OPINION: SANZAR released their 2018 Super Rugby Team of the Year on Tuesday to heated debate among punters.
Crusaders fans in particular questioned the sanity of the 15 players named, with George Bridge the sole Cantab to make the cut.
To be fair, the team was solely selected on statistics; Damian McKenzie scooped the Player of the Year award based on those stats and although impressive, we all know Richie Mo'unga deserved that award.
I decided to adjust the selection criteria to actual form - I know right, how silly of me. Here's what I came up with.
15. Israel Folau
All Kiwi bias aside, David Havilli was the only other fullback that ran him close. Ben Smith was solid for the Highlanders but Folau is a special player who carried the Waratahs on his back to the semi-final.
14.Solomon Alaimalo
Only Seta Tamanivalu came close. Waisake Naholo had moments of brilliance but was inconsistent. Waratahs Taqele Naiyaravoro was impressive but has huge holes defensively. Marika Koroibete can play on either side but is again defensively suspect, while Courtnail Skosan only figured late for the Lions because of injury. Alaimalo was a beast for the Chiefs right from the opening round, when he tormented the Crusaders.
13. Jack Goodhue
2018 has been Goodhue's arrival as an elite midfield back who has his best years ahead - that's scary. The Northland native was simply outstanding all season, hardly putting a foot wrong and developing a world class combination with Ryan Crotty. He has to be the All Blacks' starting 13.
12.Ryan Crotty
Enough said.
11. George Bridge
Actually tougher to pick than you would think. Ben Lam was superb for the first 12 rounds then faded. Rieko Ioane was consistently good when he played on the wing, but was messed around with by the inept Blues coaching staff, while South African rugby has a new star in Aphiwe Dyantyi. Bridge though had a breakout year. Possesses a superb all-round game and deceptively strong given his lean physique. All Blacks in his future.
10. Richie Mo'unga
There can't be much debate around this. Arguably the best player of the competition alongside Matt Todd and Brodie Retallick for me. How good Mo'unga will become is unknown, but he announced himself as one of the world's best in 2018. Beauden Barrett still holds the ABs jersey for me, but Mo'unga is the man of the future.
9. Aaron Smith
Another tough call, but ultimately Smith's ability to make the right decisions clinched it. Bryn Hall was outstanding but Smith was just as good behind an inferior pack. TJ Perenara is far too inconsistent, which was reflected in the Hurricanes' poor finish. I like Lions halfback Ross Cronjie, and Will Genia was excellent until injured in June. Smith's class gives him the nod.
8. Jordan Taufua
Played a majority of the season off the back of the scrum given Kieran Read's prolonged absence. Earned a deserved All Black call up in June after a superb start to the season, and was on track to play a pivotal role in the final until injury ended his season. Luke Whitelock was consistently good for the Highlanders, and Gareth Evans was superb for the Hurricanes - but Taufua's impact was unmatched.
7. Matt Todd
It's one of the injustices of New Zealand Rugby that Matt Todd is continually overlooked for All Black selection. I am a true-blue Auckland fan - so don't accuse me of red and black bias here - but Todd is simply one of the best openside flankers in the world. The problem is we have two other very good number sevens in Ardie Savea and Sam Cane. Todd was outstanding in 2018 and unmatched for me.
6. Shannon Frizell
Came out of nowhere in 2018, earning a June call up to the national side. An abrasive ball runner who possesses bruising defence, Frizell is a ready-made replacement for Jerome Kaino.
5. Sam Whitelock
A true leader of men who was never afraid to throw away three points and go for the jugular, more often than not making the right decision. Unbelievable lineout forward and fairly handy in open play. No brainer.
4. Brodie Retallick
Missed a few games through injury, but when he was on the park he was back to his best. On his day, he's the best rugby player on the planet.
3. Owen Franks
Workhorse forward who never has a bad game, Franks would make the Sunwolves' scrum competitive.
2. Malcolm Marx
The Lions rake has surpassed Dane Coles as the number one hooker in the world. Codie Tayor is not too far behind him, but Marx is a special player.
1. Joe Moody
I will admit I thought he was pretty average for the All Blacks in June, but he didn't miss a beat when on the park for the Crusaders. Moody is arguably the best scrum prop in world rugby, so he gets the nod for me.
Brad Lewis is a digital sport producer for Newshub.
