It's a tough call to make, with several sides having put together outstanding seasons in the 19-year history of the competition. It was such a tough call, in fact, that instead of forming a bold take and getting shouted down from all corners, I thought it'd be prudent to turn the voting process over to you - the exceptionally intelligent, remarkably sharp and immaculately thoughtful Herald reader.
The liberty of making a shortlist has been taken, with 10 teams catching the eye enough to make the voting shortlist. Check out who made the cut and their accomplishments, and then have your say in our poll.
1997 Blues
Record: 10 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses
Point differential: +13.81 per game
Biggest win: 63-22 over the Lions
Biggest loss: N/A
Finals results: A 55-36 semifinal trouncing of the Sharks before conquering the Brumbies 23-7.
First choice XV: Olo Brown, Sean Fitzpatrick, Craig Dowd, Leo Lafailai'I, Robin Brooke, Mark Carter, Michael Jones, Zinzan Brooke, Ofisa Tonu'u, Carlos Spencer, Joel Vidiri, Lee Stensness, Eroni Clarke, Brian Lima, Adrian Cashmore.
Their case: The first team in Super Rugby to go unbeaten, the 1997 Blues were one of the best attacking sides in Super Rugby history, scoring a ridiculous 39.5 points per encounter. They displayed that attacking force in their 55 point semifinal showing before locking down on defence in a comfortable final triumph over the Brumbies.
2001 Brumbies
Record: 8 wins, 3 losses
Point differential: +13.09 per game
Biggest win: 49-6 over the Chiefs
Biggest loss: 34-19 to the Hurricanes
Finals results: A 30-6 semifinal win over the Reds, and a 36-6 victory over the Sharks in what was the best defensive display in a Super Rugby final.
First choice XV: Bill Young, Jeremy Paul, Ben Darwin, Justin Harrison, David Giffin, Peter Ryan, George Smith, Jim Williams, George Gregan, Stephen Larkham, Joe Roff, Rod Kafer, James Holbeck, Graeme Bond, Andrew Walker.
Their case: Unpopular opinion alert: The champion 2001 Brumbies side were actually worse than the 2000 Brumbies side that had the third best point regular season differential in competition history, but lost by a single point to the Crusaders in the final. As tempting as it was to go contrarian and include a team who finished second, we shall instead remember them as one of the best regular season teams ever, and plump for the 01 Brumbies who were never troubled during their finals run.
2002 Crusaders
Record: 11 wins, 0 losses
Point differential: +18.64 per game
Biggest win: 96-19 over Waratahs
Biggest loss: N/A
Finals results: A 34-23 semifinal victory against the Highlanders, before taking out a strong Brumbies team 31-13 in the final.
First choice XV: Greg Somerville, Mark Hammett, Greg Feek, Chris Jack, Norm Maxwell, Reuben Thorne, Richie McCaw, Scott Robertson, Justin Marshall, Andrew Mehrtens, Caleb Ralph, Aaron Mauger, Mark Robinson, Marika Vunibaka, Leon MacDonald.
Their case: The only team to ever go through a Super Rugby campaign with a perfect record, the unblemished Crusaders set a record for the most points scored in a game with their famous 96-19 trouncing of the Waratahs. Holders of the second best point differential in Super Rugby history, the Crusaders didn't quite reach record-breaking heights in the playoffs but did enough to take out two comfortable wins to cap off an unblemished season.
2003 Blues
Record: 10 wins, 1 loss
Point differential: +18.90 per game
Biggest win: 62-20 over the Reds
Biggest loss: 22-11 to the Highlanders
Finals results: A rollicking 42-21 win over the Brumbies was followed by a tense 21-17 final triumph over the Crusaders.
First choice XV: Deacon Manu, Keven Mealamu, Kees Meeuws, Angus MacDonald, Ali Williams, Justin Collins, Daniel Braid, Xavier Rush, Steve Devine, Carlos Spencer, Joe Rokocoko, Sam Tuitupou, Mils Muliaina, Rupeni Caucaunibuca, Doug Howlett.
Their case: Owners of the best point differential in Super XV history, the Blues averaged 35.7 points per game and only conceded 16.8 a game in what was truly a historic season. Although the solitary loss to the Highlanders hurts their historical standing, they made up for it by taking down the vaunted Crusaders outfit in the final.
The 2003 Blues hold the best point differential in Super Rugby history.
2004 Brumbies
Record: 8 wins, 3 losses
Point differential: +12.63 per game
Biggest win: 51-8 over the Reds
Biggest loss: 47-28 to the Crusaders
Finals results: A solid 32-17 win against the Chiefs set up an entertaining final, taking out 47-38 against the Crusaders in a try-fest.
First choice XV: Bill Young, Jeremy Paul, Nic Henderson, Mark Chisholm, Radike Samo, Owen Finegan, George Smith, Scott Fava, George Gregan, Stephen Larkham, Mark Gerrard, Matt Giteau, Joel Wilson, Clyde Rathbone, Joe Roff.
Their case: Although they suffered three losses in the regular season, including a hefty defeat at the hands of the Crusaders, the Brumbies' dominant display in the playoffs is noteworthy. They had the top try-scorers in the competition in Mark Gerrard and Stirling Mortlock (10 apiece), and averaged 37.1 points per game - showing off that attacking might with a 47 point onslaught in a high-scoring revenge victory over the Crusaders in the final.
2005 Crusaders
Record: 9 wins, 2 losses
Point differential: +16.18 per game
Biggest win: 77-34 over the Sharks
Biggest loss: 35-20 to the Bulls
Finals results: A 47-7 trouncing of the Hurricanes began their finals before they tacked on more points in a 35-25 victory over the Waratahs.
First choice XV: David Hewett, Corey Flynn, Greg Somerville, Chris Jack, Ross Filipo, Reuben Thorne, Richie McCaw, Mose Tuilali'i, Justin Marshall, Dan Carter, Scott Hamilton, Aaron Mauger, Caleb Ralph, Rico Gear, Leon MacDonald.
Their case: The 2005 Crusaders still hold the Super Rugby record for most points in a season, which is mightily impressive when considering they played just 13 games all up compared to the larger slates in today's era. They also hold the record for the most tries in a season with 71, averaging a ludicrous 41.7 points per game in the regular season. A monster win is on their resume - dropping 77 against Sharks - and they then demolished the Hurricanes in the semifinals and toppled the Waratahs in final.
2006 Crusaders
Record: 11 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss
Point differential: +15.54 per game
Biggest win: 53-17 over the Cheetahs
Biggest loss: 28-17 to the Stormers
Finals results: A comfortable 35-15 victory against the Bulls was followed by the (in?)famous 19-12 win over the Hurricanes in the decider.
First choice XV: Wyatt Crockett, Corey Flynn, Greg Somerville, Chris Jack, Ross Filipo, Reuben Thorne, Richie McCaw, Mose Tuilali'I, Kevin Senio, Dan Carter, Scott Hamilton, Aaron Mauger, Casey Laulala, Rico Gear, Leon MacDonald.
Their case: Putting together an excellent regular season, the 2006 Crusaders reeled off nine straight wins to start their season and only suffered the solitary loss, on the road against the Stormers. A comprehensive semifinal win over the Bulls was then followed by the final where they either battled out a deserving win in tough misty conditions (The views of Canterbury), or won the most farcical final possible in unplayable fog (The views of Wellington).
The 2009 Bulls put on a show in the final, setting records in a crushing win over the Chiefs.
2009 Bulls
Record: 12 wins, 3 losses
Point differential: +5.15 per game
Biggest win: 59-26 over the Blues
Biggest loss: 36-12 to the Highlanders
Finals results: A 36-23 conquering of the Crusaders seemed impressive enough, but the Bulls followed it up with a record-breaking 61-17 thrashing of the Chiefs.
First choice XV: Gurthro Steenkamp, Derick Kunn, Werner Kruger, Bakkies Botha, Victor Matfield, Deon Stegmann, Dewald Potgieter, Pierre Spies, Fourie du Preez, Morne Steyn, Bryan Habana, Wynyard Olivier, Jaco Pretorius, Akona Ndungane, Zane Kirchner.
Their case: The 2009 Bulls had a remarkable 17 internationals in their 22, making up the core of the South African side. 14 of their starting XV had or have represented South Africa, and it showed in the final, where the poor Chiefs (starting the likes of the immortal James McGougan and Toby Morland) got swept aside in the highest winning score and winning margin ever in a Super Rugby final. Combining the flair of Bryan Habana (8 tries in 11 games) with the ruthlessly dull efficiency of Morne Steyn (11 drop goals), the 09 Bulls make a strong case as the best side ever outside of New Zealand.
2012 Chiefs
Record: 12 wins, 4 losses
Point differential: +5.38 per game
Biggest win: 33-14 over the Hurricanes
Biggest loss: 42-27 to the Reds
Finals results: Held on to beat the Crusaders at home, 20-17, before saving their best until last with a 37-6 trouncing of the Sharks.
First choice XV: Sona Taumalolo, Mahonri Schwalger, Ben Tameifuna, Craig Clarke, Brodie Retallick, Liam Messam, Tanerau Latimer, Kane Thompson, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Aaron Cruden, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Sonny Bill Williams, Andrew Horrell, Tim Nanai-Williams, Robbie Robinson.
Their case: It was a tough choice to make between the 2012 and 2013 champion Chiefs sides, but 2012 get the nod for their slightly stronger squad and big-time showing in the final, as well as being the first Chiefs side to break through and claim the title.
2014 Waratahs
Record: 12 wins, 4 losses
Point differential: +13.06 per game
Biggest win: 39-8 over the Brumbies
Biggest loss: 32-10 to the Sharks
Finals results: Beat the Brumbies 26-8 in the semifinal before toppling the Crusaders in the final thanks to a last minute penalty, 33-32.
First choice XV: Benn Robinson, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Sekope Kepu, Kane Douglas, Jacques Potgieter, Stephen Hoiles, Michael Hooper, Wycliff Palu, Nick Phipps, Bernard Foley, Rob Horne, Kurtley Beale, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Alofa Alofa, Israel Folau.
Their case: One of the best Australian sides in the competition's history, the Waratahs' points differential of 13.06 per game is the best in the Super XV era, and they finished the season with seven straight wins.
