All Black of 2013?

The end of year has come.

After a long and drawn out year, the rugby season is finally over and with the climate warming up, it's time to look forward to the off season and summer time - make sure you like the Facebook pages of Kane Williamson, Trent Boult and Hamish Rutherford in the bar on the right to continue to get your sports fix from this blog.

It's time to pick the All Black of 2013 - it's more likely he'd be the New Zealand rugby player of the year too if Super Rugby form is considered.

Here are my 2 contenders for the overall title and 2 for rookie of the season.

1. Kieran Read 

Is Kieran Read the greatest number 8 the All Blacks have ever had? Whatever you might think, he's up there alongside Graham Mourie, Brian Lochore, Murray Mexted, Zinzan Brooke, etc. as one of the best we've ever had in a position that requires one to be a tremendous all rounder. Richie McCaw's absence early on was definitely negated by Kieran Read's form and leadership and when McCaw eventually hangs up his boots, expect Read to step up - it's a bit like Lochore and Meads really. Definitely a shoe-in for IRB World Player of the Year.

2. Ben Smith

If Kieran Read was the All Blacks' best forward this year, Ben Smith has definitely been by far our best back. Early in the season out on the wing he was devastating having his most productive season on the try scoring charts with 8 tries in the Rugby Championship - top try scorer in that competition. He was moved to centre to cover for Conrad Smith who went on sabbatical and while he hasn't quite made an impact on the tries as a playmaker at centre, he has still been pretty effective there. A solid runner-up in my book.

Rookie of the season -

1. Steven Luatua

A definite show-in for the title of New Zealand's rookie of the year. Steven Luatua carried over his incredible form for the Blues into the All Blacks and easily covered for Liam Messam early in the season while the Chiefs blindside was injured. His ability to cover lock and the back row with ease means he definitely has value on the bench. Indeed his form was so good that one wonders if Jerome Kaino might struggle to get back into the ABs given his Blues' teammate's form. Luatua had a quiet end to the season with Liam Messam getting an extended run-in in the side but there's plenty of time for the rising star of New Zealand rugby.

2. Charles Piutau

A great year for Auckland rugby with another rookie emerging from their ranks. Piutau bided his time, taking advantage of Ben Smith's move to centre to really impose himself as a real threat on the wing. He had a fine game against Japan and continued that run against France and England even with the lack of space. Piutau's ability to cover the whole backline means he has a big future ahead although wing is probably the position he should focus on - bad news for Cory Jane and Ben Smith when Conrad Smith returns from his sabbatical.