There is a lot to loath from the Australian Super Rugby conference in 2016, but there is also something to love. Depth.

It may not be immediately evident but once digging through all the hysteria of the post-Rugby World Cup exodus and the performance of the Aussie conference, there are some positive signs to draw hope.
In an attempt to spread my optimism, here is my ‘Most Improved Australian XV’ (To qualify, players can’t have played for the Wallabies prior to 2016):

1- Allan Alaalatoa (Brumbies)
2- Andrew Ready (Reds)
3- Tomas Robertson (Waratahs)
4- Rory Arnold (Brumbies)
5- Adam Coleman (Western Force)
6- Jack Dempsey (Waratahs)
7- Jordy Reid (Rebels)
8- Jed Holloway (Waratahs)
9- Nick Frisby (Reds)
10- Jono Lance (Western Force)
11- Dane Haylett-Petty (Western Force)
12- Reece Hodge (Rebels)
13- Samu Kerevi (Reds)
14- Eto Nabuli (Reds)
15- Andrew Kellaway (Waratahs)

Runners-up:
16- Hugh Roach (Waratahs)
17- Sef Faagase (Reds)
18- Taniela Tupou (Reds)
19- Lukhan Lealaiaulotu-Tui (Reds)
20- Curtis Browning (Reds)
21- Ben Meehan (Rebels)
22- David Horwitz (Waratahs)
23- Sefanaia Naivalu (Rebels)

I’m sure you may have other thoughts of who would qualify for this team. Comment below to let me know which changes you would make.

Written by Nelson Dale