Matthew Burke

With just one match of the Super Rugby season remaining, who have been the standout players for the year?

Matthew Burke reveals his top 12.

Choosing ten players proved tough, so I called on my chief researchers to help me out and, not surprisingly, the majority of the players that feature have played a part in the finals. We got down to 12, so here they are, in no particular order.

Do you agree with his choices?

Sydney Morning Herald

Luke Jones

His introduction to the Wallabies was justified after an enormous year. He took ownership of that Rebels pack and thrived on the responsibility. One of his strengths is his versatility. He has the ability to play lock or in the back row. Wherever he turns out, his physical presence is enormous.

Willie Le Roux

The chip and chase king – I love that. You know its coming but you can’t stop that deft touch. He has the speed to finish tries and an ability to turn nothing into something. A real game-breaker, as the Welsh found out. A player that makes you want to watch the game.

Matt Hodgson

If there was ever a player who represented what it means to play with heart, he is the one. Brilliant for the Force this year and the catalyst for the team having its best season yet. So strong on the ball, and effective in so many turnovers per game. A genuine leader.

Jacques Potgieter

The new owner of Allianz Stadium. As the marquee player, he has delivered. His energy around the field has been his standalone feature. Combine that with the physicality he brings and you have the makings of a player everyone wants to play with. Not ignoring his ability at the breakdown and his passing skills, his running and support play has been a highlight of the Waratahs’ season.

Bernard Foley

Top points scorer in the Super Rugby competition who showed composure and leadership in guiding the team to the top of the ladder. What was most impressive was his decision-making. With the talent outside, it would be easy to distribute to them, but he mixed up his running and passing options to keep rivals guessing. He has the ability to play flat and take the ball to the line, keeping the opposition under pressure.

Beauden Barrett

Another No.10 to really make an impact. From his accurate goal-kicking to his option taking, Barrett has been the form five-eighth in New Zealand. Some of the touches he has had for the Hurricanes this season need to be rewound and watched a second time, they are that good. The unfortunate situation he finds himself in is the quality of competition when it comes to the All Blacks.

Bismarck du Plessis

The raging bull. What would you give to have someone on your side like him? He somehow keeps expanding the role of a hooker. Has technique in the scrum, is a seriously strong defender and is fast becoming a very good ball runner. Those attributes make him the best rake in the world. His most decisive feature is his aggression. He has such a massive influence on the Sharks.

Brodie Retallick

The 23-year-old is a man mountain. He has presence at lineout time and great fitness to get through so much work around the park. Strong in defence, offers up as a ball carrier and creates a nuisance of himself at the breakdown. He is becoming the ultimate spoiler. Throw in his awareness for opportunity and it makes for good rugby.

Scott Fardy

Since making his debut for the Wallabies, he has a clearer understanding of what his role is. Aggressive, physical and dominant are the words that best describe him. His challenge is to enhance those attributes, play smarter and raise the standard. His influence in the Brumbies pack this season has been huge.

Israel Folau

MVP. Tops the try-scoring list for the season and clean breaks, third for defenders beaten, over 1000 metres run, leads offloads, but for all of those statistics, it’s his presence on the field that is most reassuring for his teammates. They know he is there and that something will come from just about everything he touches. What the stats don’t tell you is how hard he works off the ball. That is the key feature of his play.

Ben Smith

Like Folau and Le Roux, Smith has taken the game to another level. His ability to make metres in games is astounding. What sets him apart form other players is his balance through the tackle. The ability to keep control of his body in contact is the main reason the Highlanders had a turnaround in form this season.

Kurtley Beale

I have been impressed with his maturity on the field this season. He has embraced the responsibility to execute a game plan to make others look good. For all the attributes that Folau has shown this season, the yin to his yang is Beale. He provides the time and space for the fullback to work his magic.