WORLD AWARDS

NZ RUGBY WORLD PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Richie Mo’unga

We will be honest and say this came down to a straight choice between Richie Mo’unga and Codie Taylor.

We went with the former on the basis that while he didn’t play as many tests as Taylor, his contribution throughout the year was still enormously high and influential.

Mo’unga steered the Crusaders to their second consecutive title and while it was a genuine team e. ort, he provided the tactical control the composure and the creativity that set them apart.

He was brilliant in the knockout rounds – every bit as good as Beauden Barrett had been in 2016 when he led the Hurricanes through the playoffs with some huge performances.

And when Mo’unga played for the All Blacks, he made his impact. He made a difference when he came on in Buenos Aries and turned the game in Pretoria with his kicking and who wasn’t glad to see him lining up the winning conversion?

INTERNATIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR

Joe Schmidt [Ireland]

Ireland have become a genuine powerhouse under Joe Schmidt. They are no longer a team that comes close to winning