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The class of 2007!

As 2007 draws to a close we are left to reflect on a superb year of rugby. A year that saw South Africa crowned as World Champions, Wasps claim a third Heineken Cup and the Bulls triumph in a thrilling Super 14 Final.

We have been treated to some outstanding performances, both individual and collective, that will live long in the memory. We have been privy to the emergence of a new crop of stars, as well as saying farewell to a clutch of others.

So to cap a fantastic 2007 we have selected our very own Team of the Year!

2007 Team of the Year

15 Juan Martin Hernandez (Argentina and Stade Francais) – A player of irresistible skill and audacious ability. Equally at home in the fifteen or ten jersey he simply could not be left out. He starred for Argentina at fly-half during the World Cup but has dazzled from full-back for the Parisians, his solo try in the Top 14 against Montauban in December was a prime example of his ability.

14 Vincent Clerc (France and Toulouse) – What a year from the nuggety wing who is never content to wait for the ball to find him. Continuous action-packed displays have seen Clerc win endless, and much deserved, praise for his attitude and effectiveness.

13 Stirling Mortlock (Australia and Brumbies) – One of the year’s star performers Mortlock has once again proved his true worth. If ever a sign of his class was needed it was his display, at home, in the Tri-Nations against New Zealand. His ability to cross the gainline time and again is priceless, a leader not only in words but in action too.

12 Luke McAlister (New Zealand and Sale Sharks) – The debate of McAlister or Mauger has raged long into the night, none more so than on that fateful October day in Cardiff. Even on that night McAlister shined with the ball in hand, as he has done throughout the last twelve months. A hard runner, he has a fine turn of pace to boot and is a talent to behold.

11 Bryan Habana (South Africa and Bulls) – Some would argue the Springbok flyer was the best player in the world this year – including the IRB – and they wouldn’t be far from the truth. From a last-minute winner in the Super 14 Final to a record-equalling eight tries at the World Cup Habana has torn sides to pieces with his searing pace and agility on his feet.

10 Felipe Contepomi (Argentina and Leinster) – Be it in the dark blue of Leinster or the light blue of Argentina, Contepomi has been consistently one of the top performers. Mixing consistency with spells of dazzling class he has proved time and again he is one of the great fly-halves of all time.

9 Andy Gomarsall (England and Harlequins) – To come from the international wilderness/pub side to World Cup Final first-choice in the space of eight months is quite a feat, and is testament to Gomarsall’s increasing class. He has been at the heart of Harlequins’ revival (well, until December anyway) and hit his peak at the World Cup. A vintage year earns him a surprise selection in our team.

8 Sebastien Chabal (France and Sale Sharks) – Seabass, as he is more affectionately known, has not only been a cult hero this year, he has been a player of irrefutable quality. From monster hits in defence to barnstorming runs, rampages and dynamic charges in attack he has matured greatly over the past twelve months.

7 Schalk Burger (South Africa and Stormers) – Recognisable from his flowing blonde locks you will never fail to notice Burger. His endless energy and enthusiasm are the basis for action-packed performances on a regular basis. A touch of controversy at the World Cup, something we have come to expect, only served to push him to further heights in the latter stages of the tournament.

6 Richie McCaw (New Zealand and Crusaders) – The lasting image of McCaw from 2007 will be that of devastation having seen the All Blacks World Cup dream fade. However it is his rugby that has done the talking. There are few superlatives left to describe his performances, and not without reason, McCaw continues to be the best. And why at six? Well, we wanted both McCaw and Burger in, and there are rumours that McCaw will shift to six over the next couple of years…

5 Victor Matfield (South Africa and Bulls) – The Bulls second row is in a class of his own. His dominance at the line-out is second to none and he adds prominence around the field for good measure. The Bulls and South Africa built their forward efforts around him and the rewards were there for all to see. The World Cup Final’s man-of-the-match is in.

4 Simon Shaw (England and Wasps) – For so long he played his rugby in the shadows of rival second rows, that was until 2007. Shaw, and his hulking frame, has wreaked havoc throughout the last year culminating in a vintage run of form at the World Cup. His days may be coming to an end but his form fails to falter, expect another big year in 2008 from the Wasps giant.

3 Carl Hayman (New Zealand and Newcastle) – There can be no arguments over Hayman’s inclusion, he is simply the best prop in the world. Not only a fearsome scrummager, where he is the cornerstone of any pack he plays in, but a destructive ball carrier too. Hayman never fails to impress. It will be interesting to see how long and how well he beds in at Newcastle, but early signs are encouraging.

2 Raphael Ibanez (France and Wasps) – An integral member of the Wasps pack who conquered Europe he went on to lead France at the World Cup. For a hooker he has surprising pace although he never surprises with his powerful displays. In fact the only surprise comes when he is not a standout player, for club or country, where he regularly leads from the front.

1 Rodrigo Roncero (Argentina and Stade Francais) – There have been few opponents who have managed to hold their own against Roncero and even fewer who have troubled him. For club and country the fiery loosehead has provided a solid platform on a consistent basis. For Argentina he was the spearhead of their powerful game that saw them finish third at the World Cup, and for Stade Francais he has positively destroyed all comers.

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