What else for DC have to do to impress you folks?!
Dan Carter has been rightly feted since his heroic World Cup quarter, semi and final performances.
The All Blacks outhalf claimed World Rugby’s Player of the Year, the day after he helped his country to a successive Webb Ellis trophy win. Few argued.
No such luck for the 34-year-old at New Zealand’s end-of-year rugby awards.
Carter was nominated for the accolade, along with Dane Coles and Ben Smith, but lost out to centre Ma’a Nonu.
Nonu had a stunning year too. He was in good Super Rugby form for Hurricanes as they narrowly missed out on the title. He ran in a double for the ABs as they won the Bledisloe Cup and was in scintillating form at the World Cup.
Now over in France with Toulon, Nonu accepted his award via video link. He said, “I’ve really been humbled and grateful to be part of the All Blacks and representing my country.”
Carter is also based with Racing 92 in France and, on Saturday, lines up against Ireland’s own JJ Hanrahan. The Kerry native gets a start for Northampton Saints against the Parisiens.
Elsewhere, in one of the less surprising awards of the night, Steve Hansen won New Zealand Coach of the Year.
Lima Sopoaga won Super Rugby Player of the Year while Nehe Milner-Skudder claimed breakthrough of the year.
