The best backs in the south

Friday 4 December 2009
Published By: Ben Welch
Tri Nations > New Zealand

We've named the forwards and now it's the turn of the skill men - who among the southern hemisphere's finest impressed us most?

9. Fourie du Preez (South Africa)
Will Genia impressed for the Wallabies, but when you consider the year that South Africa and Du Preez himself had as a whole, the Springbok number nine has to get the nod.

10. Dan Carter (New Zealand)
An obvious choice, perhaps, but his combination of goal-kicking, creative flair and physical presence make him one of the best of all time.

11. Bryan Habana (South Africa)
Perhaps not his best season, but that try against the Lions followed a Super 14 title and preceded a Currie Cup victory in which he was instrumental.

12. Jean de Villiers (South Africa)
The Springbok centre had a reasonably quiet autumn series, but his performances in the Tri-Nations warrant inclusion.

13. Conrad Smith (New Zealand)
The outside centre position is underrated in terms of physicality and so is Smith. Excellent in defence as well as attack, he's much of the reason why the All Black line is of such a high standard.

14. Cory Jane (New Zealand)
He may prefer to play 15, but Jane burst into the spotlight in this year's Tri-Nations and is definitely one to watch.

15. Francois Steyn (South Africa)
As much as we really want to include at least one Wallaby in the list, Adam Ashley-Cooper just can't be chosen over the kicking machine. Of course, the need for a 15 to be a long-range penalty taker is reduced if you have Carter on your team, but it's all hypothetical anyway.