The RugbyPass Super Rugby Mid-Season Awards

A panel of RugbyPass writers have come together to celebrate the best (and worst) of Super Rugby so far this season with our annual Super Rugby Mid-Season Awards.

Our writers – Hamish Bidwell, Alex McLeod and Nick Turnbull – give their verdicts on who shone and who didn't quite hit the mark in the first seven rounds of the competition before its suspension three weeks ago.

MVP

Hamish Bidwell: Otere Black (Blues)

Look, there’s any number of blokes you could go for here. David Havili, Lachlan Boshier, Jordie Barrett and half the Sharks squad immediately spring to mind.

But no player took a team from nowhere and got them somewhere, better than Blues first five-eighth Otere Black.

The Blues have had the makings of a formidable team for a while now, but were continually let down by a lack of accuracy and composure from 10. Stephen Perofeta and Harry Plummer both looked out of their depth again this year and then Black suddenly appeared and the Blues were a different side.

NT: Mark Telea (Blues)

I understand Telea was with the Hurricanes squad in 2019 but made his Super Rugby debut for his native Blues in 2020.

Thus far he has brought carries, meters, offloads and points, but his defence is not as potent as his attack and is prone to conceding a turnover.

That aside, I think Telea is proving to be the rookie of the year with respect to Noah Lolesio of the Brumbies and Will Harrison of the Waratahs, both of whom have shown glimpses of class that bodes well for the future.

Most Improved Player

HB: Curwin Bosch (Sharks)

We all appreciate that playmakers are at the mercy of their pack, so hats off to the Sharks’ forwards for starters. Their mixture of dynamism and strength has been more than most opponents could handle this season, allowing Bosch the luxury of time.

He’s used that exceedingly well and looked a very classy footballer.

NT: Sean Everitt (Sharks)

I think the Sharks have been exceptional thus far in 2020. Their only slip up was against the Hurricanes in Wellington. Their road trip to New Zealand and Australia was fruitful which has set them up for success later in the tournament.

Winning on the road is tough. Winning consistently on the road like the Sharks have is even tougher and it is a credit to their culture.

They are a tough side at set piece and the recycle and are a side that will go through another as opposed to around. Credit to coach Everitt for that and I think they will be there at the season's end.

Best Signing

HB: Sikhumbuzo Notshe (Sharks)

I assume Aaron Cruden will be a popular (and sentimental) choice for this award, but the Chiefs’ home losses to the Brumbies and Hurricanes rather weaken his case.

Notshe, meanwhile, has been nothing short of outstanding at No.8 for the Sharks, following his offseason shift from the Stormers. In a good pack, Notshe’s athleticism and workrate have been phenomenal and his rugby has simply been a pleasure to watch.

AM: James O'Connor (Reds)

Upon the announcement of his signing with the Reds to confirm his eligibility for the Wallabies at the World Cup last year, it was apparent James O'Connor would prove to be a vital addition to the Queensland roster.

In a squad filled with youngsters across the board, the experience, versatility, physicality and playmaking nous that O'Connor has brought with him from the Sale Sharks has been second to none.

Whether it be from the No. 10 or No. 12 jerseys, the 52-test Wallaby has been a leading light in a side that has proven it has the potential to reach the giddying heights of the 2011 championship-winning side.