1. Charles Piutau (Auckland)
Brother of former Highlander Siale, this strapping youngster has looked assured at the back and is a big reason why the Aucklanders are near the top of the table. Needs to work on his kicking somewhat.
2. Jamison Gibson-Park (Taranaki)
Sure he may have a name more suited to the English aristocracy and Mr Darcy but he is a halfback with plenty to like about him. Has a quick pass and explosive speed off the mark. A bit of a tendency to look for gaps which soon disappear.
3. Shane Christie (Tasman)
This guy has a motor which must be powered by the best batteries money can buy. He just never stops and is adept at being the link man between forwards and backs. Needs to get a decent headband, however.
4. Hayden Parker (Otago)
The first person you pick in your team is a goalkicker. Just ask Daryl Halligan. Parker sure can kick goals but he has also shown plenty more. He is a solid defender who is getting better and better at reading the field of battle. Must be in the Super 15 picture.
5. Adam Cathcart (Counties-Manukau)
In the tradition of solid Counties-Manukau forwards like Alan Dawson and Jim Coe comes Cathcart. Has been floating around the scene for a couple of years but this year appears to have gone up a notch or two. Packs plenty of muscle and physicality into his game.
6. Jack Ram (Northland)
Not to be confused with Waikato's Jack Lam, the man from Kerikeri had shown plenty of ticker in his game and got around the field for Northland. Tends to get lost in action sometimes but never gives it away.
7. Tim Mikkelson (Waikato)
If ever there was a man of the hour, Mikkelson was that man against Taranaki on Wednesday night. Three tries as Waikato charged to victory and won the Ranfurly Shield. Who cares about the rest of the season when you put on an 80 minutes like that ?
8. Gillies Kaka (Hawkes Bay)
Some Hawkes Bay-based sideline commentators have been banging on about this guy for a while, although some of the statements make him out to be a combination of Jonah Lomu, Ron Jarden and Jeff Wilson. He ain't that but showed the skills of Lionel Messi in scoring a great try against Bay of Plenty.
9. Johnny McNicoll (Canterbury)
This bloke had moved up the ranks in the Canterbury machine. Plenty of speed and plenty of skills his next trip must be into a Crusaders jersey.
10. Genesis Mamea (Wellington)
Who knows anything about this guy but what a great name. Up there with Conan Houkamau from Poverty Bay. But what has happened to: Serge Lilo, Tony Fenner, Marty Holah, Mitchell Scott, Jacob Ellison, Brett Mather, Michael Hobbs, Ahsee Tuala, Sean Maitland ...
