Sam Whitelock of the Crusaders talks to his team mates during the Super Rugby match between the Highlanders and the Crusaders. Photo / Photosport.co.nz
He didn't lead a statistical category and copped a two week ban for striking but Sam Whitelock is the MVP of the Super Rugby regular season.
What the 28-year-old All Blacks veteran did do though was lift his exceptional game to an even higher standard while leading the Crusaders to a 14-1 season and second seed in the Super Rugby quarter-finals.
Whitelock finished as the top votes leader as selected by NZME sports reporters following the conclusion of the regular season last weekend.
Whitelock (20 points) edged out Hurricanes centre Ngani Laumape (15 points) with the All Blacks lock receiving five first place votes from the 11 voters. Laumape and fellow All Blacks rookie Jordie Barrett (8 points) have both impressed for a Hurricanes side who handed the Crusaders their first defeat of the season in Wellington last week.
The NZME reporters were asked to pick their top three players of the regular season, with three points given to their first choice, two to the second and one point to their third selection.
Aaron Smith (2015) and Damian McKenzie (2016) are previous winners of the award.
Voting results
Sam Whitelock (Crusaders) - 20 points (five 1st place votes)
Ngani Laumape (Hurricanes) - 15 points (Three 1st place votes)
Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes) - 8 points (One 1st place vote)
Damian McKenzie (Chiefs) - 4 points
David Havili (Crusaders) - 3 points (One 1st place vote)
Matt Todd (Crusaders) - 3 (One 1st place vote)
Brodie Retallick (Chiefs - 3 points
Rieko Ioane (Blues) - 2 points
Andries Coetzee (Lions) - 2 points
Courtnall Skosan (Lions) - 2 points
Marty Banks (Highlanders) - 1 point
Warren Whiteley (Lions) - 1 point
Vince Aso(Hurricanes) - 1 point
The All Blacks star made a brief appearance at his new club.