Tuesday 9 May 2017 07:19, UK
Players from Super Rugby rub shoulders with the PRO12, Premiership and Top 14, plus two sets of brothers make the cut.
The final round of games provided an exciting weekend of rugby in the PRO12 and Premiership as they played for semi-final spots and a place in next year's Champions Cup.
The Top 14 also provided some excitement as Racing 92 fought their way into the play-offs, while over in Super Rugby, the tries kept on coming. All five New Zealand teams were victorious, underlining once again just how tough the British and Irish Lions tour is going to be.
15. Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes)
A mention to Crusaders full-back David Havili but he misses out to Jordie Barrett who was sensational against the Stormers. He scored a brace of tries - getting onto the end of brother Beauden's crossfield kick and the other by stripping Stormers No 8 Nizaam Carr of the ball in the goal area. A wonderful counter-attacker who had a field day against the Stormers.
14. Christian Wade (Wasps)
We had a few contenders for the No 14 jersey - Denny Solomona continues to impress for Sale and Waisake Naholo scored the winning try in the Highlanders comeback win against the Cheetahs. However, we have to give it to Wade who thrills every time he gets the ball. His try against Saracens was his 17th this season and equalled Dominic Chapman's record set in the 1997/98 campaign.
13. Jack Goodhue (Crusaders)
The Bulls had no answer to his power, pace and he showed his skills too. Carried well, scored two excellent tries and set up another one too. A nod to Scarlets centre Jonathan Davies who put in an excellent performance against the Ospreys.
12. Charles Ngatai (Chiefs)
Great to see him back in action after almost a year out of the game due to a head injury. Scored a try and had a very strong performance
11. Rieko Ioane (Blues)
Scored two tries in Sydney as the Blues beat the Waratahs. Showed all his skills and created opportunities with his power and pace. A mention to Scarlets Steff Evans whose try against the Ospreys meant he finished the regular season as the PRO12's top try-scorer with 11.
10. Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes)
Dan Carter was excellent for Racing 92 but Barrett was outstanding as he bossed the game against the Stormers. His cross-field kicks were sublime and will give the Lions sleepless nights trying to work out how to defend against them. The Canes scored four tries from his pinpoint boot while his running game also resulted in a try.
9. Ruan Pienaar (Ulster)
A fitting farewell to Pienaar who has been such a hit with Ulster. Pienaar played his final game for the Irish province at an emotional Kingspan Stadium. He ended his time there with a 17-13 win as they denied Leinster top spot in the PRO12 and handed them their first defeat since December.
1. Rob Evans (Scarlets)
A massive performance from Evans upfront who made sure the Scarlets had the upper hand at the scrum. Worked hard around the paddock and was strong defensively as well. Competed well at the breakdown and won his side a turnover.
2. Ken Owens (Scarlets)
Owens set the tempo and never faded. Was responsible for leading his pack into battle and making sure they won the set-pieces and the contact areas. The Scarlets backs made the most of the ball that Owens & Co provided for them.
3. Charlie Faumuina (Blues)
A dominating performance in the set piece and showed his skills in the loose as well. Pushing big Owen Franks all the way for that starting All Blacks No 3 jersey to take on the Lions.
4. Leone Nakarawa (Racing 92)
What a game for Nakarawa who was immense for Racing 92. He was their main ball carrier and made 17 in total and also topped their tackle count with 13.
5. Scott Barrett (Crusaders)
While his brothers were showing their silky skills against the Stormers, Scott was showing his grunt against the Bulls as the Crusaders romped to victory. Put his mark on the game with some big carries and massive tackles that helped the Crusaders get the upper hand upfront. Scored a try too.
6. Thierry Dusautoir (Toulouse)
What a send-off for the inspirational Dusautoir who played his final game for Toulouse in their win over Bayonne. As usual he played his heart out and was their main carrier. Tackled well too and was his brilliant best at the breakdown and around the tackle area. Plenty of tears and emotion from players and fans alike as he said farewell in style.
7. Thomas Young (Wasps)
13 carries, 12 tackles and eight defenders beaten. And that is on top of a hat-trick as well. Will surely be getting a call up for Wales in the summer?
His father and Director of Rugby at Wasps kept his praise to a minimum though: "His mother will be pleased with him!" before adding " I don't know where he gets his pace from. The milkman stopped delivering years ago!"
8. Akira Ioane (Blues)
A big strong man with gas to spare - he showed both after a turnover to slice through the Waratahs defence and score a vital solo try. Carried well and put his body on the line in defence as well.
