As many lament the poor performances of the NZ Super 14 teams in the 2010 season, we have found room for a second post that focuses on more positives

Adding to our earlier highlights, more observations of promise as the competition comes to a close. Not all of these guys are All Black contenders but they all did well in trying situations.

Ben Afeaki

The young North Harbour Prop has done well this season.

I initially felt he was out of his depth when he was pushed into the Chiefs lineup due to pre-season injuries to front liners James McGoogan and Ben May.

Afeaki is a big unit and gets around the paddock very well making tackles, hitting rucks and taking the ball up.

It was the growth in his scrummaging that was probably the most significant part of his season.

There are a lot of props who are ‘there abouts’ for the All Blacks and while he may be considered too young for the world cup next year, a big NPC and Super 15 could see him force his way into the picture.

Then the inevitable post world cup exodus at the end of next year could provide a clear pathway for Afeaki.

Our prediction for his near future
Will be in the All Black picture if he can continue to build from here. Needs to dominate NPC matches this year.

Colin Bourke

Colin Bourke, Bay of Plenty and Chiefs

Bay of Plenty captain and Number 8 Colin Bourke was a big contributor for the Chiefs this season. He brings a high degree of skill from his emerging years in the Hawkes Bay backline.

Along with Liam Messam and Tanerau Latimer, Bourke rounded out a very quick loose trio.

Bourke has shown that he is not out of his depth at this level.

Our prediction for his near future
Not really All Black material but likely to be attracted by a European contract and will have a long, successful career in the Northern Hemisphere, similar to Craig Newbie.

Callum Retallick

Callum Retallick, Bay of Plenty and Chiefs

The Bay of Plenty lock’s rise has been very similar to predecessors, Bernie Upton and Mark Sorenson who came through the Bay a couple of years back – both of whom are playing in Europe, which is where Retallick could end up due to the high degree of competition in the All Black second row ranks.

There could be opportunities if he continues to grow and others move on after RWC 2011 but it will all depend upon the pecking order.

Ali Williams has made noises about leaving before. Chris Jack and Brad Thorne will not be part of the 2015 world cup campaign so there will be some opportunity.

But the competition all have experience at the next level.

Isaac Ross, Tom Donelly, Antony Boric, Kevin O’Neill and Jason Eaton have all played or the All Blacks and are all likely to be vying for world cup selection next year.

Added to the mix will be Sam Whitelock from Canterbury and Craig Clarke from Taranaki and the Crusaders who have both played well and advanced their claims in 2010. Whitelock will have the added advantage of featuring in semi-finals.

Our prediction for his near future

Retallick will head to the Northern Hemisphere to further his career – just too much competition in NZ.

Tyson Keats

NZ have a wealth of well-performed half-backs at the moment.

With Tasman Mako’s standout Kahn Fotuali’i joining All Black Andy Ellis at the Crusaders, Keats entered the draft and was given the back-up position vacated by Albie Matthewson at the Hurricanes.

Keats took the opportunity with both hands, playing well enough to beat out All Black Piri Wepu for a starting spot on 2 occasions.

The Canterbury back-up number 9 looked good in a new environment and will be looking for more game time next year.

Our prediction for his near future

Will need to wait for the dust to settle following next year’s World Cup. There is serious competition around at the moment and NZ will not be able to retain all of these quality half backs. Expect several to leave.

Albie Mathewson

Despite the poor form of the Auckland Blues, halfback Albie Mathewson had a good season.

Understudy to All Black Piri Weepu at the Hurricanes in 2009, Matthewson has taken the initiative with the Blues.

He has looked very good in Wellington’s NPC playing alongside Weepu who has spent time at first five eighth and away with the All Blacks.

Our prediction for his near future
As above for Tyson Keats

Sean Maitland

Sean Maitland

Sean Maitland, Canterbury & Crusaders

The long-striding winger has pace and strength which he put to good use this season, making line breaks and finishing backline plays for an outfit growing in confidence.

Like the half-back position, New Zealand has a wealth of wings at the moment (Sivivatu, Rokocoko, Masaga, Gear, Guildford, Smith) and players who have played there (Jane, Kahui).

Add to that the players coming through the Sevens system (Sherwin Stowers, Save Takula, Tim Mikklesen, Kurt Baker)

Our prediction for his near future
Maitland will continue his progress with a strong NPC and then have a real opportunity to press for All Black consideration for the world cup. He may miss out to the more experienced stars but if there are departures after the event, he has the ability to rise to prominence very quickly.

Sam Whitelock

Sam Whitelock

Sam Whitelock, Canterbury and Crusaders

The Canterbury beanpole lock is very mobile and gets up very high in the lineout.

He has performed consistently in 2010. Well enough to play a lot in the second half of the season under pressure from the likes of Isaac Boss and Chris Jack.

Next year’s Super 15 will be interesting for the Crusader’s second row.

With All Blacks Isaac Ross, Chris Jack and Brad Thorne vying for 2 locking positions it is hard to see Whitelock and Michael Paterson getting game time amongst that company.

Both have performed well at Super 12 level so it is hard to imagine that they will not get chances in Super rugby in 2011.

Our prediction for his near future
Like Paterson, Whitelock will need to move franchise to secure game-time in the 2011 Super 15.

He will probably not make the All Blacks next year but may get a chance with the international retirements of Brad Thorne and Chris Jack.

Jason Rutledge

Son of an All Black legend, Rutledge has been a consistent performer for Southland in a position he has sometimes been forced to share with David ‘Crazy’ Hall in recent years.

But in 2010 Rutledge has been in devastating form. Extremely mobile, he has often played like an extra loose forward. Frequently stealing the ball on defensive, sharing the workload of Adam Thompson and charging it forward at every opportunity.

The advantage he has over many other New Zealand hookers is his ability to throw the ball into a lineout with reasonable consistency. He may be helped with primary ball winner, Josh Bekhuis.

Our prediction for his near future

  • Rutledge will not make inroads towards All Black selection
  • The All Blacks will continue to lose key possessions (and big matches) through poor lineout throwing
  • Rutledge leave for opportunities in Europe where he will have a long career working hard week-in-week out in more forward-oriented styles that he will enjoy

Colin Slade

The capable Canterbury utility has really found his feet at fullback for the Crusaders this season.

He played several positions in the 2009 NPC and while obviously talented, he did not register consistent quality.

Our prediction for his near future
Slade will make the Al Blacks in the post World Cup 2011 aftermath and become a key member of the backline heading into the 2015 World Cup in England.