Rugby: All Blacks trio in line for top award

AUCKLAND: Three members of the New Zealand team set to play in the World Cup final against France were on the six-man shortlist announced yesterday for the 2011 International Rugby Board (IRB) player of the year award. All Blacks flanker Jeroke Kaino, centre Ma’a Nonu and scrum-half Piri Weepu are among those bidding to succeed New Zealand captain Richie McCaw, winner for the past two years as well as in 2006, as player of the year.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 20^th, 2011.