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Argentines Juan Martin Hernandez and Felipe Contepomi are on the five-man shortlist announced on Monday for the IRB World Player of the Year award.
If either were successful it would be the first time a player from Argentina, who have reached their first-ever World Cup semi-final, won the coveted title.
France centre Yannick Jauzion, South Africa wing Bryan Habana and New Zealand captain Richie McCaw, who won the award last year, have also been shortlisted.
It is particularly significant that two Pumas should be shortlisted as Argentina do not take part in an annual international competition.
Flyhalf Hernandez, who also helped Stade Francais win the French club championship this year, has been at the helm of Argentina’s impressive run to the last four of the World Cup.
Contepomi, a flyhalf for Leinster who has played a key midfield role alongside Hernandez, is the tournament’s second highest scorer with 64 points in the Pumas’ five victories.
“The IRB Player of the Year Award is the ultimate accolade for a player to receive in his career. It takes on added significance in a Rugby World Cup,” said International Rugby Board chairman Syd Millar.
“The list of past winners of this prestigious award is very impressive and comprises players of the calibre of Schalk Burger, Dan Carter, Jonny Wilkinson, Richie McCaw, Fabien Galthie and Keith Wood.”
The inclusion of Argentina in a major annual international competition such as the Six Nations or the Tri-Nations is an issue the IRB has said it is looking into.
The Argentines face South Africa in Sunday’s semi-final at the Stade de France.
“(Argentina) have given southern hemisphere teams very hard games, it’s been the same in Europe, so there’s nothing surprising about it,” Millar said of the Pumas’ success at the World Cup.
“They’ve got players in Europe playing at a very high level. They’re in the right position that they deserve,” he added of Argentina’s ranking at number four.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
