Expert
Champion fullback Israel Folau last night became the first Wallaby to win back-to-back John Eales Medals.
At a packed gala dinner in Sydney, Folau joined George Smith (2002 and 2008) and Nathan Sharpe (2007 and 2012) as the only two-time winners in the 14-year history of Australian rugby’s top award.
Folau won with 138 votes, ahead of David Pocock (second with 113), Michael Hooper (third, 108), Adam Ashley-Cooper (fourth, 98), and Ben McCalman (fifth, 95).
Folau, Hooper, and Ashley-Cooper played in all eight Tests the voting period covered, while Pocock played in only four. With votes coming from the Wallabies matchday squad, Pocock’s second place sends a resounding message to coach Michael Cheika: the Brumbies’ vice-captain must be in every starting line-up.
Selecting openside flanker Pocock at No.8 was the reason the Wallabies beat the All Blacks 27-19 for the first time in 10 meetings. That win saw the Wallabies capture the Rugby Championship undefeated over the Boks, Pumas, and All Blacks.
But demoting Pocock to the bench just one week later for the Bledisloe decider at Eden Park played no small part in the 41-13 hammering handed out by the All Blacks.
Barring injury, there’s now no argument the starting Wallaby backrow in Pool A against Fiji, England, and Wales at the Rugby World Cup must be Scott Fardy (6), Hooper (7), and Pocock (8).
Other awards won last night:
Wallaby rookie of the year – Sean McMahon
Wallaby try of the year – Nick Phipps versus Ireland at Dublin
Fans’ choice as Wallaby player of the year – Michael Hooper
Super Rugby player of the year – David Pocock
Super Rugby team of the year – Waratahs
Super Rugby coach of the year – Michael Cheika
Super Rugby rookie of the year – Rory Arnold
Super Rugby referee of the year – Angus Gardner
Australian Under-20 player of the year – Michael Gunn
Australian sevens player of the year – Ed Jenkins
Women’s player of the year – Adriana Kaiwai
Women’s sevens player of the year – Shami Williams
Hall of Fame inductees – Jock Blackwood (pre-War), Cyril Burke (post-War), and Tim Horan.
Nick Farr-Jones’ Spirit of Rugby Award – Jeffrey Leonard Sayle OAM – better known as ‘Mr Rugby’, and a thoroughly deserved recognition.