S14 Team of the tournament 2009

[Lee Grant]

There will be a few of these "teams" going the rounds it looks like Rugby 365 is first out of the blocks.

**********************

S14: Team of the Tournament
Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:26

We could use all kinds of clichés for our team of the tournament - like we are 'Bullish' or we have a 'Lighter shade of blue', but all we need to say is: 61-17.

Yes, that explains why the Bulls have dominated out selections through the season and also make up the bulk of our Team of the Tournament.

Surprisingly we only have six Bulls in our team - which may upset a few Pretoria fans after this past weekend.

However, we do have another three Bulls on our 'Bubbling under' list - effectively our bench.

The Sharks, Chiefs and Hurricanes all have two players each in our starting XV - while the Lions, Western Force and Waratahs make up the numbers.

So here it is, our coveted annual Super Rugby selection!

rugby365's Team of the Tournament:

15 - Stefan Terblanche (Sharks):
His team may have fallen short of the play-offs, but if it was consistency you looked for, Terblanche was your man.
Bubbling under: Zane Kirchner (Bulls)

14 - Sitiveni Sivivatu (Chiefs):
It's a pity about his injury late in the season, but he is just such an awesome finisher.
Bubbling under: Rene Ranger (Blues)

13 - Jaque Fourie (Lions):
It is the mark of a quality player that he can look world class in a team hovering near the bottom of the standings.
Bubbling under: Richard Kahui (Chiefs)

12 - Wynand Olivier (Bulls):
There is no doubt he was the in-form No.12 in South Africa and while he had strong competition from Ma'a Nonu, Olivier showed his real class in the play-offs.
Bubbling under: Ma'a Nonu (Hurricanes)

11 - Bryan Habana (Bulls):
Slow out the blocks, but when he got going there was no stopping Habana. His two tries in the Final were gems.
Bubbling under: Henno Mentz (Lions)

10 - Matt Giteau (Western Force):
He was the most consistent and while Morné Steyn was the best No.10 in South Africa, Giteau simply got more votes over the 16 weeks of the competition.
Bubbling under: Morné Steyn (Bulls)

9 - Fourie du Preez (Bulls):
Nobody even came close - there was daylight between Du Preez and the rest.
Bubbling under: Rory Kockott (Sharks)

8 - Pierre Spies (Bulls):
And to think there were 'experts' who questioned his credentials earlier in the season. His performances in the play-offs certainly silenced them.
Bubbling under: Rodney So'oialo (Hurricanes)

7 - Phil Waugh (Waratahs):
This was a close call in a very tight race. In the end Waugh shaded compatriot George Smith.
Bubbling under: George Smith (Brumbies)

6 - Adam Thompson (Highlanders):
This was one of the most closely contested positions and in the end we went for Thompson base on his consistency, but it was no easy task.
Bubbling under: Victor Vito (Hurricanes)

5 - Victor Matfield (Bulls):
There were times when people questioned his allround game, but his statistics in the play-offs show that he can play a tight game - not that he needed to in the Final.
Bubbling under: Isaac Ross (Crusaders)

4 - Bakkies Botha (Bulls):
It was a close call between two of the most physical guys in the game - Botha and Brad Thorn. Botha just edged the Kiwi.
Bubbling under: Brad Thorn (Crusaders)

3 - Clint Newland (Highlanders):
There was the odd game - such as against the Sharks - when the Highlanders were under pressure. But throughout the season they were the most dominant scrum.
Bubbling under: John Smit (Sharks)

2 - Aled de Malmanche (Chiefs):
It was noticeable how the Chiefs lost that physical edge in the Final when he left the field, groggy and injured. We're not saying the Chiefs would have won, but the Chiefs may have looked a little more competitive in the contact area.
Bubbling under: Willie Wepener (Lions)

1 - Tendai Mtawarira (Sharks):
He is truly a Beast and a damn fine rugby player. His skill levels are remarkable for such a big man, but maybe that is because till a few years ago he was still playing No.8. Taking that into consideration, his scrumming is amazing.

*****************

Comments:

15. Terblanche was great this year when his team had the ball. He was also good taking the high ball and is right up there in class with Lee Byrne of the Ospreys and Rob Kearney of Leinster. However his bravery taking the high ball is at odds with the rest of his defensive play because he has a heart the size of a pea when it comes to tackling. I'd have Kirchner instead of him and I would have had Gerrard ahead of both of them had he stayed healthy and racked up more brownie points.

14. Sivi - no question. He missed a lot of games but was so good for the ones he played in, that you have to pick him. He played on the left wing; so the selectors have cheated a bit to get Habana in their team but that's fair enough.

13. Fourie - Terrific player. Ioane would have got the spot had he played all his games there and not been injured. Mind you, JF missed a few games too, come to think about it. Both were far better in the S14 than Kahui IMO.

12. Olivier - clearly, and clearly Nonu 2nd. Olivier is having his best season ever and it's a pity that he will be overlooked for JdV for the Boks.

11. Habana - They are right in saying that he had a slow start. Wing was a weak position in the S14 this year because there weren't a lot of standouts apart from Habana and Sivi.

10. Giteau - Yeah, and the Kiwi rugby mag Rugby News had him as the player of the tournament.

9. FdP - probably the best player in the world as the commentators said during the final but geez - but I thought that Kockott came a lot closer than they said. Cocky probably lost points because of poor discipline. Leonard was good too.

8. Spies - he missed 74 tackles this year, which was the worst in the S14, but you'd still have him in the team. Waldrom of the Crusaders would have got my vote for 2nd ahead of Rodney.

7. Waugh - I laughed when I read this (no don't copy my words to turn it around). It wasn't because I thought he wasn't worthy, but because I thought of what naza would think of the pick. For those like naza who may say they can't see why Waugh would be picked, I believe them - that they can't see why. I can.

Yeah Smith was right up there - he's our best player in all forms of rugby - but I wouldn't change Waugh for Smith in a tight game, though I would otherwise. Smith got voted the Oz player of the S14 by one group of "selectors" on a 3-2-1 basis, but Kiwis in Rugby News had Waugh ahead on the same basis.

Just goes to show that there are different opinions.

I thought the best opensider in the comp was Brussouw but he lost points with me because of too many penalties given away.

6. Tompson - even better than last year and wasn't Vito a revelation? I'd have Read as my 2nd guy.

5/4 Can't argue with the 4 guys mentioned though I'd probably have Mumm ahead of Ross because he plays a harder game. Matfield and Botha were the best 2 locks in the tournament though Bakkies indiscipline may have cast some doubt in the mind of the selectors.

3. Newlands - he'll do me - but this was not a strong position compared to other years when the RSA teams had 3 candidates. A pity Ben May was injured at the end of the season. The Chiefs needed him.

2. de Malmanche - good pick except his lineout throwing is crap and ditto for the 2nd pick Wepener - the ugliest guy in the Super14. Not a strong year for hookers who are good around the park on defence and offence, and also good at throwing the ball to lineout.

1. Beast yep - more powerful than Benn Robinson around the rucks but Benn should have got a mention and if not him, Alexander.

 

[Scarfman]

Here's another one: Rugby Heaven.

15. Mils Muliaina (Chiefs): A rarity in the modern game - a fullback who actually makes the opposition think twice about the ubiquitous and irritating bomb. Defensive solidity and brilliant counterattacking gives the All Blacks an edge in the Tri Nations.

14. Bryan Habana (Bulls): Brushed off the indignity of being chased down by Brumbies flyer Francis Fainifo in round 10 to finish the campaign in sensational fashion. Gives kick and chase a good name.

13. Conrad Smith (Hurricanes): Has deceptive pace - he is actually slower than he looks - but continues to advance the theory that the game is played best by those whose IQ is higher than their best bench press.

12. Ma'a Nonu (Hurricanes): The perfect combination of the creative and the destructive. Opposite midfielders must be thrilled with the flat passing game Nonu has developed, as it reduces the likelihood of having to tackle him.

11. Sitiveni Sivivatu (Chiefs): Produced one the great wing displays of Super rugby in round 6 against the Blues, scoring four tries and giving outstanding Blues prospect Rene Ranger a lesson.

10. Matt Giteau (Force): The best five-eighth in the world is the difference between the Western Force being finals candidates ... and being the Queensland Reds. Sold a dummy so good against the Crusaders that the men from Christchurch fell for it again in their video session.

9. Fourie du Preez (Bulls): When you have a pack like the Bulls it hardly seems fair to have a halfback who plays like another loose forward. When the going got tough, it was du Preez who got the Bulls going.

8. Pierre Spies (Bulls): The best athlete in world rugby has the pace to run around backs and the power to run over forwards. Frightening, but in a good way.

7. Heinrich Brussow (Cheetahs): It takes a special player to stand out in the worst team in the tournament, and the scavenging Brussow is exactly that. Left out of the Springboks side to face the Lions in favour of meatier back-rowers, a folly that will cost the South Africans dearly if they repeat it in the Tri Nations.

6. Kieran Read (Crusaders): Just as the 2008 champions' campaign appeared to be falling apart, Read pulled it together with a string of impressively mature displays. A future All Blacks captain.

5. Victor Matfield (Bulls): His superior lineout qualities are well known, but it was his exceptional leadership and calm authority at the business end that really caught the eye.

4. Bakkies Botha (Bulls): If Morne Steyn rarely looked flustered or harried at any stage put it down to Botha's huge presence at the set piece and his brutal commitment at the breakdown. Absolute trojan who guarantees a supply of fast, clean ball.

3. John Smit (Sharks): Completed a remarkable conversion from hooker to tight-head, and the Sharks looked a lesser side when they put him on the bench.

2. Tatafu Polota-Nau (Waratahs): Lineout throwing has improved under the tutelage of Michael Foley to complement his dynamism in the loose. Can cause some serious misery in defence when turns into a 113kg Tongan missile and launches himself out of the line.

1. Benn Robinson (Waratahs): The man referred to as Fat Cat or Garfield may look cuddly, but tell that to the opposition scrums he dismantled each week. And there is no finer sight in the competition than the little big man with the ball in hand on a midfield burst.

A surprisingly good team from the duffers at Fairfax.

I'm a former 13 and I watch them pretty closely. Great comments on Smuth - both are accurate. He is now too slow for internationals, no matter how cluey he is.

 

[Pfitzy]

Around the ruck is great Lee, but I'd rather have my props able to show up at scrum time. Beast wasn't that bad in this respect, but few LHPs showed the kind of dominance and technique on a consistent basis to match Fat Cat. Robinson played a lot of games and was never beaten.

 

[Spook]

Here's ROARs teams

http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/06/02/super-rugby-team-of-the-year/

By Mr Sports
Yesterday
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Naming the Super Rugby Team of the Year
After another season of exciting rugby, and also some games that featured the Australian teams, the magnificent Bulls have reclaimed the Super Rugby title and all that is left to do is (hopefully) watch the Springboks obliterate the pride of the British Isles and then (probably) do the same to the Wallabies.

The following is my Super 14 team of the year.

1. Guthro Steenkamp (Bulls)
I can honestly say that in all my years of watching rugby, I have always found it most difficult to assess frontrow forwards. What I can tell you, though, is that this guy scares the bejesus out of me - even on TV.

2. Derick Kuun (Bulls)
As with props, assessing hookers is tough for someone who hasn’t played there. I can tell you what not to look for: inaccurate lineouts, for example. Tatafu, I’m looking at you. But Kuun was consistently effective in the team that won the competition. So, until I understand hooking better, that will do me.

3. Ben Robinson (Waratahs)
The only Waratah on the list and, frankly, the only Waratah under any consideration. Strong ball carrying and tackling all season and from all accounts is an excellent scrummager.

4. Victor Matfield (Bulls)
I’m not sure that I have the ability to describe just how good Matfield and Botha are. Put simply, If you named a World XV, they would be the second row partnership. I’d go on but I’m worried he might one day read this and then obliterate me if I’m not complimentary enough.

5. Bakkies Botha (Bulls)
Do you think he even understands what the words “backwards step” even means?

6. Adam Thompson (Highlanders)
This selection may surprise some, but if you cast your mind back to mid-season when the Highlanders were looking like contenders, it was Thompson and his little mate Jimmy Cowan who were the reason. Thompson was a titan for the Highlanders and edges out Juan Smith and Taneru Latimer for this spot.

7. George Smith (Brumbies)
Without him and Mark Gerrard, the Brumbies go three and ten. Also the hardest man in Australian rugby.

8. Thomas Waldrom (Crusaders)
The unsung hero of the Crusaders’ tenacious season. Waldrom, despite looking like the Gungun leader Boss Nass from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, was tremendous throughout the season. A difficult category to select and honourable mentions go to Pierre Spies, Sione Lauaki and the tireless Richard Brown.

9. Fourie du Preez (Bulls)
Best player in world rugby? Probably. Sure, directing Matfield, Botha, Spies and Steenkamp around and then handing off to Morne Steyn looks easy, but du Preez was outstanding again this year. This was the tightest category of all and Cowan, Leonard, Vermaak and Kockott could all feel rightfully aggrieved at missing out.

10. Matt Giteau (Force)
Not only Australia’s best player, but now probably the number one flyhalf in world rugby. Is a genuine three way run-pass-kick threat and can confuse an opposition defence just by standing still. Is probably going to go insane over the next few months watching the Wallaby ‘backline’ waste everything he creates.

11. Sitevani Sivavatu (Chiefs)
If you had to use one word to describe him, it would be “elusive.” If you had to use two words, it would be “really elusive.” Time and again, Sivavatu was the driving force for the Chiefs with his scything runs back through midfield and his incendiary pace down the flank.

12. Wynand Olivier (Bulls)
Would probably have made the team based on his tremendous Percy Montgomery-lite hairstyle, but was also simply superb all season. Probably the most consistent Bulls player, he actually plays the hard running mixed with ball handling game that Stirling Mortlock is alleged to add to the Brumbies.

13. Digby Ioane (Reds)
No really, a Reds player made the list! Ioane was a revelation in Queensland this year. Like Sivavatu, he seemed to possess some sort of otherworldly ability to run through a cluttered midfield at will without so much as a hand being laid upon him. Will now reap his reward when the ARU backs a truck full of cash up to his door.

14. Lelia Masaga (Chiefs)
In the Grand Final autopsy has been accused by some of being a one-trick pony, but let’s face it, there isn’t a single Australian team who wouldn’t gratefully let him burn up and down the right wing for them. Had a great season and was, with Sivavatu and Muliana, part of the most compelling and entertaining back three we have seen in the competition in years.

15. Mark Gerrard (Brumbies)
See Smith, George, above. Again, this category could have gone to a number of players, with Mils Muliana and Zane Kirchner particularly unlucky to miss out.

Second XV
1. James McGougan
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau
3. Neemia Tialata
4. Brad Thorn
5. Jason Eaton
6. Juan Smith
7. Liam Messam
8. Pierre Spies
9. Brendon Leonard
10. Morne Steyn
11. Bryan Hanbana
12. Ma’a Nonu
13. Jacque Fourie
14. JP Pietersen
15. Mils Muliana

 

[Langthorne]

I guess that now that G&GR is on the ARU radar, there should be an official Team of the Super 14 season.

I'll get the ball rolling with my team of the season (with reserves):

1. Benn Robinson
Guthro Steenkamp

2. Bismark Du Plessis
Tatufa Polata Nau

3. John Smit
Clint Newland

4. Victor Matfield
Dean Mumm

5. Brad Thorn
Nathan Sharpe

6. Adam Thomson
Kieran Read

7. Phil Waugh
Juan Smith

8. Pierre Spies
Thomas Waldrom

9. Fourie du Preez
Rory Kockott

10. Matt Giteau
Morne Steyn

11. Sitevani Sivavatu
Nick Cummins (OK - I guess I just loved the way his hair flowed as he went in for a try)

12. Wynand Olivier
Francois Steyne

13. Jacque Fourie
Richard Kahui

14. Bryan Habana
Lelia Masaga

15. Mils Muliana
Leon MacDonald


Bakkies Botha misses out because of his poor discipline (slightly worse than the other candidates) and his arrogance

Ben Mowen didn't make my top two, but had a brilliant S14 (and is very unlucky not to be in the Walllaby squad)

Only 7 out of 30 Australians - maybe I'm being too generous

Some positions were easier than others

 

[Scotty]

3. Ben Robinson (Waratahs)
The only Waratah on the list and, frankly, the only Waratah under any consideration. Strong ball carrying and tackling all season and from all accounts is an excellent scrummager.

This is great news for Australia.

 

[fatprop]

3. Ben Robinson (Waratahs)
The only Waratah on the list and, frankly, the only Waratah under any consideration. Strong ball carrying and tackling all season and from all accounts is an excellent scrummager.

This is great news for Australia.

We have generally had good LHPs, it is the THP where we struggle. Robinson (and Bill Young before him) can only do his stuff if the THP is managing their LHP.

 

[Lee Grant]

And this from Planet Rugby:

S14 Team of the Tournament

02nd June 2009 20:35


As the curtain came down on yet another Super 14 season after the rampant Bulls were crowned 2009 champions, we were still busy backstage preparing our final screenplay entitled: 'Planet Rugby's Team of the Tournament!'

Whilst the Chiefs may have let in 61 points and lost by a record margin for a Super Rugby final of 44 points against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld, we never lost track of who was lighting up the stadiums and television screens with one dazzling performance after the next.

So if you think these team has a Bullish look about it based on the one-sided final alone... you're wrong. We've gone back and calculated who stood out over the last 94 matches in the past fifteen weeks, based on previous Team of the Week results as selected by us.

We have, however, reconsidered a few of the selections following a few close calls that sparked plenty of debate that continues to rage on in the office. One staple on the forehead and pencil in the eye later, we bring you our final XV...

15 Mils Muliaina (Chiefs): It was a tight call between two cool, calm and collected full-backs as each produced near flawless performances in every game they played. Muliaina's never-say-die attitude in the Super 14 final against the Bulls - which also bagged him a try - wins him our vote by a whisker over his South African counterpart.

Close but no cigar: Stefan Terblanche (Sharks)

14 Lelia Masaga (Chiefs): The Chiefs speed merchant was on fire this year, leaving plenty of opposition chasing shadows. Desperately unlucky not to make the All Blacks squad after consistent showings on the wing. Oh well, the Test team's loss in unleashing one of the potent attacking wingers in the game is the Junior All Blacks' gain.

Close but no cigar: Rene Ranger (Blues)

13 Conrad Smith (Hurricanes): His midfield partnership with Nonu was the best in the competition and will continue to shake, rattle and roll on the international scene. Richard Kahui and Jaque Fourie can also hold their heads high after strong showings for the Chiefs and Lions respectively.

Close but no cigar: Richard Kahui (Chiefs)

12 Ma'a Nonu (Hurricanes): What can we say about this one-man bull-dozing machine that we haven't said already? Wynand Olivier may have been the most valuable centre for South Africa, as was James O' Connor for Australia... but Nonu took them both apart and every one else he came up against. Also finishes the tournament as the leading try-scorer with nine touchdowns to his name.

Close but no cigar: Wynand Olivier (Bulls)

11 Bryan Habana (Bulls): The Bulls' two-time try-scoring hero in the final may have started off in second gear, but finished the campaign off in 4x4 fashion with impressive outings that reminded us once again just why he was voted IRB Player of the Year in 2007. His form took a major dip since the World Cup, but South Africa's most loved winger is back with a bang. Just one try behind Nonu in this year's top try-scorers' chart.

Close but no cigar: Sivi Sivivatu (Chiefs)

10 Matt Giteau (Western Force): Dynamite comes in small packages, and it's no wonder this extraordinary number ten goes by the nickname of the same name (Kid Dynamite). Giteau had an explosive Super 14 campaign with the Force - something the Brumbies wouldn't have been too upset about. Regarded as one of the most talented players of his generation, Giteau never ceases to amaze us, and this early part of the southern hemisphere season was no exception.

Close but no cigar: Morne Steyn (Bulls)

9 Fourie du Preez (Bulls): Toughest choice to make out of the entire line-up, but we think we've made the right choice. The number nine position brought along some stiff competition from several key players that so easily could have fitted in the final XV. The names Leonard, Vermaak, Burgess and Kockott all come to mind - but did any of them get one over Du Preez in their head to heads? We didn't think so either.

Close but no cigar: Brendon Leonard (Chiefs)

8 Pierre Spies: (Bulls): Our pick of the forwards. Spies set this tournament alight with powerful runs into open space that 9 out of 10 times ended in a try. Well seven out of fifteen games to be exact and joint third in tries scored in the competition. His defence was at times a little suspect, but Spies made up for it ten fold when on the rampage from five or 90 metres out.

Close but no cigar: Ryan Kankowski (Sharks)

7 Phil Waugh (Waratahs): Made the Team of the Week on six occasions - the most any players selected in our XV managed to achieve (Matt Giteau and Pierre Spies were a close second with five appearances) - which just goes to show what an impact Waugh had on the tournament. Leads from the front with aplomb and hates to lose.

Close but no cigar: Jacques Botes (Sharks)

6 Liam Messam (Chiefs): Another position that sparked a big debate, but was ultimately agreed on by the number of votes achieved throughout the season. The proof was in the pudding, and nobody could deny Messam's huge physical presence around the pitch, whether in possession or on defence.

Close but no cigar: Kieran Read (Crusaders)

5 Victor Matfield (Bulls): The Bulls pack led by Matfield and lock partner Bakkies Botha provided the Bulls with an outstanding platform in set pieces. The 2009 Super 14 Championship-winning skipper was inspirational in the final as well as every match prior to that. He was instrumental in not only leading his team in a defining season, but showed just why he is rated as the best in the business in his position.

Close but no cigar: Nathan Sharpe (Force)

4 Isaac Ross (Crusaders): If you can't do the core role first you can't play. Ross proved he can do the core job for the Crusaders, and will be looking to do the same for his country. He was solid in the line-outs, safe at the kick-offs, has got good hands, catches and passes well and had Brad Thorn to scrum with - which is always helpful.

Close but no cigar: Peter Kimlin (Brumbies)

3 Clint Newland (Highlanders): The formidable front rower would have been hoping to continue his good form with the All Blacks or Junior All Blacks following the conclusion of the Super 14, but was surprisingly left out of both sides. A strong scrummager who provided the Highlanders front row with plenty of heave, Newland has a surprise turn of speed and an ability to grow a mean mullet.

Close but no cigar: Neemia Tialata (Hurricanes)

2 Aled de Malmanche (Chiefs): The Chiefs rake is a livewire hooker who has the pace of a back and the handling skills of a loose forward. He has come on in leaps and bounds for the Chiefs and will be delighted to have made the Junior All Blacks squad - though one does wonder what kept him out of the senior All Blacks team?

Close but no cigar: Derrick Kuün (Bulls)

1 Tendai Mtawarira (Sharks): Mtawarira revelled in both loose and tight play for the Sharks this season and just seems to get better and grow in confidence with every match he plays. Having evolved from local crowd favourite to a South African hero, the Zimbabwean-born prop has grown into iconic status with the Sharks and Springboks. He has matured, despite his young age, into a strong scrummager, big tackler and powerful ball-carrier.

Close but no cigar: Benn Robinson (Waratahs)


******************

Close but no cigar - Sivi ? ? ? ?

7. ;D
naza??

 

[Ash]

Interesting that no-one even considered Ioane apart from the Roar.

 

[Scotty]

We have generally had good LHPs, it is the THP where we struggle. Robinson (and Bill Young before him) can only do his stuff if the THP is managing their LHP.

fatprop,

I think you missed my point. Robinson has been selected by the Roar guy as a THP - hence my comment that it is great news for Australia - obviously we don't have to go looking for THPs anymore. Robinson has proved himself to that particular selector as the best 3 in the comp, despite never wearing that number on his back!

 

[Moses]

3. Ben Robinson (Waratahs)
The only Waratah on the list and, frankly, the only Waratah under any consideration. Strong ball carrying and tackling all season and from all accounts is an excellent scrummager.

This is great news for Australia.

Indeed, if a team can miss the playoffs by the narrowest of margins and have just one player under consideration for team of the comp it says something...

 

[cyclopath]

I can only conclude that Mr Sports at Roar is:-
1. An idiot
2. An annoying idiot

I mean picks 1 front rower because he looks scary, 1 because he doesn't really understand hooking but he was in the winning team, and 1 out of position. You need look no further!