IRB Player of the Year Nominees

[Numbers]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/41972180

Barrett
Ioane
Folau
Farrell
Itoje

I think I'd go for Barrett but Itoje must be knocking on the door.

[Digby]

Barrett wasn't great during the Lions tour, indeed NZ looked much better playing off 9 with Smith ignoring Barrett. Mind based on the Lions tour I'm a little surprised to see neither Cane nor O'Brien nominated, and Davies had a strong tour too.

I don't know anyone stood out that much from the 6N, and I didn't see much of the RC. Maybe Launchbury stood out during the 6N, but then wasn't on the jamboree, Daly has barely made a mistake all year but playing for England doesn't get passed the ball much.

Given the list I think I'd probably go for Ioane

[morepork]

Yeah, nah probably not Barrett this year. Shouty McShout-shout/Itoje is reasonable.

Farell? Again?

[Digby]

Farrell is a fairly classy act now in fairness, but he still doesn't look a 12 to me. Itoje was good on the Lions tour but wasn't that strong in the 6N

[Numbers]

Farrell is a fairly classy act now in fairness, but he still doesn't look a 12 to me. Itoje was good on the Lions tour but wasn't that strong in the 6N

I accept your point re: Itoje and the 6 Nations, tho he was playing out of position at 6.

[Digby]

Farrell is a fairly classy act now in fairness, but he still doesn't look a 12 to me. Itoje was good on the Lions tour but wasn't that strong in the 6N

I accept your point re: Itoje and the 6 Nations, tho he was playing out of position at 6.

Only he wasn't. He was at 6 Vs France and then lock for the next 4 games

[Numbers]

Farrell is a fairly classy act now in fairness, but he still doesn't look a 12 to me. Itoje was good on the Lions tour but wasn't that strong in the 6N

I accept your point re: Itoje and the 6 Nations, tho he was playing out of position at 6.

Only he wasn't. He was at 6 Vs France and then lock for the next 4 games

Except he played 6 against Wales, Ireland, Scotland and Italy, check the teams.

At least that is how the teams are listed on the BBC Sport website.

[Which Tyler]

There is, of course, a difference between the number Itoje wore on his back, and where he packed down at the scrum, stood in the line-out, positioned himself in the defensive line and the way in which he played the game.
Equally, for the 6N Lawes worse 4 on his back, whilst packing down at BSF, standing at the back of the line-out; out wide in the defensive line - though he also played rugby like a classic lock.

Farrell's a decent international player these days; but still out of place on this list. For my money, Ioane gets the win, with Folau the runner-up sport, and then a small gap before Barrett and Itoje

[morepork]

When is the last time a fat prop won this award?

[Numbers]

When is the last time a fat prop won this award?

Never, the only front row to ever win is Keith Wood.

[Digby]

https://www.worldrugby.org/awards/vote2017/f413242

[Mellsblue]

Farrell is a fairly classy act now in fairness

Blimey. I didn’t think to look on here for your controversial comment. Ah, hang on....Barnesy, give Diggers his phone back.

[Digby]

Farrell is a fairly classy act now in fairness

Blimey. I didn’t think to look on here for your controversial comment. Ah, hang on....Barnesy, give Diggers his phone back.

You see. I like Farrell, I like Robshaw. I don't always like the roles they've been given and the balance of the side with their inclusion

[Mellsblue]

Farrell is a fairly classy act now in fairness

Blimey. I didn’t think to look on here for your controversial comment. Ah, hang on....Barnesy, give Diggers his phone back.

You see. I like Farrell, I like Robshaw. I don't always like the roles they've been given and the balance of the side with their inclusion

What sort of reasoned, thought out BS is this.

[Digby]

This might be the first poll in a while I've not thought odd in not including Sam Whitelock. To date I assume he's missed out more than he should as even for a Cantab player it lacks a little racial sensitivity to name yourself for your skin tone and role

[Mellsblue]

It must be a second row thing. I know the man wearing England’s no4 shirt this weekend is a big fan of fruit throwing competitions.

[Digby]

It must be a second row thing. I know the man wearing England’s no4 shirt this weekend is a big fan of fruit throwing competitions.

The other is as studious as Ben Kay's dad

[Banquo]

It must be a second row thing. I know the man wearing England’s no4 shirt this weekend is a big fan of fruit throwing competitions.

The other is as studious as Ben Kay's dad

And the bench boy enjoys a hearty breakfast with marmalade on.

[Digby]

It must be a second row thing. I know the man wearing England’s no4 shirt this weekend is a big fan of fruit throwing competitions.

The other is as studious as Ben Kay's dad

And the bench boy enjoys a hearty breakfast with marmalade on.

Given the team have picked George Cole it's maybe about time Dennis Waterman did the pre match anthem

[Digby]

Yesterday''s game will have come too late to impact any votes, but Ioane showed yet again he's a special player.

[rowan]

I think Itoje will get it. They can't keep giving it to NZers every year. That's just plain boring.

[Digby]

When Farrell gets nominated next year he'll go clear of BOD and only be one nomination behind Dan Carter. Still some way to go to catch McCaw. Seemingly he will become the most nominated player ever as he's much feted and the best chance of winning the award is to play at 10 or in the back row, when both roles are very obvious with lots of time on/around the ball

[Digby]

Beauden Barrett is the IRB player of the year, and the Black Ferns the team of the year. Rieko Ioane has won breakthrough player of the year. Portia Woodman was the other player of the year, and Eddie Jones coach of the year