Super Rugby 2019: NZ Team of the Season

OPINION: The Super Rugby regular season is done and dusted, and teams now turn their attention to the playoffs.

But some players will also have All Blacks selection in the back of their minds, with the international schedule and World Cup looming.

Over the past four months, through our NZ Team of the Week, we've tried to keep track of the best performers in each position, based purely on Super Rugby form.

Injuries and rest protocols have played havoc with consistency, but some players have undoubtedly given the 'three wise men' something to think about, as they consider their options.

Newshub rugbyhead John Day has also been keeping a close eye on proceedings and here are the players he thinks have put their hands up for higher honours.

super rugby playoffs
Photo credit: Newshub.

1-Joe Moody (Crusaders)

Just so good at scrum-time and a physical enforcer around the ruck. Already an international mainstay, his form will allow the selectors to sleep just a little easier at night.

2-Dane Coles (Hurricanes)

Only played eight games, but was just good enough to beat out Liam Coltman for best hooker spot. More than enough opportunity to remind us of what we've missed for most of the past two years.

3-Tyrel Lomax (Highlanders)

With just one test under his belt, he'll be a huge loss to the Highlanders - the Hurricanes' gain - and is the heir apparent to the All Blacks number-three jersey. Has a chance to show his readiness against the Crusaders' international front row this week.

4-Scott Barrett (Crusaders)

With so many All Blacks rotating in and out of the line-up for rest/recovery (ooops, did I say that out loud?) purposes, Barrett set the benchmark for consistency in the Crusaders pack.

Whether packing down in the second row or making a cameo off the side of the scrum, he'll be a vital part of the Webb Ellis Trophy defence.

5-Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues)

While leadership was clearly an issue in the Auckland franchise, he did all he physically could to lead the Blues to the Super Rugby playoffs. Took his game to another level and hopefully won't be forgotten when black jerseys are handed out.

6-Shannon Frizell (Highlanders)

Made his mark at the start of the tournament, when the Landers' stocks were a little thinner. With Liam Squire back and Elliot Dixon finding form, his number hasn't been called as often, but remains an intriguing prospect for the All Blacks World Cup squad.

7-Ardie Savea (Hurricanes) 

A contender for Super Rugby Player of the Year. Watching Savea with the ball in hand and those legs pumping is one of the great sights in rugby. 

He's an excitement machine, who always gives 100 percent. He'll provide a huge impact in whatever role the All Blacks decide to use him.

8-Luke Whitelock (Highlanders)

An absolute workhorse, made the most tackles and the most runs for the Highlanders. That effort upon effort sees Whitelock preferred to other more exciting options at the back of the scrum.

9-Brad Weber (Chiefs)

Both Aaron Smith and Weber earned five TOTW selections, but the Chiefs halfback gets the nod.

While he doesn't have the same speed of pass as the All Blacks number nine, he's got a ton of pace and a huge amount of heart that should be rewarded with more test caps.

10-Richie Mo'unga (Crusaders)

Continues to go from strength to strength. The 25-year-old is hitting peak form, and must have the All Blacks selectors wonder how they can fit Mo'unga and Beauden Barrett into the starting XV.

11-Braydon Ennor (Crusaders)

Earned a couple of TOTW selections at centre, which sees him just pip Rieko Ioane for the left-wing spot - it's that versatility that has the speedster in the mix for the All Blacks. 

Might win the Super Rugby sprint race, if there was such a thing.

12-Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs)

Another contender for Super Rugby Player of the Year. Filled the leadership void brilliantly in the absence of several star players.

Second in the competition for offloads, third in tackle busts and 10th in running metres - phenomenal stats for a midfielder.

13-Jack Goodhue (Crusaders)

A solid, rather than spectacular season for the mullet man from Northland. His very low error count, coupled with the ability to break the line and offload is what the best teams require from a centre.

14-Sevu Reece (Crusaders)

Hands down the Super Rugby Rookie of the Year. The Fijian flyer has added plenty of spark to an already-potent Crusaders backline with a competition-best 13 tries. 

The 22 year-old's certainly in the mix for the World Cup.

15-David Havili (Crusaders)

After a quiet 2018 season, the 24-year-old's back to the form that saw him previously picked for the All Blacks. Havili's the total package and has risen to number two, behind Ben Smith, in the All Blacks pecking order at fullback.

John Day is a Newshub sports reporter.