Readers split on IRB nominations

Thursday October 07 2004

'Schalk Burger a fine choice'

Readers have varying opinions on the validity of the International Rugby Boards nominations for Team of the Year. English fans feel that the Boks are a flash in the pan, while the French punters feel aggrieved at being hushed after a successful season. Bok fans back the nomination with obvious reason.

'WHERE IS IRELAND?'

"I think it depends on the time period the awards reflect in terms of the rugby calender. If the world cup is included in that period, why not include England and Australia? But if it reflects the post World Cup, to the current post Tri-Nations period it is probably fair."
- H Lutting

"I didn't notice the lack of Englishmen as the English as a team have not done anything since Nov 22nd 2003, so it is only right that their be a lack of Englishmen in this year's IRB awards.

"I don't see why South Africa as a team deserve as much credit as they are getting they still only finished the Tri-Nations with a 50 percent winning ratio. Their individual votes are understandable but surely France have been the best nation so far this year."
- Dave, Australia

"South Africa absolutely deserves the award for best team. They have come back from a horrendous three or four years to beat Rugbys best. They also have so much young talent on their team, like super flanker Mr Burger and centre Joubert. Their going to be fun to watch."
- Rikus Pretorius, Bok in California

"Of course the IRB have got it right, for a change. The World Champs were World Champs on the day they won the trophy.

"Unfortunately it was to be a 24 hour affair. It was as if the balloon of hot air that has been the England Rugby team had finally been filled.

"Everything that writers like Stephen Jones had been saying was now true. Sadly, the balloon floated glorious and resplendent for that final and then burst spectacularly.

"It was embarrassing to watch the so called World Champs get chewed up and spat out by the All Blacks and the Wallabies this year. They barely put up a fight, apart from some questionable tactics born of desperation.

"Who in that team could possibly qualify for any IRB awards based on form in2004? The team itself is history and relics don't win prizes.

"England may win a prize for the team that manages to generate the most nostalgia. Sadly that is the only silverware they deserve come the IRB awards."
- David, Christchurch, New Zealand

"South Africa deserve every thing they get this year, as they have been an absolute revelation.

"From a side that was a total shambles just one year ago to a side that looks set to dominate world rugby, they deserve the praise."
- Warren Sheehan, South Africa

"I agree with most of the nominees. But why is Serge Betsen in there? Didn't think he had THAT good a 6 Nations.

"Where are the likes of Gareth Thomas of Wales and Gregan or Smith of Australia? Schalk Burger should take the Player of the Year award, he's been awesome.

"England's absence owes to the fact that they've won just 3 of their last test this year. They were the team of the year in 2003 - but not a patch in 2004."
- Gary Jenkins

"As usual the IRB has got it wrong, yes SA won the Tri-Nations but lets be honest it takes more than one good season of which they didn't start off too convincingly.

"Yes, they gelled as the year went on but they won against top opposition only twice and that was at home.

"When the Aussies were the team of the year a few years ago they won everything home and away against the top five. Last year besides England before there current meteoric demise swept everyone before them home and away."
- Paul

"They've sure got it right regarding Schalk Burger! What a find.A bit of a surprise though that another South African, Clyde Rathbone, is not on the list for player of the year. Maybe he'll be rookie of the year?"
- Bruce Heyns

"Could someone explain why Portugal are in contention for the IRB Team of the Year? I didn't see them in the World Cup?

"Where's Ireland in that ranking? After all we did beat England 19-13 in their first game back at Twickenham after winning the world cup? No other team even came close to that!!!"
- Andrew, Ireland