Super Rugby Team of the Season

July 26, 2017
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Ultimate Rugby

As we head into the Super Rugby semi-finals we have a look at who stepped up for their side this season and were the top performers in their position.

1. Joe Moody (Crusaders)

The All Black loosehead broke his 60-cap try scoring drought when he went over in against the Highlanders last weekend, but that's not why the Crusaders man takes the no.1 jersey.

The 28-year-old has hardly put step wrong the whole season as the Crusaders only fell short to the Hurricanes in the final round of the regular season.

2. Malcolm Marx (Lions)

The Lions hooker has been second to none this season, keeping a 90+ success rate in lineouts and scrums.

This season also saw him cement his spot in the Springbok line-up and rightfully so, as he averaged a turnover a game and a try every other match.

3. Allan Alaalatoa (Brumbies)

Even though the Brumbies had a below par season, tighthead prop Allan Alaalatoa conitued from where he left off last season.

2016 was a real breakthrough season for the youngster and 2017 even better! He made 114 metres from his 87 carries, while also making 126 tackles, missing only 9.

He made 114 metres from his 87 carries, while also making 126 tackles, missing only 9.

Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika was also impressed by the 23-year-old as he started him in all 3 of Australia's June tests.

4. Brodie Retallick (Chiefs)

Was there really anyone else we could have picked? Retallick is arguably the best lock in the world and showed it this season with the Chiefs.

The former World Player Year made over 120 tackles, claimed 41 line-outs and made 8 turnovers throughout the season as he guided the Chiefs to the semi-finals.

5. Franco Mostert (Lions)

The Lions lock had a slow start to the season but once he found his feet he was exceptional.

By the time the June test came about Mostert had cemented his spot in the Springbok line-up overthrowing the likes of Lood de Jager and Pieter-Steph du Toit.

He claimed 64 lineouts, made 143 tackles and carried the ball 114 times.

6. Chris Cloete (Southern Kings)

The only Southern Kings player to make the side and the soon-to-be Munster man thoroughly deserves it.

The 26-year-old made 123 tackles and 34 turnovers and his attacking make a better case for his spot in the side as he scored two tries, while beating 16 defenders and making 205 metres.

7. Ardie Savea (Hurricanes)

Another superb season for the All Black loose forward, whether he played at no.8 or on the side of the scrum Savea was immense.

On defence, he made 17 turnovers and 123 tackles - missing only 9.

On attack, he gained 550 metres from his 139 carries scoring 5 tries and assisting a further 4.

8. Amanaki Mafi (Rebels)

The Japanese international was a real stand out in what was a poor season for the Rebels.

He made over 140 tackles, 20 turnovers and 196 carries.

9. TJ Perenara (Hurricanes)

Another stellar season for the Hurricanes halfback. The 25-year-old beat 16 defenders which lead to 16 clean breaks and 6 tries.

On defence he 92 tackles with an 82% tackle success throughout the season.

10. Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes)

Another superb season for the 2017 World Player of the Year.

The All Black incumbent racked up 13 try assists scoring 4 of his own. He gave the Hurricanes plenty of options with the ball in hand and looked as if he had the ball on a string the whole time.

11. Courtnall Skosan (Lions)

A huge season for the Lions flyer as he scored 9 tries to earn himself a Test call up where he started all three test against France.

Skosan was among the top performers when it came to defenders beaten (38), clean breaks (33) and metres gained (1 162) throughout the season.

12. Ngani Laumape (Hurricanes)

Laumape and Aso formed the deadliest centre partnership in Super Rugby this season.

The former earned himself a spot in the All Black squad against the British and Irish Lions.

The pair also lead the try scoring charts with Laumape scoring 14 tries, while beating 56 defenders and making 957 metres.

13. Vince Aso (Hurricanes)

Aso seemed to be in the right place at the right time as his teammates created some brilliant opportunities for the outside centre.

The 22-year-old managed to score 14 tries while beating 25 defenders, making 23 clean breaks.

14. James Lowe (Chiefs)

The Leinster bound flyer accumulated 1 274 metres from his from 37 clean breaks, beating 49 defenders, while he scored 11 tries and assisted a further 2.

15. Damian McKenzie (Chiefs)

McKenzie has dominated the individual stats this season as he scored 132 points with a 77% kicking ratio.

He was extremely impressive with the ball in hand making 1 565 metres, beating 74 defenders and made 31 clean breaks.

He has scored 6 tries and assisted 7 tries, another exceptional stat is that McKenzie only threw 5 bad passes in 16 games.

Bench:

16. Codie Taylor (Crusaders)

Taylor was handed the All Black starting jumper in the absence of Dane Coles and the Crusaders man thoroughly deserved it retained a 93% lineout success, along with a 94 scrum success.

17. Jacques van Rooyen (Lions)

Van Rooyen is yet to miss a game for the Lions and rightfully so, the 30-year-old has been fantastic in all facets of the game.

The Lions have kept a 91% scrum success, while van Rooyen managed 140 metres and made 66 tackles.

18. Owen Franks (Crusaders)

The All Black tighthead continued to perform this season as the Crusaders pack dominated the majority of their opposition.

19.Sam Whitelock (Crusaders)

The Crusaders' captain once again had a big season as he carried the ball every 11.5 minutes and a tackle every 10.6 minutes.

20. Jaco Kriel (Lions)

The Lions vice-captain has barely put a foot wrong this season and has continued with his insane work rate and ball carrying game.

21. Ross Cronje (Lions)

Having successfully dethroned Faf de Klerk in Johannesburg, Cronje went on to take his place in the Springbok squad.

His bullet pass, pinpoint kicking game and ability to control the game made the Lions a more balanced and complete side as they topped the Super Rugby standings.

22. Elton Jantjies (Lions)