Half-season Top 15 (and 22)

[Black_Magic]

We're halfway into round robin of 2012 Super Rugby season, so I thought we can share some thoughts about a team of outstanding (so far) performers.

So, my match 15 and bench based on all games I've seen this year (I admit not all teams had an equal share of matches I've seen, but I watched at least two games of every team). I tried to be objective and pick players based on their performances, not on my preferences - in that case there would probably only be kiwis in my team Ok, maybe some Pacific Islanders too

1. Sona Taumalolo (Chiefs)
2. Tiaan Liebenberg (Stormers)
3. Coenie Oosthuizen (Cheetahs)
4. Brodie Retallick (Chiefs)
5. James Horwill (Reds)
6. Adam Thomson (Highlanders)
7. Keegan Daniel (Sharks)
8. Kieran Read (Crusaders)
9. Andy Ellis (Crusaders)
10. Aaron Cruden (Chiefs)
11. Hosea Gear (Highlanders)
12. Sonny Bill Williams (Chiefs)
13. Juan de Jongh (Stormers)
14. Henry Speight (Brumbies)
15. Andre Taylor (Hurricanes)

16. Mahonri Schwalger (Chiefs)
17. Tony Woodcock (Blues)
18. Eben Etzebeth (Stormers)
19. Victor Vito (Hurricanes)
20. Tawera Kerr-Barlow (Chiefs)
21. Johan Goosen (Cheetahs)
22. Zane Kirchner (Bulls)

Not as easy as I thought before actually choosing the players! Lots of excellent players left behind, probably if I were to repeat the selection tomorrow it could be different

 

[Black_Magic]

TRF Nick dnz doesn't like who you've picked there

You mean the spelling error?

 

[Gena_ZA]

I think Nathan Sharp played better than Horwill, same goes for Francois Hougaard delivered better performances that Ellis.
Christian Lealifano is my standout flyhalf this far, could improve his goal kicking at times
Keegan Daniels scored some flashy tries but no where near the best, I'd go with Jacques Potgieter from the Bulls
Robbie Freuen has outplayed all at 13
Stephen Mooore has a more complete game that Lieberberg
Goosen is injured, so I did not bring him into contention

So here is mine:

1. Sona Taumalolo (Chiefs)
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
3. Coenie Oosthuizen (Cheetahs)
4. Brodie Retallick (Chiefs)
5. Nathan Sharpe (Force)
6. Adam Thomson (Highlanders)
7. Jacques Potgieter (Bulls)
8. Kieran Read (Crusaders)
9. Francois Hougaard (Bulls)
10. Christian Lealiafano (Brumbies)
11. Hosea Gear (Highlanders)
12. Sonny Bill Williams (Chiefs)
13. Robbie Fruean (Crusaders)
14. Henry Speight (Brumbies)
15. Andre Taylor (Hurricanes)

16. Tiaan Lieberberg (Stormers) 2
17. Tony Woodcock (Blues) 1 and 3
18. Eben Etzebeth (Stormers) 4 and 5
19. CJ Stander (Bulls) 6,7and 8
20. Andy Ellis (Crusaders) -9
21. Tom Taylor (Crusaders) - 10 an 12
22. Richard Kahui (Chiefs) - 11 -15

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

I think Nathan Sharp played better than Horwill, same goes for Francois Hougaard delivered better performances that Ellis.
Christian Lealifano is my standout flyhalf this far, could improve his goal kicking at times
Keegan Daniels scored some flashy tries but no where near the best, I'd go with Jacques Potgieter from the Bulls
Robbie Freuen has outplayed all at 13
Stephen Mooore has a more complete game that Lieberberg
Goosen is injured, so I did not bring him into contention

So here is mine:

1. Sona Taumalolo (Chiefs)
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
3. Coenie Oosthuizen (Cheetahs)
4. Brodie Retallick (Chiefs)
5. Nathan Sharpe (Force)
6. Adam Thomson (Highlanders)
7. Jacques Potgieter (Bulls)
8. Kieran Read (Crusaders)
9. Francois Hougaard (Bulls)
10. Christian Lealiafano (Brumbies)
11. Hosea Gear (Highlanders)
12. Sonny Bill Williams (Chiefs)
13. Robbie Fruean (Crusaders)
14. Henry Speight (Brumbies)
15. Andre Taylor (Hurricanes)

16. Tiaan Lieberberg (Stormers) 2
17. Tony Woodcock (Blues) 1 and 3
18. Eben Etzebeth (Stormers) 4 and 5
19. CJ Stander (Bulls) 6,7and 8
20. Andy Ellis (Crusaders) -9
21. Tom Taylor (Crusaders) - 10 an 12
22. Richard Kahui (Chiefs) - 11 -15

Not a bad team at all. I'd start Etzebeth ahead of Sharpe though. Also, I think there are many options ahead of Henry Speight at 14. My personal preference would be Aplon who brings much more to the table. Could just be my Stormers bias but I agree with Liebenberg not starting. In fact I'd have Strauss on the bench instead. Bismarck and Polota-Nau havn't had consistent good performances.