Ben Smith (15 appearances): As good and consistent as ever. A class player who never got rattled and led the team well 8
Waisake Naholo (8): Season hit by a broken leg after the first game but came back strong and quick. Perhaps was asked to do too much at times but a powerful weapon on the flank 8
Patrick Osborne (16): Osborne was reliable if not as quick as previous years. Sometimes got into bad positions when running the ball up and only scored three tries which is not a great return for a winger 7
Matt Faddes (17): Had some real belters and made a step up after impressing for Otago in the domestic competition last year. Had a game to remember against the Crusaders. Still made too many errors. Top try-scorer with 10, which was impressive 7
Malakai Fekitoa (16): A quiet season for him. Ball security could have been better. But defensively very strong and still a powerful player for the side 7
Rob Thompson (9): Got a chance through injury and looked to have the goods. Had a forgettable game against the Reds and never really got back into the reckoning after that. Lacked a bit of imagination with the ball 6½
Lima Sopoaga (16): Kept up his high standard and at 75% success rate with his goal-kicking, which was one of the best in the competition. Ran well if sometimes overdid the kicking 8
Aaron Smith (16): Played the most minutes of any player (1207) and was, as usual, a huge part of the Highlanders game. At home under the roof and his long pass gave the backs plenty of space. Kicking game sometimes went astray 8
Liam Squire (14): Tough and strong, his play was good enough to win him an All Black jersey. Unlucky to not start the whole season, the victim of a lot of depth in the loose forwards 8
Luke Whitelock (12): Started 12 games and was solid if not spectacular. A tad inconsistent but had a stormer against the Crusaders under the roof. Not the greatest set of hands 7
Shane Christie (11): Troubled by injury at times and never seemed to get a decent run in the team. A respected leader who will want to get more game time with his Tasman side 6½
Elliot Dixon (15): Brought consistency into his game and was rewarded with an All Black jersey. Was perhaps over-used by the end but produced more on attack 8
Dan Pryor (15): Became a super-sub and was very effective off the bench, getting the whole second half on many occasions. Would have been good to see him get a few more starts 7½
Alex Ainley (11): Had a few injury issues but every time he took the field played well. Toiled away and never shirked any responsibility 7
Tom Franklin (15): A break-out year which led to him getting a spot in the All Black camp. Athletic and skillful, with a big motor 8
Joe Wheeler (11): Was rather anonymous. Did his job but was perhaps passed by Franklin and Ainley. Heading to Japan but will be back in 2017 6
Josh Hohneck (15): Again worked hard and stood strong. Moved around a bit from side to side but a reliable player. Off to England to play for Gloucester 7
Siua Halanukonuka (14): With a name that long is never going to be a friend for journalists. Plugged away and got around the field. A late developer who had his season ended when he jumped high for a ball, something props should never do 7
Daniel Lienert-Brown (14): Unsung hero who scored a crucial try against the Chiefs in Hamilton. Not the biggest of men for a prop but held his own in the scrum and hit plenty of rucks 7
Ash Dixon (17): Played every game and there was talk of an All Black call-up. Accurate lineout thrower who tends to play above his weight, not always successfully 7
Liam Coltman (10): Season was cruelly ended by a cheap shot from some Sharks players. Up to then was playing well and lineout throwing was good. Will be looking for a big season with Otago 7
