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Fans react after 'stand out player' misses out on Player of the Series nomination
By Finn Morton
The three nominees for the Autumn Nations Series’ Player of the Series have been announced, but the omission of the “stand out player of the autumn” has shocked rugby fans online.
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Rampaging backrower Ardie Savea is the only nominee from the Southern Hemisphere, as he continued his stellar form throughout the All Blacks’ unbeaten run during the series.
While Savea was a shock omission from World Rugby’s dream team, and was also absent from the Player of the Year nominees list, the 29-year-old has finally been recognised for his form.
The other two nominees are French winger Damian Penaud and World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year Ange Capuozzo
But many supporters online have been more than vocal about the glaring omission of South Africa’s try-scoring machine Kurt-Lee Arendse.
The winger scored five tries in four Tests during the Autumn Nations Series, including a double in the big win over Italy.
South Africa started their series with back-to-back losses against the world’s two top ranked sides in Ireland and France, before recording big wins over Italy and England.
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But make no mistake, Arendse was exceptional during the Autumn Nations Series, and a majority of rugby supporters believe he should’ve won the award – let alone be nominated.
If you don’t watch all the games then you shouldn’t be picking nominees. Etsebeth, Kolisi and Kurt-Lee shoild be on this list
— Gaitsigubib (@Moelikhyd) November 27, 2022
Did you run out of tweet characters? pic.twitter.com/p0OsdyBsrZ
— Jacques Maree (@JacquesMaree73) November 27, 2022
KLA should easily win this… Oh wait he is not even nominated 😅😅, what a joke are these people
— Sindisile🇿🇦 (@Sindisi27102872) November 27, 2022
#KLA pic.twitter.com/qGyQcAk5Hy
— Audrin Van Schoor (@audas_vanschoor) November 27, 2022
It should be Ardie, he’s amazing, I get it. Best player in the world for me, but I still think Kurt-Lee Arendse was the stand out player of the autumn in my opinion
— waKAK waKAK 🏴 (@KAK_Tweets) November 27, 2022
Kurt-Lee or this trophy has 0 worth
— Kobus (@Kobusvanwyk07) November 27, 2022
I think you are missing Kurt-Lee Arendse!
— Sa’ad Lahri (@slahri7) November 27, 2022
Bummed for KLA, but let’s all just make sure we get Ardie over the line and vote!
— CherryCola 🍒 (@CherryColaZA) November 27, 2022
No Kurt Lee Arendse?
— Mountain DEW (@Hola_hombr) November 27, 2022
See that’s the problem cause there hasn’t been a bigger breakout star than KLA.
— dog of life (@LetlotloSeabela) November 28, 2022
Out of the four nominees, some fans are calling for Savea to be crowned the best player of the series after he was omitted from World Rugby’s awards.
The All Blacks began their Autumn Nations Series with an emphatic win over Wales in Cardiff, and Savea played a pivotal role in that improved performance.
New Zealand did it tough the week after against Scotland at Murrayfield, before a dramatic draw with England in London brought an end to their season.
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While he wasn’t officially recognised for his individual brilliance at last weekend’s World Rugby Awards, some fans believe he has to win this honour after “snubbing him from team of the year.”
Kinda have to choose ardea after snubbing him from team of the year
— Husayn ????? (@insayn_) November 27, 2022
Ardie thank you. But etzebeth and Siya were great as well
— Liedo7 (@BruceForter) November 27, 2022
Finally Savea gets a nomination
— JeeiJpn (@jeeijpn) November 27, 2022
Ardie Savea 🔥
— Kgaugelo (@KdoubleG_7Nov) November 27, 2022
Just give it to Savea😭❤
— KingShakaZulu’sDaughter✊🏿❤ (@Thembileeh) November 27, 2022
