Stuff Digital Edition

Awards

Player of the year: Ardie Savea and Rieko Ioane. Hard to separate these two for consistent excellence.

Best career revival: Dalton Papalii. From bit-part figure to frontliner, now a real chance of taking ownership at No 7 if he keeps it up.

Best newcomer: Ethan Blackadder. Made for test footy. Samisoni Taukei’aho looks a keeper too.

Most improved: Jordie Barrett. Found consistency and resilience in his game and was clutch with the boot.

Try of year: Sevu Reece’s pearler against Wales had it all. Quick thinking, pinpoint kick, brilliant hands, support lines, dazzling feet, and the man himself featuring three times. Quote of the year: Who else? Dane Coles: ‘‘We’ve got to look ourselves in the eye and have those tough conversations we can’t shy away from. Those last two games haven’t been good enough.’’

Sport

en-nz

2021-11-27T08:00:00.0000000Z

2021-11-27T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://stuff.pressreader.com/article/282471417130934

Stuff Limited