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'Feels really rough': The All Black 'robbed' of world's best nomination
World Rugby have announced the four nominees for Mens 15s Player of the Year, but the glaring omission of an All Blacks star has stumped fans on Twitter.
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French captain Antoine Dupont could potentially become just the third player to win the award in back-to-back years – and the first player to do so who isn’t an All Black.
The other three nominees are South Africa’s Lukhanyo Am, and Ireland duo Johnny Sexton and Josh van der Flier.
Sexton became the first Irishman to win the award since Keith Wood in 2001 when he was crowned the world’s best in 2018.
But rugby fans around the world have simply been left in shock after finding out All Blacks backrower Ardie Savea missed out on a nomination the award, with some calling him the world’s best forward.
While the All Blacks have had an up and down Test season, which has included historic losses at home to both Ireland and Argentina, Savea has consistently stood out for the men in black.
As reported last week, six-time Super Rugby champion Bryn Hall believed the All Black had to be “in the conversation” for the award – with former Blues captain James Parsons agreeing that it was “a no brainer.”
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Many rugby fans on social media have echoed those comments, as they shared their own thoughts about why Savea “should be Player of the Year.”
The fact Ardie Savea is not even nominated for @WorldRugby’s men’s 15s player of the year is a crime.
And that’s not even being biased fam.
— Anthony Momoemausu (@AnthonyUsu1) November 14, 2022
Sexton made it because he’s had a brilliant year.(full stop) Ardie Savea should be there 💯
— Stephen (@stephen85413217) November 14, 2022
Just my opinion, but I think the 4 nominees for World Rugby Player of the Year should have been – @EllisGenge @ardiesavea @joshvdf & Lukhanyo Am.
— Scott Gordon (@ScottyG0712) November 14, 2022
https://twitter.com/euandavies1995/status/1592280093539586049
Mental. Been the Best forward in world rugby by an absolute mile.
— Dean Watkins (@Buncey10) November 14, 2022
How on earth is @ardiesavea not on this list?
— Dr Faka’iloatonga Taumoefolau (@sakakimoana) November 14, 2022
But seriously, that Ardie Savea omission is very odd.
— Ben Coles (@bencoles_) November 14, 2022
Thoughts on no Ardie Savea? Feels really rough, espescially ahead of Am and Dupont (two players I love more than life itself but a nomination this year? Seriously?)
— Jakob (Mormegil) (@jakehage6) November 14, 2022
Don't think anyone would object if Tadhg Beirne or Ardie Savea were named POTY. Both unlucky to not make the shortlist.
— Niall (@NiallKenny13) November 14, 2022
The fact Ardie Savea isn't even nominated for mens World Player of the year, is an absolute joke! @WorldRugby
— kyle adams (@kyle_adams14) November 14, 2022
What about @ardiesavea ? 🤦
— Esera Tanoa'i (@morphiEz) November 14, 2022
https://twitter.com/RohdeMartin474/status/1592263258576424962
Category needs an *
* behind Ardie Savea— Bobby Keith B2B (@PartisanVan) November 14, 2022
No Ardie Savea is a joke
— Darth (@DarthEatDestiny) November 14, 2022
No ardie Savea is a huge miss, really disappointed. He’s been the only AB this year to consistently put his hand up every game
— JeeiJpn (@jeeijpn) November 14, 2022
As a Bok supporter, I concur. Ardie Savea should definitely be on the list.
— Unlabeled (@Dopam1ne) November 14, 2022
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https://twitter.com/bheringz18_b/status/1592255629141606401
@ardiesavea is getting robbed here.
— Wigs Kitchen (@Wigs91939539) November 14, 2022
Ardie Savea has been robbed from a chance of becoming player of the year
— Chip n Chase Podcast 🏉🎙️ (@ChipnChasePod) November 14, 2022
So apparently Ardie Savea doesn’t exist?? 🤦🏾♂️ https://t.co/NbDFhBETQB
— Isaiah Smiler (@isaiahsmiles) November 14, 2022
While the All Blacks began their international season with a historic series loss in New Zealand against Ireland, the men in black are now on a six-Test unbeaten streak.
After beating Wales by an emphatic score in Cardiff over a week ago, the All Blacks came from behind to earn a hard-fought 31-23 win over Scotland just over a day ago.
The All Blacks have one more Test match to play this year, and it’s a blockbuster against England at Twickenham.
https://twitter.com/AnandSReddy/status/1592080574734536704
The reason why the ABs have legendary rugby status is they work with what they have, and always deliver. Whilst I hope England can play to their ability, no one should bet against NZ in any game. Now prove me wrong…
— Mark Howard (@mk_howard) November 14, 2022
Eddie’s equlavent to a World Cup final playing the All Black. He lives to beat the All Blacks and is obsessed in doing so. Shame he’s not as obsessed with winning the Grand Slam and World Cup 🤷🏼♂️
— jack percy gibbons (@jollygibbo) November 14, 2022
The World Rugby Awards is set to return to a physical format for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, and will be held in Monaco this weekend.
Rugby fans are encouraged to cast their votes on social media and select who they believed scored the International Rugby Players Men’s and Women’s tries of the year until Thursday, 17 November at 23:59 GMT.
World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont has congratulated everyone who has been nominated for an award, as he looks ahead to hosting “the global rugby family.”
“The World Rugby Awards are the ultimate accolades for rugby, and we are delighted to honour the outstanding players and individuals who have made an impact on our game on and off the field in 2022,” Beaumont said.
“On behalf of World Rugby, I would like to congratulate all nominees of the 22nd edition for their incredible achievements over the past calendar year. Not only have they showcased tremendous rugby skills, but they have also inspired millions of fans around the world helping spread the values of our sport.
“I am looking forward to host the global rugby family next Sunday under the high patronage of HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco and the Principality for a night of celebration in Monte-Carlo.”
Comments on RugbyPass
I think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
11 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
11 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to comments