IRB Player of the year 2012

[Rhyer]

Maybe it's too early to be thinking about this but I'd like to get your opinion on who should be crowned so far.

In my mind there is only one winner and that is All Black's captain Richie McCaw, the first time I've felt he really deserves to win it.

 

[SelimNiai]

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[big ginger 8]

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

Brian Habana, Keiran Read, JMF Lobbe, Dan Lydiate (wow, I'm picking almost exclusively loosies now) and yes, Richie McCaw (though please not again!!! even if he is deserving)

Those would be my picks for 5 nominees. Thought these players were stand outs in a couple of matches so far.

Some others who have played well might miss out due to not enough game time.

 

[Draggs]

It is Dans. He might let somebody else borrow it, but we know who owns it.

 

[Thingimubob]

Dans gotta be a nominee, outstanding in the Grandslam and came back from the Oz tour with plenty of plaudits too, reckon he's got a good shot at winning it!

 

[Draggs]

Dans gotta be a nominee, outstanding in the Grandslam and came back from the Oz tour with plenty of plaudits too, reckon he's got a good shot at winning it!

I like you.
I think the ankle injury will be an issue. November performances are crucial for nomination.
Regardless, I honestly think he will win it sometime in his career.

 

[Feicarsinn]

Brian.

 

[SelimNiai]

Brian.

<img style="-webkit-user-select: none; cursor: -webkit-zoom-in; " src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/90/Chapman_as_Brian.jpg" width="521" height="282">

He's shocked as us all at that nomination

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

Looking at the achievements at club and international level, you have to consider Marcell Coetzee, Eben Etzebeth, Aaron Smith, Liam Messam and Sam Whitelock.

I don't think McCaw has done enough this year to earn it. He is good, but he has not been that important on both club and international level.

Not sure who would be a nominee from the NH

 

[Feicarsinn]

Looking at the achievements at club and international level, you have to consider Marcell Coetzee, Eben Etzebeth, Aaron Smith, Liam Messam and Sam Whitelock.

I don't think McCaw has done enough this year to earn it. He is good, but he has not been that important on both club and international level.

Not sure who would be a nominee from the NH

Brian.

 

[Peat]

Not sure who would be a nominee from the NH

Robshaw's had a hell of a year.

Really though, the problem is no NH player has combined club form and international form, except debatably some of the Scottish players.

 

[ZeFrenchy]

Just a reminder: the IRB poty takes a season that starts with the november internationals and end with TRC. Unfortunately, there weren't Novermber internationals in 2011...
So I think Lydiate is in for a nomination, given his performances at the GS. McCaw deserves it, but a fourth time would be too much. Read has never been nominated, and I think it's time. Fernandez Lobbe has been amazing, he surely deserves a nomination.
I can't think of the other three nominees. Maybe Roncero, for the fun. Nonu perhaps? And maybe an Englishman to fill up the list. Or Parisse, who seems to be a default choice.

 

[Draggs]

The press will throw a fit if Robshaw isn't nominated, so put him on the list. Kieran Read certainly deserves to be there. Not sure for South Africa, Bismarck pre-injury.

 

[big ginger 8]

If Ferris hadn't been injured in the summer I've a feeling we'd be talking about him here.

Backrowers are definitely the "it" position this year.

 

[Draggs]

If Ferris hadn't been injured in the summer I've a feeling we'd be talking about him here.

Backrowers are definitely the "it" position this year.

Look at how many are captains:
Wales- Sam Warburton (Ryan Jones 2008-2010)
Australia- David Pocock
New Zealand- Richie McCaw
England- Chris Robshaw
France- Thierry Dusautoir
Italy- Sergio Parisse

Schalk Burger was tipped as SA captain. Dragons, Blues, and Scarlets are all captained by backrowers.

 

[Darwin]

 

[ZeFrenchy]

No Ben Smith?

 

[TRF_Olyy]

The noms will be:

Richie McCaw,
Brian O'Driscoll,
Dan Carter,
SBW,
**token other player: Robshaw, Dusautoir, Lydiate, Puma, Scotsman, etc.**

 

[Darwin]

No Ben Smith?

He needs no accolades to confirm his greatness.