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'Feels really rough': The All Black 'robbed' of world's best nomination
By Finn Morton
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.”
Some brash and verbose AB supporter had a full go at me for supporting the Boks and Rassie. It is a pity that I deleted his post at me because he changed the topic 180 degrees and brashly threw Savea in my face saying that he will be ERP of the year. I have no idea why he changed the subject so radically. Maybe he can let me know.
Please let him know that I really feel so sorry for him that his idol has not featured at all.
However I did notice a Bock player called Am as one of the 4 and I hope that he will congratulate Am in his reply to me.
I really am so sorry.😢😢😢
For 2 seasons Ardie Savea carried the all blacks and is the best loose forward in the world. How does he not get selected? World rugby can you give your reason please!!!!!
Couldn't agree more . Savea has been simply astounding with his remarkably consistent MOTM performances. Usually it's a compliment to say that you can't remember a poor performance. I can't remember an average one. It's interesting to see that fans from all over the globe agree. That's also because he is hugely admired and loved by fans. It makes you hope for a Blacklash this weekend and Savea makes everyone acknowledge his glaring omission from the the top table.
Ardie go show them this weekend! :-} As regards position I am converted now. Ardie is a new kind of 8, and a brilliant one at that.
Could it be because the committee dont think hes the best no 8. Daft I know but if hed been playing 7?
I know it's hard for a nominating panel to compare players, but Ardie Savea was surely a no-brainer for at least a nomination. Go figure?