Super Rugby Pacific’s official team of the season has raised eyebrows across the Tasman with eight New Zealanders and seven Australians making the cut.
That even split comes despite no Aussie teams making the semi-finals of a competition that will be won by either the Hurricanes or Chiefs in Saturday’s title decider in Wellington.
Quinn Tupaea of the Chiefs celebrates after scoring a try. Getty
Chiefs centre Quinn Tupaea was named player of the season while NSW Waratahs outside back Sid Harvey won rookie of the year.
For each regular season fixture, an independent media panel member submitted 3-2-1 votes for their top three players from the game, alongside 3-2-1 votes submitted by the respective captains and coaches for their opposition.
Tupaea won the major gong ahead of Timoci Tavatavanawai (Highlanders) on a tie-breaker with Blues flanker Anton Segner finishing third in the voting.
NSW Waratahs star Max Jorgensen was equal-fourth alongside Western Force playmaker Ben Donaldson.
The other Wallabies selected were locks Jeremy Williams and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, flanker Fraser McReight, halfback Ryan Lonergan and fullback Jock Campbell.
Prop Xavier Numia was the only Hurricanes player selected despite the club breaking attacking records on their way to the minor premiership.
“Interesting to say the least,” Kiwi journalist John Day wrote in an opinion piece for Rova, while picking his own XV.
“Some obvious crimes have been committed in this team, so let’s have another go shall we.”
Day’s alternative team featured eight Hurricanes, four Chiefs, one each from the Blues, Crusaders and Highlanders – with no Aussies.
“I think justice has been served,” he said.
The Hurricanes and Chiefs won’t be bothered if they are able to get their hands on the trophy at a Hnry Stadium that sold out its 34,500 seats in 15 minutes this week.
Both teams will be missing a starting forward through concussion, with Caleb Delany out for the Hurricanes and Wallace Sititi unavailable for the Chiefs.
But the Hurricanes have regained flanker Devan Flanders from a head knock of his own.
The Chiefs have lost the last three grand finals while the Hurricanes are trying to win their second title a decade after their 2016 triumph against the Lions.
Du’Plessis Kirifi of the Hurricanes scores a try. Hagen Hopkins
“It’s a hugely exciting week and game ahead. A home final in front of a sold-out stadium, it doesn’t get much better than that,” Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw said.
“We’ve prepared really well at the start of the week. We’ve got no question about what’s coming from the Chiefs and how good they are. We know it’s going to be a tough battle, but it’s something we’re really excited about.
“It’s great news that we can welcome back Devan Flanders and pick a really settled team at this stage of the season. That’s something we’re really grateful for. It’s a massive weekend, we’re hugely excited and can’t wait to get into it.”
The Chiefs will be without ex-Wallabies centre Lalakai Foketi (calf) as Kyle Brown returns in his place.
“You work hard to be given this opportunity and it is satisfying to be in this position, but we also know there is one more game to win,” Chiefs coach Jono Gibbes said.
“The Hurricanes have been the pacesetters throughout the season and it will be a terrific challenge playing them at their home, but it is one we are looking forward to.
Damian McKenzie in action for the Chiefs. Getty Images
“Playing in front of a full house is always stimulating and we know there will be plenty of Chiefs supporters in the crowd, ringing their cowbells loudly.”
Stan Sport will have pre-game coverage from 3.30pm AEST.
Super Rugby grand final: Hurricanes vs Chiefs
SAT 20 JUNE: Hnry Stadium, Wellington (5.05pm kickoff AEST)
HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Pasilio Tosi, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Warner Dearns, Devan Flanders, Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, Fehi Fineanganofo, Jordie Barrett (co-c), Billy Proctor, Josh Moorby, Callum Harkin
Replacements: Jacob Devery, Siale Lauaki, Tyrel Lomax, Brad Shields, Brayden Iose, Ereatara Enari, Jone Rova, Kini Naholo
CHIEFS (1-15): Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Sione Ahio, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (c), Simon Parker, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Kyren Taumoefolau, Quinn Tupaea, Kyle Brown, Leroy Carter, Liam Coombes-Fabling
Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Jared Proffit, George Dyer, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Kaylum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Reon Paul
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Referees: Reuben Keane, Louis Trisley
TMO: Brett Cronan