We’ve been talking about some of the negative aspects of New Zealand rugby this year but it’s not all bad. There have been some excellent performers this season and with 18 months before the world cup, there is enough time for all of them to feature if they can continue their form.

Kahn Fotoualii

Kahn Fotoualii

Kahn Fotuali’i (Crusaders)

The Tasman Mako’s halfback really hit the ground running in this year’s Super 14. All Balck Andy Ellis started the season with an injury and his loss was Fotuali’i's gain.

He scored 2 tries against the Chiefs in the 4th round and has kept All Black Andy Ellis on the bench ever since.

Fotuali’i is strong, dynamic and has a great clearance pass from the base of the ruck.

On the form of this season, he is an outside chance of an All Black jersey – pushing out teammate Ellis.

Israel Dagg (Highlanders)

Like many of New Zealand’s professional backs and loose forwards, Dagg came to prominence in the 07-08 New Zealand Sevens Team.

He was also in the team int eh 08-09 season experiencing the highs of victory in the World Sevens Series.

His consistent play for Hawkes Bay in the NPC was rewarded with selection in the 2009 Highlanders squad. He has a good kicking game, unlike many of New Zeaand’s fullbacks and he also has a keen attacking nous.

There has been a lot of talk about Dagg making the All Blacks this year and it may yet come true, especially with Mills Muliana suffering a Super 14 ending injury.

Corey Jane would have to be the first choice but after that, Israel Dagg has as good a chance of any.

Tim Nanai-Williams (Chiefs)

Like Israel Dagg (and many others), Tim Nanai-Williams got his first chance through the New Zealand Sevens programme, featuring in last season’s World Series campaign.

The 20 year old had a good season for a struggling Counties side in last year’s NPC competition.

The reward was a place in the Chiefs squad and things went very well right from the start. Williams made the starting lineup in the pre-season and early season matches as Mils Muliana took time off from the busy 2009 international schedule.

Williams scored tries against the Highlanders and the Blues in the pre-season and then got one against the Force in the 3rd match of the hugely successful opening trip.

Then Muliana sustained an injury that will keep him out of the rest of the Super 14. Williams was well-placed to take advantage of the All Black’s misfortune. He has been quite brilliant in the Chiefs back line turning half-chances into line breaks and backing up to great effect.

The Counties full-back consistently makes the advantage line and has a wicked sidestep that often leaves defenders flat-footed.

He was lively against the Reds when he came on, and was one of few effective attacking weapons against the Bulls. He scored a try against the Stormers and he scored a great try against the Hurricanes, first sidestepping forwards and then leaving Corey Jane for dead.

Victor Vito

Victor Vito

Victor Vito (Hurricanes)

Vito came into the Wellington NPC side off the back of brilliant performances on the World Sevens Series circuit. Defenders struggled to stop the rampaging Vito.

He did not make the Hurricanes in his first season and was somewhat ineffective last year but he has turned that around in 2010.

Great in open spaces and strong in the tackle, Vito has had a big impact in games this season.

Blindside flank is fiercely competed with Jerome Kaino also playing to his potential and Adam Thompson in brilliant form.

It could mean that Vito will return to the New Zealand Sevens team for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

Adam Thompson (Highlanders)

Thompson has been brilliant this season in an average Highlanders team.

Thompson steals a lot of ball at the breakdown, slows down the opposition and has an eye for attacking breaks.

Thompson graduated through Gordon Teitjens’ Sevens team of 2007. His pace and attacking nous made him a very effective sevens player.

He has brought that to the Super 14 where he makes many line breaks with speed and footwork. Like the other ex-Sevens loose forwards (Liam Messam, Victor Vito, Tanerau Latimer) he makes good decisions on attack, passing at the precise moment to take full advantage of the break.

Thompson will surely start for the All Blacks when they play their best team this season. He has serious competition from Jerome Kaino but Kaino also plays number 8 and so the pressure could be on Keiran Reid and Rodney So’oialo.

Josh Bekhuis (Highlanders)

Another player to shine in an average-performing side is young second-rower, Josh Bekhuis.

The Southlander is solid in the lineout and good around the paddock. He is the only New Zealand lock who looks like he might be able to compete at lineout and around the field with the likes of the Stormers’ outstanding Andreas Bekker.

Highlanders teammate Tom Donelley has been out all season with injury, as has Ali Williams. Bekhuis has filled the breach and will be a real chance of making the All Blacks this year.

Chris Jack is likely to regain his starting spot and Bekhuis could provide the second line-out jumping option or come off the bench for Brad Thorne.

Robbie Fruean

Robbie Fruean

Robbie Fruean (Crusaders)

Young Centre Robbie Fruean grew throughout the season, gaining in confidence and impetus.

The improvement in his defense was especially good to see.

Canterbury was definitely the place for him to be for his debut in professional rugby. The structure of the programme, the experience of the team and the opportunty to play alongside the likes of Carter and Crotty provide the best possible learning environment.

It is also the best opportunity for playing in Super 14 finals – not something many New Zealand teams will experience in 2010.