Australian back Matt Giteau is one of seven nominations for world rugby’s player of the year. Giteau, who plays both five eighth and inside centre, would be considered something of an outsider to take out the award given he wasn’t at his best during the 2009 Tri Nations where Australia only won one game.
New Zealand flanker Richie McCaw could become the first man to twice win the award after being shortlisted.
South Africa’s dominance of the Tri-Nations and their series victory over the British and Irish Lions is recognised by the inclusion of versatile back Francois Steyn and scrum Fourie du Preez, who picked up his national player of the year award earlier this month.
Ireland are represented by captain Brian O’Driscoll who scored the converted try that levelled the Test against the Wallabies on Sunday, and back row forward Jamie Heaslip.
England flanker Tom Croft is also in the running for the individual award, which, along with the IRB coach and team of the year awards, will be announced at the end of this month.
The nominees were selected by a panel comprised of former internationals Will Greenwood, Gavin Hastings, Raphael Ibanez, Francois Pienaar, Agustin Pichot, Scott Quinnell, Tana Umaga and Paul Wallace, which was chaired by Australian legend John Eales.
Previous winners include former Ireland captain Keith Wood, who won the inaugural award in 2001, Jonny Wilkinson (2003) and Dan Carter (2005). Wales wing Shane Williams is the current holder.
Rin
Guest
I guess i may be wrong, Im still not convinced i think Lapasset spoke from the hip and just threw in all the tournaments. It doesnt make sense that they make the selection now when pretty much only half of the Spring tour games have been played, i mean what if say BOD or duPreez gets a red card in the next match would they still be considered.
Sylvester
Guest
I stand corrected: "The IRB Player of the Year Award is the ultimate accolade for a player and takes into account performances in all internationals played during the year, including the RBS Six Nations, British & Irish Lions Test Series, Tri Nations and the June and November Tests," said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset.
Jerry
Guest
Actually, I had a look on the IRB website, and it does look like the award covers the calendar year. It looks like it's been changed to cover that period this year, whereas previously it did cover the NH season.
Rin
Guest
oh yeah the one where you guys lost .... sorry i totally forgot.... i thought you were talking about the one in 1997 when i was 14 years old, you know the one it was the last time the lions won a series.
Rin
Guest
yes it does - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IRB_International_Player_of_the_Year
Rin
Guest
Sorry Jerry is correct on that one. Its the internationals that fall within the NH international season that gets counted.
Derm
Roar Guru
Clearly you don't watch a lot of rugby then.
Rin
Guest
Ordinary like the 6 nations where the best team cant even beat the Wobblies (at home!!). It must be hard playing the scots, italians and a crap english side.
Derm
Roar Guru
Rin - you were watching a different Lions series. KO was talking about this year's one. :) Phillips was pretty handy in those tests - a fact acknowledged by more than just NH commentators.
Rin
Guest
Was that also the Shaw who got totally outplayed in the lineout and also yellow carded for a legitimate foul play that is not for having a weak shoulder while getting cleaned out of the ruck.
Rin
Guest
mmm we must of been watching different Lions series cause the only thing Phillips was doing better than Du Preez during the series was his usual 'niggle' tactic, i recall the commentators even saying they had been disaapointed with his approach to the game. See you in 12 years.
Ziontrain
Guest
The noble piece prize for Rugby is spot on....Giteau please...Matfield not even nominated?
Derm
Roar Guru
Except if it's given to Foureye du Preer, of course.
Jerry
Guest
Yeah, the Super 14, GP etc aren't considered.
Colin N
Guest
What's the award based on? Just international form?
Jerry
Guest
I don't think he should have been nominated, but he didn't miss that much of the international season. He missed the tests against France and the first half of the TN. More like 6 weeks.
Ziggy
Guest
This award is becoming a joke - like the Nobel peace prize or 'employee of the month'
Derm
Roar Guru
The judging period does not include last years end of season tour, and does include this years. That's why they have nominations, but won't announce until AIs are over.
Derm
Roar Guru
He did? Ordinary like Fourie de Preez and Victor Matfield you mean? Must have been that 6 Nations Grand Slam in which he scored 3 critical game tries then. Imagine an Irish bookmaker having a favouritism towards an Irish player - what is the world coming to?
Derm
Roar Guru
The voting period starts from Jan 2009 - including 6 Nations, Lions tour, 3 Nations, June tests and November tests.