KEY POINTS:
The 30 players taking the field tomorrow night in Christchurch have rightly earned their place in the Super 14 final. But in the course of 14 rounds and a pair of one-sided semifinals many others shone. The Herald picks the best XV from all three nations:
Fullback:
Conrad Jantjes. Injury and selection idiosyncrasies cut into his career but he has rebounded with the sort of silky running, counterattack and strong kicking game for the Stormers which brought him test recognition about a decade ago.
Right wing: Lelia Masaga. It was a mystery how this guy missed the All Blacks wider training squad. Fantastic finishing, rocket acceleration, loads of courage if a bit dicey on defence. But name a wing who isn't. To say he was still too fresh ignores how novices like Adam Thomson and Kevin O'Neill made it.
Left wing: Lote Tuqiri. Finally looks as though he has got his head in order and his game together. Another lethal finisher whose workrate has been a huge part of the Waratahs' resurgence.
Centre: Casey Laulala. His most consistent season by far. Has an ability to break the first line of defence with a step or power while his distribution and decisions have improved markedly. Huge focus of Crusaders' momentum.
Second five-eighths: Bradley Barritt. Versatile back who has a low error rate, strong defender who can also carry the ball and link strongly with his outsides.
First five-eighths Daniel Carter. Long time out with an ankle injury but either side of the damage showed his importance, composure and superb goalkicking. Shades Giteau whose kicking has been too erratic.
Halfback: Ricky Januarie. Fiesty, scrappy, niggly and he can play. Showed he can deal with bad ball if his pack is out of sorts and can vary his running, passing and kicking skills to make the most of his backline.
No 8: Ryan Kankowski. Had to be terrific to edge Palu and So'oialo out of this side but his athleticism, ball-carrying strength and lineout work all shone. Must be the frontrunner to play for the Boks but faces strong competition.
Openside flanker: George Smith. This guy is a freak. Immoveable at the breakdown, impenetrable on the inside channels and when given the ball, can vary his attack with deft kicks, straight running or clever passes.
Blindside flanker: Rocky Elsom. Gives a fair imitation of Alan Whetton which is a worthy recommendation. Lineouts, graft, support play - he has the full package and rounds out a potent Tahs loose trio.
Lock: Andries Bekker. The Stormers' skylab was an automatic supply of lineout possession at 2.08m. He also showed surprising mobility for a man of his size and improved his driving play.
Lock: Daniel Vickerman. As dominant in the air as the incomparable Matfield had been before his exit for Toulon. Vickerman has reclaimed the title of best Australian lineout forward, so much so that pressure must be coming to keep him in the sunburnt country.
Tighthead prop: John Afoa. Part of the best frontrow in the competition, Afoa complements his setpiece work with some damaging runs and solid tackling. Best season yet.
Hooker: Andrew Hore. Plays with controlled aggression, always near the pigskin in the tight and, as a bonus, has made a habit this year of scoring tries. Lineout throwing has improved, hard worker in a mixed pack.
Loosehead prop: Tony Woodcock. Some myth! Destroyed most opponents by whatever means was necessary and bar the occasional referee-detective, got away with it. His ball skills are improving and this man is set for a huge test workload.