Lions)
He was a turnover machine for the Lions and scored more tries (12) than any other forward in the competition.
Bubbling under: Codie Taylor (Crusaders)
1 – Jacques van Rooyen (Lions)
Powerful in the scrums and effective with ball in hand. The Lions will miss him next season.
Bubbling under: Steven Kitshoff (Stormers)
Our individual selections:
Jan de Koning XV: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Bautista Delguy, 13 Ngani Laumape, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Amanaki Mafi, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Francois Mostert, 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Jacques Van Rooyen.
Paul Dobson XV: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Rob Thompson, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Thomas Perenara, 8 Akira Ioane, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Francois Mostert, 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Jacques Van Rooyen.
Warren Fortune XV: Ben Smith, 14 Solomon Alaimalo, 13 Rob Thompson, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Amanaki Mafi, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Francois Mostert, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Leezil Hendricks XV: 15 David Havili, 14 Bautista Delguy, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 George Bridge, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Thomas Perenara, 8 Amanaki Mafi, 7 David Pocock, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Francois Mostert, 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Dylan Smith.
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