Reader's No.5 Lock of the Year
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As the year draws to a close we take a look back at the year that was and have nominated four players from each position for your team of the year.
We have included players based on their club and test form, particularly their form at the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
In case you missed them, we selected the four nominees for Loosehead prop, Hooker, tighthead prop and the no.4 lock
We move onto the second spot in the engine room:
Lood de Jager - South Africa
- Had an excellent season with the Bulls before he suffered an injury that ended his Super Rugby season.
- Returned to feature for the Springboks in the Rugby Championship.
- His form saw him claim a starting jersey during the World Cup.
- Started and helped the Springboks win the Rugby World Cup Final.
- Played a pivotal in the success of the Springbok lineout that lost just one throw throughout the competition.
Alun Wyn Jones - Wales
- Lead Wales to a Six Nations Grand Slam
- Named player of the Six Nations
- Lead Wales to fourth place at the World Cup.
- Made more tackles than any other player at the World Cup.
Sam Whitelock - New Zealand
- Captained and starred for the Crusaders to their third consecutive Super Rugby title.
- Put in strong performances during the Rugby Championship.
- Was solid during the World Cup.
- One of the All Blacks' top performers for 2019
Maro Itoje - England
- Won the Champions Cup and Premiership double with Saracens.
- Standout for England during the Six Nations
- Only Alun Wyn Jones made more tackles than him at the World Cup.
- Starred for England at the World Cup, particularly in the semi-final and final.