Super Rugby: Damian McKenzie triumphs again as Richie Mo'unga, Crusaders snubbed in team of the year

Damian McKenzie as named Super Rugby player of the year for the third time in a row. Photo / Getty Images

Damian McKenzie might have a claim of his own to the All Blacks No.10 jersey.

The Super Rugby team of the year was revealed on the official Super Rugby Twitter account today with the Chiefs playmaker named player of the year.

Richie Mo'unga or Beauden Barrett has been the big talking point ahead of the All Blacks' opening clash of the Rugby Championship but according to Sanzaar McKenzie is the form first five-eighth.

McKenzie was one of four Chiefs to make the squad, with Brodie Retallick, Anton Lienert-Brown and Solomon Alaimalo also named in the 15-man team.

The list of players is decided during the regular season "is based on comprehensive statistics that monitor in detail every action of every match" according to the tweet.

George Bridge celebrates scoring a try for the Crusaders. Photosport

Winger George Bridge is the only Crusaders player to feature in the team, despite the side defending the title by beating the Lions on Saturday.

The Lions also only have one player featuring - Springboks hooker Malcolm Marx.

McKenzie was picked as player of the year after beating the most defenders and ranking in the top 10 in carries, metres, clean breaks, offloads and try involvements.

Team of the Year #SuperRugby
Has players from 12 of the teams and like the regular season is based on comprehensive statistics that monitor in detail every action of every match. Player of the year is @ChiefsRugby play-maker Damian McKenzie
Full details: https://t.co/9Y26bZcQvc pic.twitter.com/ZYuvKM0Rhf

— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) August 7, 2018

According to NZME sports reporters, Mo'unga was worthy of being named MVP for the 2018 season.