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Fans react after 'stand out player' misses out on Player of the Series nomination

By Finn Morton
(Photo by PA)

The three nominees for the Autumn Nations Series’ Player of the Series have been announced, but the omission of the “stand out player of the autumn” has shocked rugby fans online.

Rampaging backrower Ardie Savea is the only nominee from the Southern Hemisphere, as he continued his stellar form throughout the All Blacks’ unbeaten run during the series.

While Savea was a shock omission from World Rugby’s dream team, and was also absent from the Player of the Year nominees list, the 29-year-old has finally been recognised for his form.

The other two nominees are French winger Damian Penaud and World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year Ange Capuozzo

But many supporters online have been more than vocal about the glaring omission of South Africa’s try-scoring machine Kurt-Lee Arendse.

The winger scored five tries in four Tests during the Autumn Nations Series, including a double in the big win over Italy.

South Africa started their series with back-to-back losses against the world’s two top ranked sides in Ireland and France, before recording big wins over Italy and England.

But make no mistake, Arendse was exceptional during the Autumn Nations Series, and a majority of rugby supporters believe he should’ve won the award – let alone be nominated.

Out of the four nominees, some fans are calling for Savea to be crowned the best player of the series after he was omitted from World Rugby’s awards.

The All Blacks began their Autumn Nations Series with an emphatic win over Wales in Cardiff, and Savea played a pivotal role in that improved performance.

New Zealand did it tough the week after against Scotland at Murrayfield, before a dramatic draw with England in London brought an end to their season.

While he wasn't officially recognised for his individual brilliance at last weekend's World Rugby Awards, some fans believe he has to win this honour after "snubbing him from team of the year."

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Latest Comments

How the All Blacks plan to challenge Ireland after gutsy England win
L
LW 5 minutes ago

Vaai is finally having his breakout year getting comfortable and showing great form at lock, and there are form players and experience all across the backrow, why on earth would you drop him to 6. Ridiculous

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Are the All Blacks doomed to a 70% flatline?
A
Another 10 minutes ago

So far, the All Blacks have won 8 matches out of 11 this year. That is a near 73% win rate. AB fans and, I assume, the team itself are not content with that and have everything to play for with the remaining 3 tests this year.


Their historical average is something like 77% these days and, although some years will always be better than others it is not likely to drop that dramatically to 70% any time soon. There is too much historical inertia on the stats. It is like saying Ireland’s form of the last 10 years or so is likely to reverse a historical average of 48% wins soon. It just isn’t.


Moreover, when you say they are ‘doomed’ to a 70% flatline are you not just assuming that Ireland will beat them again? How did that work out for you last time?

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