IRB player of the year 2008.

toomevara

Shortlist announced:

New Zealand fly-half Dan Carter, Italy captain Sergio Parisse, Scotland scrum-half Mike Blair and Wales pair Shane Williams and Ryan Jones.

Between Parisse and Jones for me.....

JWAD

Dan Carter by a country mile

tHE vAGGABOND

its a coin toss between Parisse or Ryan Jones for me...

But Carter will win it, as he is a pretty boy

MikeHoncho

Sergio Parisse for me.

zAbbo

Who made that list?

Is it based on club & country performances?

Carter playing on the winning tri nations and super 14 teams probably puts him a little bit ahead of Mike Blair and Parrise

Although, personally I thought Williams had an immense season.

redroar1942

toomevara wrote: »

Shortlist announced:

New Zealand fly-half Dan Carter, Italy captain Sergio Parisse, Scotland scrum-half Mike Blair and Wales pair Shane Williams and Ryan Jones.

Between Parisse and Jones for me.....

I take it you missed the tri nations then, Carter was brilliant. Jones is the most over rated player in international rugby in my book. I'd go for Parisse as he was immense in a struggling team.

toomevara

redroar1942 wrote: »

I take it you missed the tri nations then, Carter was brilliant. Jones is the most over rated player in international rugby

Well sir, you take it wrong! *flourishes frilly-hanky to nose*...I watched every game of this year's exceptionally indifferent 3N, and indeed Mr. Carter was by and large indifferent and erratic himself....Jones is an excellent player,imo, though I realise he has his detractors and his fallow periods...

Parisse however is an absolutely exceptional player who carries a team of indifferent journeymen to heights which are utterly beyond them when he's not on the field...were he English, french or a New Zealander he would be lionised as one of the greatest 8's of the modern era.

buck65

Where is Keith Earls on this list??!!:eek::D

[Jackass]

I'd love to see Parisse win it. Not a great list though if I'm being honest.

Stev_o

Parisse for me too bad he cant be a Lion would of loved alot of problems for the tour.

il gatto

It's an underwhelming collection this year. Usually there's a few undisputed inclusions. Parrise was amazing, but he's Italian. As much as I hate to say it, Shane Williams would be a fair winner. Thought Carter was unconsistant and not as good as we've come to expect. His marketability has him there this year. (not dissing Carter here, just thought it was an unexceptional year from him.). Ryan Jones? Wtf? Likewise Mike Blair. Wtf?
If it was fair and unbiased, Parrise would win with Williams in second and Carter in third. Jones and Blair would be at the door arguing with security that their supposed to be at the awards ceremony.:pac:

MikeHoncho

toomevara wrote: »

Well sir, you take it wrong! *flourishes frilly-hanky to nose*...I watched every game of this year's exceptionally indifferent 3N, and indeed Mr. Carter was by and large indifferent and erratic himself....Jones is an excellent player,imo, though I realise he has his detractors and his fallow periods...

Parisse however is an absolutely exceptional player who carries a team of indifferent journeymen to heights which are utterly beyond them when he's not on the field...were he English, french or a New Zealander he would be lionised as one of the greatest 8's of the modern era.

QFT.

RugbyFanatic

Sergio Parisse for me.

Though that said it will more than likely go to Dan Carter

bamboozle

in fairness to Mike Blair, he's a top quality 9 and has been exceptional everytime i've seen him...unfortunately its generally while dismantling Leinster's HC Hopes!!!

homergriffin

I'd have gone with:
Richie McCaw - captained to S14 title and Tri Nations title
Shane Williams - Grandslam 6 Nations and Anglo Welsh Cup
George Smith - 2008 S14 Player of the Year
Sergio Parisse - due to his fantastic season on such a weak team
Dan Carter - no reason required

Ryan Jones is in a similar position to McCaw concerning titles won (Grandslam 6 Nations and Anglo Welsh Cup) but Richie McCaw was far more pivotal than Ryan Jones. Martin Williams was far more inspirational in winning the grand slam.

Stev_o

homergriffin wrote: »

I'd have gone with:
Richie McCaw - captained to S14 title and Tri Nations title
Shane Williams - Grandslam 6 Nations and Anglo Welsh Cup
George Smith - 2008 S14 Player of the Year
Sergio Parisse - due to his fantastic season on such a weak team
Dan Carter - no reason required

Ryan Jones is in a similar position to McCaw concerning titles won (Grandslam 6 Nations and Anglo Welsh Cup) but Richie McCaw was far more pivotal than Ryan Jones. Martin Williams was far more inspirational in winning the grand slam.

Good point he had a great season for club and country should be on that list

Pinetree Boy

Here is what John Eals has to say. Personally, think Carter below his best but at first five has more opportunity toshine than say Williams. Formethe Italian. Super no.8.

Also note based only on test performances notclub or super 14

www.irb.com/history/awards/newsid=2026976.html