**Tries, hard hits, one-way traffic and bruising battles - Guinness PRO14 fans have been treated to it all so far throughout a thrilling, ultra-competitive Conference B season.** Just two points separate front-runners Edinburgh and Munster at the top of the standings after 13 rounds of exhilarating action, while only eight points spilt the next four sides, all in the hunt for a highly-coveted Final Series spot. While the eventual fortunes of each of the teams remains uncertain, their charge towards the top four has seen a number of individuals rise to the occasion amidst their team’s battle up the table. Here we take a look at four of the top solo performers who - based on their PRO14 performances so far in 2019/20 - are in the running to be crowned Conference B's Player of the Season. # **Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh Rugby)** Gunning for their first-ever Guinness PRO14 title under Richard Cockerill, Edinburgh have emerged as the pace-setters in Conference B and have more wins and a better points difference than anyone but Leinster across the entire Championship. The Scotsmen have been prominent in both attack and defence, with the second-highest points scored (358), second-highest defenders beaten (359), the highest tackle success rate (90%) and second-highest number of turnovers won (71). Results such as the historic 18-16 victory at Munster, and the 41-14 thrashing of Connacht have proved they can win in any manner required, and a number of individuals have been central to their success.
