They are the Brat Pack of Super Rugby 2012, but the new breed of Super Rugby goalkicking pivots has been one of the best features of the opening round of Super Rugby matches.  For any fantasy rugby managers out there you can amazing value for money from these players who all kick goals and some even score tries too.  The true test will be if these young players can perform consistently throughout the season and maintain their starting spots.

The new breed have been given the opportunity to start the Super Rugby season thanks to injuries, resting or simply because some more established first fives have gone overseas or to other teams.  Players like Daniel Carter, Stephen Donald, Piri Weepu, Meyer Bosman and Quade Cooper have left gaps in their Super Rugby sides, but the way this next group of Super Rugby players filled the void last weekend was encouraging.

Elton Jantjies (Lions) kicked a record 27 points last weekend for the Lions against the Cheetahs.  The 21-year-old kicked nine penalties and seems to have the amazing ability to kick goals.

Johan Goosen (Cheetahs) scored 20 points for the Cheetahs against the Lions and is still only 19 years old.  He kicked a brilliant dropped goal against the Lions.

Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes) produced a man of the match performance in a losing team against the Stormers.  The Taranaki 20 year old scored a try, had a hand in two more and kicked six goals for a haul of 21 points.

Aaron Cruden (Chiefs) was excellent in the Rugby World Cup 2011 for the All Blacks, but he is finding his feet at the Chiefs, taking the place of Stephen Donald.  He is only 23 and is the future of New Zealand rugby.  He grabbed four penalties and a conversion against the Highlanders.

Mike Harris (Reds) is filling the huge boots of Quade Cooper at the Reds.  He first made his mark for North Harbour in New Zealand's domestic competition, but wasn't picked up for Super Rugby duties there and so jumped at the offer to play for the Reds where he fits in well so far, grabbing six penalties and a conversion for 20 points.

Tyler Bleyendaal (Crusaders) finally got his first start for the Crusaders against the Blues and was a worthy replacement for Dan Carter at first five.  He directed play well for a 21-year-old and scored 14 points.  It will be interesting to see how many games he starts this season, but depends on when Dan Carter returns.

Chris Noakes and Michael Hobbs also had decent starts for the Highlanders and Blues respectively.  Watch for Noakes to lose his spot once Colin Slade recovers from injury.  Michael Hobbs is probably more of an inside centre and will probably lose his Number 10 jersey soon to either Piri Weepu or exciting talent Gareth Anscombe.

It was an excellent weekend of goalkicking in general for these players which isn't always the case!

What do you think of the new breed of pivots?

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