ONE News
Injuries have ruled out a few candidates but the ONE News sports team has put their choices to the ballot to see who they think are the form side at the halfway stage in this year's Super Rugby competition.
Ten rounds down and the Chiefs are showing their championship mettle as they hang on grimly with a constant injury cloud, the Crusaders are warming into their work as they do under Todd Blackadder and the Blues have promised the earth and delivered dirt.
The Hurricanes seemed headed for a nose-dive after a poor start but have turned a corner with their star turns coming to the fore while the Highlanders are quietly getting results without fanfare.
Fullback: Ben Smith (Highlanders)
Back in his custodian role, Ben Smith has led his side from the back, showing his eye for the opportunities in open play, killing off any danger and showing how comfortable he is at fullback. Whether or not he will get a chance there in Steve Hansen's outfit is another story all together.
Right Wing: Tim Nanai-Williams (Chiefs)
2014 TNW is starting to resemble 2012 TNW who was on the cusp of AB selection. Finding the X-Factor again, the nippy winger was crucial in their salvaging of points in South Africa and continues to find himself in the right place at the right time when half chances pop up.
Centre: Malakai Fekitoa (Highlanders)
A boy leaves Auckland and grows into a man. Fekitoa has taken rejection very well after he was left out of John Kirwan's Blues' squad and shone, showing his power, speed and step plus a penchant for a big tackle. After his impressive 2013 ITM Cup campaign for Auckland, the Highlanders are laughing.
Second-five: Ryan Crotty (Crusaders)
His stint with the national side has definately improved the impact Crotty has for his franchise, bringing a more physical presence to his work. His direct running is again on song and his workrate impressive. Playing confidently and should be in line for the England series.
Left Wing: Julian Savea (Hurricanes)
All the tricks are coming out now. The bump-off, the chip and chase, the brutal tackles and importantly his core role of finishing tries is becoming well-honed. His on-field energy is infectious and his fellow backs are starting to follow his lead with Alipati Leiua and Andre Taylor making things happen.
First-five: Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes)
The Cane's resurgence has mirrored Barrett's sway on the gameplan. Taking control of games and making an newfound impact on defence of late has been his thing which complement his reliable kicking from hand and tee. With Cruden injured, the choice should be easy for Hansen in June.
Halfback: Aaron Smith (Highlanders)
A.Smith has been a pivotal member as has B.Smith to begin 2014 for the Highlanders. Finding some room for his running game has been a highlight and his kicking has been accurate in his side's simple territorial strategy. Missed the meeting with Will and Kate a fortnight ago but otherwise, the lead dog for the All Black halfback slot.
No.8: Nasi Manu (Highlanders)
Besides being the only No.8 to hold down his job this season, Manu has been closer to the abrasive best he was when he came onto the scene with the Canterbury ITM team years ago. As part of one of the better loose trio's in the country he has found his niche in close to the breakdown rather than try and emulate Kieran Read who has free reign.
Openside Flanker: Jack Lam (Hurricanes)
The Canes' energizer bunny has a manic workload and despite his lack of size, his impact at the breakdown has been phenomenal, beating up bigger adversaries and being crafty enough to effect turnovers, his game against the Crusaders outstanding.
Blindside Flanker: LiamMessam (Chiefs)
The Warrior. His durability has been remarkable and his influence on his side cannot be understated- the rock-hard glue in the past two and a half seasons. The imminent threat of Jerome Kaino returning for his jersey has arguably pushed Messam to a new level as the challenges of new faces next to him each week present themselves.
Lock: Brodie Retallick (Chiefs)
With his side around him falling like flies, Retallick has been a constant after his own little injury and is leading the way in the second row. A proactive lock, the big Chief is a thinker and does the tight job as good as most and lends a hand when go-forward is required. Consistent.
Lock: Sam Whitelock (Crusaders)
The good news for the All Blacks is the two incumbent locks are doing the business. Like Retallick, Whitelock has been a picture of consistency and been integral in a pack that lost Richie McCaw early and has had tough wins in South Africa without Read.
Loosehead prop: Ben Tameifuna
Big Ben is a close call as he has found himself on the end of the referee's whistle too often but his ability in moving enemy bodies has allowed his side to get go forward.
Hooker: Dane Coles (Hurricanes)
Entertainment value aside, Coles has gone up a notch since his place in the All Blacks has become even more secure after the retirement of Andrew Hore and the uncertainty that surrounds Keven Mealamu. He has concentrated on his breakdown work to match his athleticism and has been back to his acrobatic best in open play. Has the lineout operating well.
Tighthead prop: Ben Franks (Hurricanes)
Available for selection again after a few weeks' hiatus, the older Franks brother had a visible pep in his step to begin the year, scoring tries and showing mobility around the track. His scrummaging has been effective and will hard to leave out of the June series on this form.
Reserves:
Liam Coltman, Tony Woodcock, Owen Franks, James Broadhurst, Sam Cane, Andy Ellis, Conrad Smith, Charles Piutau.
