Here we have a look at the years top performers and see who sneaks into my team of the year.
15. Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues & Wales)
Without doubt Wales' first name on the team sheet. The Welsh talisman has had a fine year with the highlight lifting the Grand Slam title after being one of the 6 Nations top players. Scored 2 tries during the 6N and was one of a few Welsh players to leave the Autumn internationals with their reputations intact. Mentions go to Israel Dagg and Rob Kearney.
14. Bryan Habana (Stormers & S.A)
Many had thought the 29 year old speedster was past his best but a fine season in the Super 15 as well as 7 tries for South Africa means that this player is firmly on my list. Won IRB try of the year and South African player of the year.
13. Jonathan Davies (Scarlets & Wales)
Another player that helped Wales to win their Grand Slam. Scored 2 tries against Ireland and was part of a formidable centre partnership with Jamie Roberts in a season that has seen his form and reputation flourish. Tipped to be a 2013 Lion.
12. Sonny Bill Williams (Wild Knights & N.Z)
A toss up between newcomer Wesley Fofana and crowd favourite SBW but the Kiwi's season for the Chiefs in the Super 15 means that the big guy is on my list. His outrageous offloads and big hits put the Chiefs into the Super 15 final and during that game, he crossed the line to make sure they lifted it too. Robbie Fruean deserves a mention.
11. Julian Savea (Hurricanes & N.Z)
My favourite player in the World at the moment and the future of New Zealand rugby. 9 tries in his debut season in the Super 15 as well as 12 tries in his first 9 international matches. I don't need to say anything else.
10. Dan Carter (Crusaders & N.Z)
Not a big surprise here as IRB player of the year, Dan Carter makes it onto the list. In a year where fly-halfs have not stood out as much as they should, Carter was his usual cool, calm and clinical self.
9. Will Genia (Reds & Australia)
Again, a year where scrum-halfs have not played to their full potential. Aaron Smith, Ruan Pienaar both out their hands up for this but I've decided to pick Genia, on his Super 15 form rather than anything else. Australia's Super 15 player of the year, Genia showed all the natural ability of a scrum-half with clever sniping and zippy passing.
8. Kieran Read (Crusaders & N.Z)
One of the best forwards of the modern game, Read destroyed the competition for 8 this year. Everywhere in defence and a big ball carrier, Read has put his hand up to be N.Z captain and 8 for years to come.
7. Richie McCaw (Crusaders & N.Z)
Another Kiwi makes it onto the list but their can be doubts about this guy. Considered the best openside their has ever been, McCaw won his 100th test victory with the All Blacks and during every game he played in, whether it was domestic or international, was one of the best players on the pitch.
Top14 player of the year, Steffon Armitage is someone who was close to sneaking on if McCaw hadn't been so dominant. Maybe next year during his sabbatical.
6. Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe (Toulon & Argentina)
Dan Lydiate was close to stealing this, but it's Lobbe who does it for me. An exceptional forager, Lobbe led Argentina from the front in their Rugby Championship debut and became a pain in the backside of every half-back he played against. Surprised a few when he wasn't nominated for IRB player of the year.
5. Geoff Parling (Leicester & England)
Made his England debut this year at the age of 28 and since then has drawn praise from anyone who saw him play. His name might suggest a posh gentleman, but on the pitch he was an animal, getting stuck into nearly every ruck and dominating the physical areas.
4. Eben Etzebeth (Stormers & S.A)
Along with Savea, the 21 year old had a fine debut season. Showed physicality and maturity beyond his tender years along with a tenacious streak we are used to seeing from South African locks. Going to be a true great in years to come.
3. Dan Cole (Leicester & England)
Quietly becoming one of the best props of the modern era, Cole had a strong 2012 with his dominant scrummaging, really coming to the fore. Capable in the loose as well, England really missed the tighthead during their Autumn internationals.
2. Adriaan Strauss (Cheetahs & S.A)
Tough call between this guy and Rory Best but it was the fact that Strauss filled the massive hole left by the injured Bismarck Du Plessis that made me pick him. A fine showing in the Autumn backed up the year he had in the Super 15 season.
1. Sona Taumalolo (Chiefs & Tonga)
Made a big impact in the Southern hemisphere this year as he led the try scoring charts for the first few rounds in the Super 15. Unstoppable from 5 yards out, the Tongan was also unstoppable in the scrum and woe betide anyone who tried to take contact into him.
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