Combined Crusaders & Lions XV

Combined Crusaders & Lions XV

The Lions and Crusaders face off in the Super Rugby final for the second consecutive year this weekend. The Crusaders earned the right to host this year's edition of the tournament after narrowly missing out last season. 

We picked a combined XV from the two sides based on their form over this season. 

15. David Havili

Havili started the season slowly but reclaimed the form that saw him earn his first test cap last year. 

He and Lions fullback Andries Coetzee were both in fine form throughout the season but Havili just beats the Lion.


14. Seta Tamanivalu

Tamanivalu's final season with the Crusaders was arguably his best. 


He stepped at key times for his side and was equally impressive on the wing as he was at outside centre.

His 4 tries and 4 try assists is not a true reflection of his impact this season. 

13. Jack Goodhue

Another stellar season by the newly capped All Black. 

Goodhue was extremely impressive on defence with Matt Todd being the only Crusader to make more tackles than the centre. 

He adapted his game well in key games and consistently showed that he is just as comfortable in the inside-centre position as at outside centre. 

12. Ryan Crotty

The All Black centre combined well with Jack Goodhue throughout the season, forming one of the deadliest attacking and defensively solid midfield combination in the competition. 

Lion's centre Harold Vorster was also brilliant this season but does fall short in comparison to Crotty.

11. Aphiwe Dyantyi

An incredibly tough call between Aphiwe Dyantyi and George Bridge with the former just edging the latter. 

The Lions winger burst onto the scene on his Super Rugby debut in the opening round scoring a sensational try against the Sharks before an impressive double against the Jaguares a week later.

His efforts earned him a test call-up in June and debuted against England. 

Bridge has been just as impressive in his second season with the Crusaders scoring 15 tries heading into the final.

He has been in the right place at the right time on a number of occasions and has developed his all-round game well and could be in line for a test call-up in the near future.



10. Richie Mo'unga

Mo'unga built on a brilliant 2017 season that saw him win the Super Rugby title with the Crusaders and the Mitre 10 Cup with Canterbury. 

He has continued to ply the pressure on Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie for an All Black jersey and seems to thrive under the pressure of playoff rugby.

He well and truly outplayed Barrett in the Crusaders' semi-final and will be up for the battle against Elton Jantjies this weekend who has also enjoyed a fine season in the red and white jersey.

9. Bryn Hall

Hall has enjoyed another fine season with the Crusaders this year and seems to have cemented his spot as Scott Robertson's first choice halfback after more than a season of rotation with Mitchell Drummond. 

Nic Groom made a great impact for the Lions after his mid-season move from Northampton Saints, while Ross Cronje has thrived after replacing the injured Groom in the starting XV.

8. Jordan Taufua

Taufua's fine form finally earned him an All Black call-up but the Crusaders' loose forward has been unfortunate with untimely injuries. 

He did thrive in the absence of Kieran Read and was equally impressive in the 6 jersey as he was in the 8. 

7. Matt Todd

The ever consistent Crusaders' openside has enjoyed yet another strong season this year.

The All Black flanker goes about his quietly but averaged just short of a turnover a game and 10 tackles. 

He also ran great support lines and was heavily involved in some of the Crusaders' best tries this season. 

6. Kwagga Smith

Kwagga Smith saved his best performance of the year for the semi-final against the Waratahs this past weekend but the now double Springbok has established as one of the most well-rounded flankers in the Republic. 

Smith made more turnovers than any other player during the regular season with Brumbies flanker David Pocock the only player averaging more turnovers per game.

He also finished in the top 15 for tackles made.

5. Sam Whitelock

Whitelock continued to display exactly why he is regarded as one of the finest second rowers in World Rugby.

The Crusaders' centurion has thrived since taking over the captaincy at the start of last season guiding his side to the title in his first season as captain.

This season has been no different for Whitelock, he averages almost 10 tackles a game and has put even the best lineouts under pressure with his brilliant contesting.

4. Franco Mostert

The Lions' lock has been particularly busy this season whether he was packing down in the second row or on the flank.

He is one of only 3 players to make over 200 tackles this season and is one of two players to play every single minute of Super Rugby for his side.

3. Ruan Dreyer

Ruan Dreyer saved one of his best seasons for last for the Lions.

The Gloucester-bound tighthead was particularly strong at scrum time and got through a lot more work around the park than in previous seasons.

2. Malcolm Marx

Two of the best hookers in World Rugby contested the no.2 jersey with both Malcolm Marx and Codie Taylor enjoying outstanding seasons.

Marx did, however, make more turnovers, score more tries and made more carries than Taylor despite playing one less game. 

In fact, no forward scored more tries than Marx this season (11).

1. Jacques van Rooyen

The Lions' loosehead enjoyed another solid season in the front row. 

He completes an all-Lions front row with the Crusaders having to deal with a number of different combinations up front due to injuries.

Van Rooyen was still good enough to beat off the likes of Wyatt Crockett and Tim Perry to a place in the side.

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