Rugby: Speedy, strong and elusive - Super Rugby's best at breaking apart defences

Patrick Osborne of the Highlanders. Photo / Getty Images

Highlanders wings Waisake Naholo and Patrick Osborne showed their class as they scored tries during their team's 36-9 win over the Chiefs during the weekend, but where do they rank among the competition's best tackle-busters?

Stormers midfielder Damian de Allende has beaten the most defenders this year with 62 and he leads the charge in Super Rugby, so let's look at who rounds out a first XV of beating defenders.

Israel Folau, 55 defenders beaten, the Waratahs fullback has been dangerous with ball in hand all season. Big, quick and powerful.

Hurricanes wing Julian Savea has eluded 45 defenders this year and has scored six tries too.

Naholo is Super Rugby's leading try-scorer with nine five-pointers and he has also beaten 43 defenders.

George Moala has been one of the few good things for the Blues on the field, and he has shown his ability as a runner, beating 41 defenders.

Jaco Kriel has helped spark the Lions in 2015 with 40 tackle breaks. They're still a chance of securing a rare playoff berth.

Ben Smith, the Highlanders fullback, has helped form a dangerous back three this season and has beaten 39 defenders along the way.

Andries Coetzee is another Lion who has thrived this season. He has beaten 37 defenders.

Ruan Combrinck; those Lions have shown plenty of endeavour on attack and Combrinck is another player who has helped spark their promising season. He's dodged 36 defenders this year.

Osborne eased past Chiefs defenders as though they weren't there on Saturday night and that continued a theme for the big man in 2015. He has beaten 36 would-be tacklers.

Crusaders wing Nemani Nadolo was at his damaging best on Friday night against the Hurricanes as he bumped off tacklers at will. In total, he has avoided 36 defenders this year and that number should grow in the final two weeks of the season.

Ma'a Nonu has had a memorable season for the Hurricanes and his attacking game has steadily warmed up. He has brushed past 35 defenders.

The Reds have had a campaign to forget but centre Samu Kerevi has beaten 35 defenders.

Nehe Milner-Skudder could lay claim to being Super Rugby's rookie of the year. He has beaten 35 defenders for the Hurricanes.

Outside back Cheslin Kolbe is a rare attacking light for the Stormers. The 21-year-old has avoided 34 defenders this season.