The 2014 domestic season has ended, with the provinces taking the final spoils up for grabs. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks back over the games and players he saw live this year.
Best games
1) Crusaders v Highlanders
Dunedin
This was a magic encounter, although the result went the wrong way for most at the end.
Richie McCaw was given an early yellow card for being offside at a ruck. The Highlanders profited through two tries but the Crusaders pushed back in the second half and with a quarter of an hour to go were ahead by 12 points.
The Highlanders came back and were two points behind with time up when winger Patrick Osborne dived over in the corner. Canterbury-based television match official Vinny Murno ruled no try and the red and blacks escaped with a 32-30 win.
2) All Blacks v England
Dunedin
The All Blacks put together a thrilling third quarter that won the game for them. They had promised much in the first half but England just managed to keep in touch to be competitive.
Right near the end of the first half, Ben Smith made a great covering tackle to deny Manu Tuilagi. Then Smith scored a try early in the second half and the All Blacks got a roll on.
England came back and scored a couple of tries near the end to make it close but the home side was more convincing than the 28-27 scoreline suggested.
3) Highlanders v Hurricanes
Wellington
Not a high-scoring game but a fantastic defensive effort by the Highlanders. They had little ball, and had to rely on their defence to win 18-16. Players ran themselves to a standstill and just kept standing up and tackling. Hayden Parker scored all the points and sealed the win with a calmly taken drop goal.
Best players
1) Ben Smith
The man from Green Island put in another top stint this season. Left a hole in the only game he missed for the Highlanders, against the Crusaders, in Christchurch,Had a standout match in the black jersey in his home stadium. Scored a try, made some huge defensive plays and never made a bad move all night. Somehow lost the No15 black jersey to Israel Dagg.
2) Tom Franklin
Started the season as fifth-choice Highlanders lock with the goal of putting more meat on the bones through some solid work in the gym. But through injury to others and good form, got a chance for the Highlanders that he took with both hands. Looked solid at this level and continued on with a fine season for Otago.
3) Aki Seiuli
Was a standout for Otago in what was a disappointing season for the blue and golds. Played every minute of every game and was still going well in the final game of the season. Not huge for a prop, he faces the dilemma of having to get bigger but that may negate his speed round the paddock.
Worst games
1) Hawkes Bay v Otago
Napier
Hard to get worse than this. The only good thing was the ground basically has no scoreboard. So you did not have to look at the 41-0 whitewash in its most simple form.
Otago just fell apart against a rampant and confident Hawkes Bay team. The visiting side was down by 19 points after eight minutes. So no Ranfurly Shield victory. Otago was a distant second all game. Like men against boys.
2) Highlanders v Crusaders
Christchurch
Usual story. Go to Christchurch. Weather average. Be surrounded by one-eyed Cantabrians. Watch the horses run round the stadium. Highlanders come out, give it their best shot and are well outclassed. The Crusaders won 34-8 and the Highlanders headed to Durban for a playoff match.
3) Otago v Manawatu
Dunedin
Otago would have qualified for the semifinals of the ITM Cup had it won. But it lost, and was found wanting in many departments.
Otago was too slow in attack and defence. Manawatu skipped clear in the first half and ended up winning the game convincingly, 38-25.
Must do better
1) Trent Renata
Over the past week, if everyone who questioned how Renata made the Highlanders after his play for Otago donated a dollar to Unicef, child poverty would be cured. Did nothing wrong for the Highlanders but looked to be just clocking in for Otago.
2) Kurt Baker
Had his season ruined by a suspension and then a serious hamstring injury. But watching him play for Alhambra-Union, one wondered if he was actually a Super rugby player. Coming back for his fourth season for the Highlanders next year and must do better than in the previous three.
3) Israel Dagg
Must mow some good lawns at the Hansen household. Average for the Crusaders, then played injured for the All Blacks. Ben Smith took his jersey and played out of his skin, but somehow Dagg got back in to play in Napier. Played reasonably well - not outstandingly well - on his home ground, and is now back in the No15 jersey.
Big 2015 needed
• Liam Coltman: This year did not go as well as hoped. But still in the All Black picture.
• Richie McCaw: Can he squeeze one more year out of his frame?
• Dan Carter: Is it over? Is he even relevant any more?
• Sonny Bill Williams: Has plenty of challengers in the midfield.
• Kane Hames: Must back up an encouraging first year for the Highlanders.
• All Blacks: Enough said.
Unexplainables
These things just did not make sense:
• The Blues have a catchment of more than 1.5 million people, yet had to rely on two retreaded Highlanders, Hayden Triggs and Tom Donnelly, as their locking options.
• John Kirwan let Malakai Fekitoa go and signed Benji Marshall and no-one appeared to question him.
• Taieri won the Dunedin club final by 50 points with players who struggled at the next level.
• Taranaki bought a team to win the ITM Cup, yet all and sundry say what a great victory it was for provincial, grass-roots rugby.
• Joe Moody cannot get a start for the Crusaders but starts for the All Blacks.
