Top new Cap of 2011

Here is a link to the PR poll.

http://www.planetrugby.com/poll/results/0,26151,308728,00.html

15 Jaco Taute (Lions) - This 20-year-old full-back has been forced to bide his time in Johannesburg but finally seems to have pinned the number 15 jersey to his back after impressive Super Rugby and Currie Cup seasons. His try in the final of the latter competition was a fitting end to his year.

14 Christan Wade (Wasps) - Any young player looking for a platform to launch oneself need look no further than the Junior World Championship. Wade was one of a host of players to do just that as his pace earned him a long-term Wasps shirt. He'll continue to grow in 2012.

13 Jonny May (Gloucester) - This youngster is firing on all cylinders - his versatility is a plus for Gloucester.

12 Wesley Fofana (Clermont) - Like Tuilagi, Owen Farrell finds himself ineligible for our young pretenders line-up, but we could well expect him to feature in next year's grown-up selection if he carries on the way he is. We go for Fofana, whose calmness in possession should see him make his France debut in the upcoming Six Nations Championship.

11 Timoci Matanavou (Toulouse) - Staying in France and we head to Toulouse for our next choice where former Stade Montois finisher Matanavou has been taking the Top 14 by storm. Guy Noves has found himself an impressive back who definitely has the x-factor.

10 Rhys Priestland (Scarlets) - Warren Gatland admirably backed this youngster following his pre-tournament performance against England and his faith in the Scarlet was rewarded during the World Cup. Priestland is an ideal replacement for Stephen Jones at Test level.

9 Conor Murray (Munster) - He came from nowhere didn't he? Behind Tomas O'Leary and Peter Stringer in 2010/11, this 22-year-old rocketed into first choice at province and country, showing power and coolness in possession in a fine year-ending spell for him personally.

8 Toby Faletau (Dragons) - It is hard to believe that this number eight is only 21 years of age after those stellar performances in New Zealand. Faletau - should he remain injury free - is set for a long and fruitful career in the Welsh jersey as he clearly knows his way to the line.

7 Matt Todd (Crusaders) - Liam Gill of the Reds and Chiefs youngster Sam Cane until we recalled just how impressive Todd was.

6 Jack Lam (Hurricanes) - Lam gets the nod for good efforts in a struggling Hurricanes line-up.

5 Hugh Pyle (Melbourne Rebels) - The statistics do not lie about this young Rebel. Pyle was consistently brilliant for the new Super Rugby franchise and another strong campaign in 2012 could well see him fill the Wallaby squad void left by Nathan Sharpe when he retires.

4 Rynhardt Elstadt (Stormers) - Much like Pyle for Australia, South Africa surely have their replacement for as yet unretired Bakkies Botha lined up in this young lock. Elstadt carried superbly for the Stormers and with Andries Bekker alongside, Western Province are solid.

3 Rupert Harden (Gloucester) - Australian-born Harden has had a relatively late surge up the ranks since moving from Newcastle to Kingsholm.

2 Lloyd Burns (Dragons) - Another who has grabbed his chances when they came for region and country, Burns enjoyed a fine RWC and has handed Gatland something of a hooking headache alongside Huw Bennett, Matthew Rees and Richard Hibbard.

1 Marcel van der Merwe (Cheetahs) - This 20-year-old prop has been hugely impressive in the Free State. Van der Merwe is in.