Super Rugby Legends XV revealed as voting concludes
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After months of debate about the best players from the first 30 years of Super Rugby, the final fan votes have been counted and the Legends XV has been officially locked in.
Super Rugby Legends XV
1. Wyatt Crockett (Crusaders)
2. Keven Mealamu (Blues)
3. Owen Franks (Crusaders)
4. Victor Matfield (Bulls – Wildcard)
5. John Eales (Queensland Reds)
6. Jerry Collins (Hurricanes)
7. Richie McCaw (Crusaders)
8. Kieran Read (Crusaders)
9. George Gregan (ACT Brumbies)
10. Stephen Larkham (ACT Brumbies)
11. Jonah Lomu (Hurricanes)
12. Ma’a Nonu (Hurricanes)
13. Conrad Smith (Hurricanes)
14. Doug Howlett (Blues)
15. Christian Cullen (Hurricanes)
The Hurricanes led all clubs with five selections in Jonah Lomu, Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Christian Cullen and Jerry Collins, underlining the impact of the Wellington-based club on Super Rugby history.
The Nonu-Smith midfield pairing was one of the easiest selections for fans, with the duo widely regarded as one of the greatest-ever centre combinations.
Meanwhile, Cullen’s selection at fullback caps off a backline featuring three of the most electric attacking players to grace the competition.
Lomu’s inclusion also highlighted the emotional connection fans still have with the late superstar, whose influence on the game of rugby transcended pure statistics.
The Crusaders were the next best represented club with four players selected, all in the forward pack.
Wyatt Crockett, Owen Franks, Richie McCaw and Kieran Read all made the side after helping establish the Crusaders as the benchmark club across the last 30 years.
McCaw’s selection at openside flanker was among the least surprising results of the fan vote, while Read edged a stacked field of No. 8 contenders to complete a formidable loose forward trio alongside Jerry Collins.
The inclusion of both Crockett and Franks also reinforced the lasting reputation of the Crusaders scrum.
Australian rugby’s greatest Super Rugby era was also recognised, with George Gregan and Stephen Larkham reunited in the halves.
The legendary Brumbies duo transformed attacking rugby in the late 1990s and early 2000s, helping turn the Canberra side into one of the competition’s powerhouse clubs.
John Eales was the lone representative from the Reds, while Keven Mealamu and Doug Howlett ensured the Blues were also represented.
One of the more intriguing elements of the fan vote was the inclusion of wildcard nominees representing Super Rugby teams that are no longer involved in the competition.
But despite the strength of the South African contenders, only one wildcard player earned selection - Bulls great Victor Matfield.
The Springbok icon beat out an elite field of locks to partner Wallabies legend John Eales in the second row.
Matfield’s selection means 14 of the 15 players came directly from current Super Rugby Pacific clubs.
The final XV includes multiple Rugby World Cup winners, former World Rugby Players of the Year recipients and players who defined entire eras of Super Rugby.
Collectively, the side spans more than three decades of rugby history, from the competition’s early years in the 1990s through to the professional dynasties that followed.
And while debate around the omissions will continue for years, there is no doubt that this lineup of Super Rugby greats makes a particularly formidable team.
