Australia’s Super Rugby players and Wallabies selection panel split on who are the best in the land

AUSTRALIA’S professional rugby players have selected their Super Rugby team of the year — and it’s safe to say the players and national selectors do not see eye-to-eye.

Jim Tucker

2 min read

August 27, 2018 - 11:59AM

A dejected Will Genia and David Pocock after Australia's loss in the Australian Wallabies v New Zealand All Blacks Bledisloe Cup match at ANZ Stadium, Homebush. Picture: Brett Costello

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AUSTRALIA’S professional rugby players have selected David Pocock over Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper as the nation’s top open side flanker based on form in Super Rugby this year.

The Volvo Super Rugby Players’ Choice Team of the Year revealed today highlights the appreciation of players for their peers but it is also an insight into just who the players rate highest for impact and quality.

In these sensitive times where the question has to be asked whether the Wallabies are fielding their best side under coach Michael Cheika, there are some illuminating selections.

David Pocock (R) is rated ahead of Wallabies teammate Michael Hooper at open-side flanker. Picture: AAP Image

Pocock being selected over Hooper for the No. 7 jersey is not really a sleight when a different question, “Who do you rate as the top five players in Australia’s Super Rugby sides?”, would likely have included both.

One truly world class player beating another. No issue there.

Entrenched Wallabies Kurtley Beale, Israel Folau, Bernard Foley, Scott Sio and Will Genia are locked in as selections as voted by players though the Rugby Union Players’ Association.

It’s around the fringes that some clear pointers exist.

Brumbies lock Rory Arnold received endorsement ahead of Australia’s two Test locks, Izack Rodda and Adam Coleman. The strong Super Rugby season of Rob Simmons at lock for the Waratahs was also recognised.

Isi Naisarani of the Brumbies was picked by his peers at No.8. Picture: Getty Images

In the backrow, Brumby Isi Naisarani was picked by his peers at No. 8 as a clear sign that the big Fijian ballrunner will be a major asset when he becomes eligible for the Wallabies later this year.

Taniela Tupou’s nomination at tighthead prop was no surprise after his superb Reds season and he was a significant player missing from the two heavy Bledisloe Cup Test losses because of a hamstring injury.

The biggest nod of all was the rating of feisty, hard-edge Angus Cottrell, the tough Melbourne Rebels backrower picked at No.6.

He was selected ahead of rivals with Test experience. Cottrell, 28, has never played for the Wallabies yet has built a respected career through 71 Super Rugby matches for the Western Force and Rebels which shows how highly an experienced campaigner rates over youthful newcomers.

Angus Cottrell of the Rebels (L) is yet to have won Wallabies selection but clearly has won the admiration of his opponents. Picture: AFP PHOTO

Equally, the selection of Jack Maddocks, the 21-year-old winger-fullback rookie at the Rebels, reflected that the players themselves would have judged his recent Test selection as a worthy reward for form.

“To the fifteen players chosen in the Volvo Players’ Choice Super Rugby Team of the Year, you have been selected by your peers based on your outstanding performances throughout this Super Rugby season. You should be exceptionally proud,” RUPA President Damien Fitzpatrick said.

“There is no greater accolade than earning the respect and admiration of your teammates and opponents, and on behalf of all of Australia’s players we congratulate you.“ I think it’s a wonderful initiative, undertaken by RUPA and Volvo, to present Australia’s players with the opportunity to select this team.

“I hope it grows and gathers momentum in the years to come, as it potentially has the opportunity to become one of the most celebrated individual achievements in the game.”