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Kiwi Media Go Northern Hemisphere Heavy In Their Top 10 Players Of 2016

by The PA Team
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 20: Beauden Barrett of the All Blacks runs the ball during the Bledisloe Cup Rugby Championship match between the Australian Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks at ANZ Stadium on August 20, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

As 2016 is coming to a close, various media outlets will no doubt be publishing lists of the year’s best moments, tries, players etc. The kiwi news site Stuff is no different in this regard, and have published a list of the top 10 performers of 2016.

However, although many would expect to see the list dominated by All Blacks, Stuff’s Marc Hinton appears to have parked any kiwi bias he may have held, and selected an inclusive top 10.

While such short lists are of course subjective, few could argue with the players Hinton has included. Indeed his top 10 is dominated by northern hemisphere players, and the lack of any Springboks is both noteworthy and fair.

South Africa have suffered a torrid year, and appear to be regressing at breakneck speed. Although their season began with a tough fought series win over Ireland, Allister Coetzee’s side concluded their campaign with a dismal European tour that included a defeat at the hands of Italy.

Ireland’s resurgence has been rewarded with two inclusions, while England’s undefeated year sees three of Eddie Jones’ players listed among the top 10.

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[tie_slide]10. Billy Vunipola

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 27: Billy Vunipola of England is tackled by Jamie Heaslip of Ireland during the RBS Six Nations match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium on February 27, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)

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[tie_slide]9. Brodie Retallick

Ireland v New Zealand - International Match

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[tie_slide]8. Conor Murray

conor-murray

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[tie_slide]7. Owen Farrell

England v France - International Match

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[tie_slide]6. Ben Smith

during the Rugby Championship match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the South Africa Springboks at AMI Stadium on September 17, 2016 in Christchurch, New Zealand.

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[tie_slide]5. Israel Folau

England v Australia - Old Mutual Wealth Series

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[tie_slide]4. Jamie Heaslip

Ireland v New Zealand - International Match

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[tie_slide]3. Dane Coles

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - OCTOBER 08: Dane Coles of New Zealand during the The Rugby Championship match between South Africa and New Zealand at Growthpoint Kings Park on October 08, 2016 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Steve Haag/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

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[tie_slide]2. Maro Itoje

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 25: Maro Itoje of England runs with the ball during the International Test match between the Australian Wallabies and England at Allianz Stadium on June 25, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

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[tie_slide]1. Beauden Barrett

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 20: Beauden Barrett of the All Blacks makes a line break during the Bledisloe Cup Rugby Championship match between the Australian Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks at ANZ Stadium on August 20, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

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Author: The PA Team

This article was written by a member of The PA Team. If you would like to join the team, drop us an email at write@punditarena.com.

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