The year after a World Cup always brings out some new talent. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at 10 rookies who are setting the Super 15 alight.
1. Aaron Smith (Highlanders)
After a minor impact last year, Smith is a dominant figure on the field this year. Has the ability to change the tempo of a game, get his team on the front foot and find gaps where they do not look like they exist. Will be interesting to see if he can last the distance.
2. Brodie Retallick (Chiefs)
Not yet 21, this big lump of a lad has some real athletic ability and can rumble the ball up with the best of them. A solid lineout forward, he also can get round the field and has helped answer questions about the softness of the Chiefs pack. Chiefs coach Dave Rennie knows his young players and has secured a gem in Retallick.
3. Johan Goosen (Cheetahs)
Can kick goals like Frans Steyn and also runs the ball up well, keeping the defence in two minds. South Africa has been waiting for a classy No 10 for a while now and may have unearthed a significant talent in Goosen, who does not turn 20 until July.
4. Liam Gill (Reds)
It is a tough life being a loose forward in Australia as they seem to endlessly pick up injuries. But Gill, who was used spasmodically last year, has impressed when he has got on the field for the Reds. Quick and constructive, he is never far from the ball and will no doubt be needed more by the Reds as they start to face some tough challenges, both home and away.
5. Ben Tameifuna (Chiefs)
Someone who obviously ate all his greens when he was growing up. When the Chiefs lost two props in the opening game of the season, their campaign looked doomed. But step forward young Tameifuna, who is hard to miss.
The big Hawkes Bay prop was expected to buckle against the All Black front row of the Crusaders but stood firm and appears to be able to hold up a scrum, although will be interesting to see if his body can last the season.
6. Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes)
Much was said about Barrett before he had even worn the Hurricanes first five-eighth jersey.
Looks to have plenty of time and skills. Has the ability to read the game and throw a good pass, which is always a handy asset to possess.
7. Phil Burleigh (Highlanders)
One minute, Burleigh was on the outside looking in. Now he is ensconced at the top of the table with the Highlanders and this Super 15 lark looks second nature to the former Canterbury man. Has always been a good player but never really found favour with many coaches, who look at muscle and age group resumes rather than actual ability on the field.
8. Willie le Roux (Cheetahs)
If you play in the backs the one ingredient you need is pace. Le Roux has plenty of it, and despite having the credentials to play in the inside backs has looked a talented winger in dotting down for the enterprising Cheetahs.
9. Gareth Anscombe (Blues)
Anscombe could hardly have done more when he played his first Super 15 game, scoring all the Blues' 29 points in their win over the Bulls. Has plenty of pace for a five-eighth and knows when to shift the ball. Only problem is, with the Blues injury woes he may struggle to find anyone to pass to.
10. Chris Noakes (Highlanders)
At 26, he is old for a rookie, but has taken his time to get to this level. Played a fine game in the first match of the season as the Highlanders upset the Chiefs. Got injured but came back to kick the winning goal against the Hurricanes last Saturday night.
