McCaw wins IRB Player of the Year... again

Sod off, the trophy's mine.

Not really. Well, not yet anyway.

Yes, it's the that time of year where the powers that be at the International Rugby Board have announced the runners and riders for this year's IRB Player of the Year.

Joining reigning Player of the Year, New Zealand skipper Richie McCaw, on the shortlist are team-mate Mils Muliaina, France number eight Imanol Harinordoquy, Australian duo David Pocock and Kurtley Beale and South Africa's Victor Matfield.

It's an interesting, if slightly uninspiring selection.  No doubt gap-toothed gypsy and Sky Sports pundit, Stuart Barnes, was salivating into his Cornish pasty when he saw his ultimate commentating wank-fodder, Biarritz and France back-row forward Harinordoquy, in the top six.  McCaw's New Zealand team-mate, full-back Muliaina, has enjoyed a good season and starred in the All Blacks side that swept to an impressive clean sweep in this year's Tri-nations.  Only a Bledisloe Cup loss to Australia in Hong Kong created an annoying blot on New Zealand's copy book this season. McCaw, along with Dan Carter, was the crucial cog in a well-oiled All Blacks machine.

Wallaby flanker David Pocock has been immense at the breakdown and his inclusion is the one I am most pleased about.  The 22-year-old openside flanker has burst onto the international stage and it would be a brilliant achievement if he is the man to dethrone opposite number McCaw.  Pocock has arms as wide as Tim Payne's waist, is rumoured to be able to bench press a Ford Mondeo and could probably pluck a plane out the sky if he could be arsed.

His fellow green and gold team-mate, Kurtley Beale, is a full-back brimming with blistering pace - something England found out to their peril a couple of weeks ago.  To be honest, I expected Quade Cooper to beat him to the final list.  Then again, the Australia fly-half tackles as effectively as an arthritic cat with mild depression, which probably ruled him out.

And then there's Victor Matfield.  I have one question:  Why?

But who do you think should win, and who would you have liked to have seen on the list?  There's only one way to find out.  I've created a poll which you can find on the right-hand toolbar.  If there's someone you would have voted for but who isn't included, then please feel free to vent your spleen in the comments.

As for me?  Well, it's got to be McCaw again, hasn't it?

New Zealand 20 - 10 Australia: Full time Report

The All Blacks powered to victory in Christchurch to claim their eighth consecutive Bledisloe Cup and put them in touching distance of their tenth Tri-nations win.

First half tries from Mils Muliaina and Conrad Smith saw Australia coach Robbie Deans witness his side slump to a record equalling ninth consecutive defeat against New Zealand with just over a year until the World Cup.

The Wallabies looked confident and had the majority of early possession but a quick line out by the All Blacks set up Mils Muliaina for the opening try. Excellent hands from Piri Weepu and Joe Rokocoko allowed the full back to race down the touchline and score with Dan Carter adding the conversion.

However the Wallabies hit back immediately when David Pocock grabbed Carter’s spilled ball and offloaded to Kurtley Beale who sprinted 60 metres to score. Matt Giteau slotted the extras to level the scores 7-7 in a breathless opening 11 minutes.

In the blistering first quarter the All Blacks responded just four minutes later with a try for centre Conrad Smith. Carter’s break allowed New Zealand to work the ball to Smith and his try in the left corner was awarded by the Television Match Official. Carter again converted from the touchline.

A Giteau penalty kept Australia in touch but Will Genia gifted the All Blacks their first penalty in the 33rd minute for holding on, Carter extending New Zealand’s lead to 17-10 at half time.

The electrifying pace settled down after the break but Smith nearly scored his second in the 50th minute when a perfectly weighted Carter kick forced the Wallabies defence to scramble on their line.

However the first and only score in the second half came in the 70th minute when another Dan Carter penalty made Australia pay for sloppy work at the breakdown giving New Zealand an unassailable lead.