World Rugby

Reaction To Standout Player Missing Out On Player Of The Series Nomination

Reaction To Standout Player Missing Out On Player Of The Series Nomination

Nominees for the Autumn Nations Player of the Series have been announced, but the omission of the "standout player of the autumn" has shocked rugby fans.

Nov 28, 2022 by RugbyPass
Reaction To Standout Player Missing Out On Player Of The Series Nomination

The three nominees for the Autumn Nations Series' Player of the Series have been announced, but the omission of the "standout 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 also was absent from the Player of the Year nominees list, the 29-year-old finally has been recognized 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 its series with back-to-back losses against the world's top-2 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 the season.

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

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