Rugby: Daniel Carter, All Blacks, Steve Hansen Winners at 2012 IRB Awards

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: December 4, 2012

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It was a good night for New Zealand at the 2012 IRB Awards, claiming all the top awards on the back of a stellar year. Daniel Carter, the All Blacks and Steve Hansen all walked away with silverware, claiming Player of the Year, Team of the Year and Coach of the Year awards respectively.

That the All Blacks won Team of the Year comes as little surprise. Boasting a record of 12 wins, one loss and one draw for the year, they were by far and away the dominant team. Only a shock loss by what looked a tired team at the end of a long season on Saturday prevented them completing their first unbeaten season since 1997.

Even so, they put forth an impressive resume, with two wins over each of South Africa, Australia and Argentina, whilst also claiming the scalps of Wales, Scotland, Italy and Ireland. There really is no argument against them, such has been their dominance.

That Steve Hansen won Coach of the Year was also little surprise, after guiding to the All Blacks to this impressive record in his first season in charge of the side.

But Daniel Carter winning Player of the Year is a different story. Sure he was good. Very good in fact. Was he really the best player in the world in 2012 though? 

Questions were asked when it was announced the short list for the award included England rookie Owen Farrell. There seemed no logic whatsoever to explain his inclusion, particularly when both Kieran Read and Conrad Smith were missing.

Both Read and Smith would have made good cases to take the award home. As it was though, neither would have the opportunity so New Zealand's chances came down to inspirational captain Richie McCaw and master class first five-eighth Dan Carter.

McCaw seemed the logical choice here. Having carried the team at times he was simply sensational, and a large reason for the All Blacks' dominance. His physicality was immense and his ability to cover up for others' mistakes bailed th...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Rugby Union

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