The Highlanders may have finished second last on the ladder this year, but it has not stopped some of their players being nominated for a World XV.
The International Rugby Players Association (IRPA) has launched a world XV team and has come up with 45 players to vote on, three in each position.
Not surprisingly, the All Blacks, who have not been beaten this year, dominate the voting, 13 present All Blacks having been nominated for the team.
Former All Black winger Sitiveni Sivivatu, who now plays for Clermont in the French Top 14 league, has also been nominated.
Highlanders halfback Aaron Smith has been nominated and he will face competition from Australian halfback Will Genia and Samoan halfback Kahn Fotuali'i.
Highlanders fullback Ben Smith has been nominated for the right wing position and is alongside Australian utility back Israel Folua and Fijian winger Napolioni Nalaga.
Ma'a Nonu, who has now joined the Blues after a disappointing season with the Highlanders, is nominated at second five-eighth but faces some tough competition from Welshman Jamie Roberts and Springbok captain Jean de Villiers.
Other All Blacks nominated are: Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Liam Messam, Richie McCaw, Kieran Read, Dan Carter, Aaron Cruden, Julian Savea, Conrad Smith and Israel Dagg.
Strangely, no All Black front rower has been nominated.
The likes of Andrew Hore, Owen Franks and Tony Woodcock have been overlooked for players from France, Samoa, Argentina, England and Wales.
The award is decided by public vote and can be voted on at www.ultimaterugby.com. There is also a player of the year award which can be voted on.
The award differs from the honours given out by the IRB.
The IRB awards are due to be announced early next month.