SANZAR pack of the year

Thursday 3 December 2009
Published By: Ben Welch
International Rugby > Australia

With the southern hemisphere season at an end, it's time to take a look at who laid down their markers as the stand-out performers of 2009. First up - the forwards.

1. Benn Robinson (Australia)
It may have taken until the last game of the season for the Wallabies to really reach their stride, but their scrum was impressive and Robinson showed he is a star in the making with his performances in the tight and the loose.

2. Bismarck du Plessis (South Africa)
Surely there can be no argument over who is the best hooker in the world right now. Serious questions are being raised over John Smit's future on the international stage and du Plessis is much of the reason why, with the skipper having moved to prop to accommodate him.

3. Ben Alexander (Australia)
Another young Australian prop, Alexander gave us a glimpse of the future this autumn as he complemented strong scrummaging with good distribution and ball carrying.

4. Brad Thorn (New Zealand)
What more do you need to know about the man who played every minute of all but one of the All Blacks' tests this year? How about the fact that he's 34 years old?

5. Victor Matfield (South Africa)
Possibly the world's best lock, Matfield is a physical force to be reckoned with and was dominant in the lineout this year. Except against Ireland on Saturday.

6. Rocky Elsom (Australia)
A Heineken Cup winner and an inspirational leader for Australia, he just about edges out Heinrich Brussow.

7. David Pocock (Australia)
Richie McCaw may have earned the accolades from the IRB, but Pocock was the most exciting breakout player of this year and could well end up being the best seven of all time.

8. Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe (Argentina)
The best member of the Puma pack and possibly the only truly world-class member of their autumn line-up.