We often hear of the superstars leading the way, but who is underrated at your Super Rugby club?
Angus Cottrell
Was on the Wallabies radar back in 2014 until a broken ankle ended his season. Cottrell has returned to the top of his game in 2016 and has been one of his side’s most consistent contributors. On a regular basis it’s the likes of Matt Hodgson and Ben McCalman being praised in the backrow, but Cottrell is one that Michael Foley can knows he can rely on each week, though he rarely receives the public plaudits.
Ben Alexander
It’s not very often that a 72-cap Test veteran can be classified as “underrated”. Alexander is the second-most capped Wallaby prop of all-time, behind only James Slipper, but hasn’t represented Australia since 2014. Having fallen off the international radar, Alexander has continued to impress for the Brumbies in 2016 starting in all matches this season at tighthead.
Lopeti Timani
Timani continues to give coach Tony McGahan options in a developing Rebels squad. Versatile in that he can play at lock or the backrow, the 25-year-old provides a lot of grunt to the forward pack. The lock department has been a strong one for the Rebels this season and Timani’s influence there can go unnoticed, but it’s certainly a valuable one.
Anthony Fainga’a
All the talk this season has been about the impact of Samu Kerevi and when he will make his Wallabies debut, but it’s his partner in the centres who continues to make solid contributions to the Reds. Playing at inside centre this season, Fainga’a has added an experienced head to support up and coming playmaker Jake McIntyre. The 29-year-old prides himself on his defence, having made 68 tackles this season. Puts his body on the line every week, regardless of the consequences and sets an example for the rest of his side.
Dave Dennis
In his final season with the Waratahs after 10 years at Moore Park, Dennis is one of, if not the, most well respected players on the list. While passing over the game-day captaincy duties over to Michael Hooper, Dennis still remains the club captain showing the influence he has on the inner sanctum. In a Waratahs lineup full of star-studded backs and a host of current Wallabies forwards, though, Dennis prefers to stay out of the spotlight and he plies his trade consistently each week.
