European player of the year

chupacabra

Two players from Leinster and two from Ulster have been named on the shortlist for the ERC European Player of the Year 2012.
Leinster’s Jonathan Sexton and Rob Kearney and Ulster’s Ruan Pienaar and Stephen Ferris are nominated alongside Toulon’s Jonny Wilkinson.

What say you? Its Ferris for me.

justsomebloke

If Ulster win on Saturday Pienaar and if Leinster win Kearney

the_blackstuff

It would be Ferris for me also. He has been brillant for Ulster and Ireland this year. Kearney would be my second choice and I would be surprised if he won it either

shuffol

As good as Ferris has been I'd almost have Henry in ahead of him but for the fact he missed the semi.

irishbucsfan

Jonathan Sexton

It's based on ERC games remember.

It'd be Pienaar for me.

durkadurka

Jonny Wilkinson

Sexton for me.

Gracelessly Tom

Jonny Wilkinson

Sexton for me, he's steered the good ship Leinster unbelievable well, again, this year.

Kearney could also get it, playing brilliantly and scoring tries for fun.

Any chance of getting a poll added to this thread?

jayteecork

Tomás O'Leary.

GerM

Jonny Wilkinson

Sexton by a distance for me. He has been superb in all the away games and is the reason Leinster are where they are more than any one man. Pienaar would be up there but missed two of Ulster's biggest games which counts against him for me and, whilst he was very good in Munster, he made some bad errors at important times. Ferris has been very good but the quiet showing in the semi (with an injury granted) counts against him. I think he benefits from reputation to a slight extent (as do others). Henry was the man of the match against Munster for me but Ferris got it. Kearney also has been very good but hasn't had the overall impact throughout that Sexton has. There's quite a head of steam behind Kearney right now though so if Leinster win, I think he might get the nod.

Tox56

Obviously depends on the final, but right now I would say Kearney. He helped turn that Clermont game, but from a non-traditional position of influence, and of course has been excellent elsewhere. Pienaar has helped win games, but he did so from his position of kicker, whereas Kearne did so from fullback.

Ultimately, if Ulster win I'd say Pienaar, and Leinster Kearney. But that is hugely dependent on what actually happens in the final, so almost impossible to call right now.

Teferi

Jonny Wilkinson

Purely based on ERC games then I think Sexton has been irreplaceable for Leinster. He's been in control, showed leadership and has seemed to brought even more to his game this year in a few areas. Genuinely think he may have a chance to reach BOD status by the time he retires if he can keep upping his game.

Kearney has been the most potent counterattacking option in the competition. There is absolutely no point in an opposing team kicking high balls into his area of the field.

Ferris is just a machine and really is an avatar of Ulster rugby.

I'd be happy with either 3 of these Pienaar getting it. Delighted for Wilko to get a nomination too, it's a pity he didn't get to the final so it is unlikely he will get it.

For me though, I'd give it to Sexton.

thomond2006

Pienaar if Ulster win, Kearney if Leinster win. Great list of candidates mind.

Big Nelly

Jonny Wilkinson

Sexton by a mile, Kearney has been good lately but Sexton has been great all season......

ROG

.ak

Jonny Wilkinson

As I said in the other thread, Sexton for me. His commitment to the team is unfaltering, the drive, determination and want to succeed is hard to find in a team that's billed as 'the best in Europe'. You'd swear the lad had never won anything in his life.

His ability to read the line is probably only equalled by BOD in my opinion. Slightly off topic as it was another compitition, but a lot of people questioned why Sexton got MoTM against Glasgow the other night, and whilst I'd agree he had an off day with the boot, his leadership on the field was something like a Yachvilli-esque general barking orders, his ability to read the opposition attack literally stopped them in their tracks anytime they got near our 22... and that was just an off day for him.

His uncanny ability to read a defensive screen is something else as well. We show it on show in the Cardiff game, albeit that was against a beaten side, but it's a prime example of how he seems to break open holes without thinking about it. Burning defenders on the loop pass for the first try of the game was a brilliant example, if a little over-shadowed by 'that' pass for BOD's try.

But the stand out moment for that match as mentioned before was when he missed a tackle, Leinster at the time were comfortable winners, but you see him angrily thumping the ground - every inch matters to him.

It happened in '10, and whilst I think we have far greater depth now, I could not be convinced Leinster would be in the final without Sexton, nor play the brand of Rugby they aspire to, just because of work ethos.


Ofcourse, as said, it all depends on the final. Fez might live up to his name and actually bury everyone in a blue shirt, or Pienaar might snatch a victory with one of those 80 minute 55 meter penalties, or Kearney might score a million tries and catch anything that flies.


Or Wilko might win it.... :P

totallegend

Jonny Wilkinson

I was initially going for Kearney, but whereas Kearney is possibly benefitting from his performances in the green jersey, when you actually limit it to just the Heineken Cup, I think it has to be Sexton.

From his nerves of steel to slot to the crucial penalty in Montpellier to making a show of Bath and Cardiff at the Aviva to his ferocious defence and multiple line breaks in Bordeaux, he's been in outstanding form.

I know going for the out-half is the easy option, but I think Sexton has been in terrific form with his all-round game; running the backline, kicking from hand, place balls and defensive work, he's been pretty untouchable. Throw in the odd motivational half-time talk and it's a clear choice for me.

jacothelad

Rob Kearney

Ferris for me. Mainly because he might not get another chance. All the players in the list have had good seasons in the ERC but it is a team game. Goal kickers often stand out because they get the opportunity to score, often based on the work of others. Ferris is a worthy candidate but as someone else said, Chris Henry has been even better but isn't as eye catching or as 'rugby sexy' as the others.

In soccer, it's easy to see who is the stand out player. In rugby the 'stand out' often appears to be so partially on the back of the toil of others.

Fishooks12

Ruan Pienaar

Sexton for me

If I was picking a World 15 on form right now he'd be my 10

tolosenc

Ruan Pienaar

Surprised so many people are saying Sexton. He's been good, but Kearney has been supreme.

IRL_Sinister

Ruan Pienaar

It's definitely Kearney for me, too. Hopefully Leinster can take the win and Rob Kearney has a great game. I do believe Sexton and Ferris have had great seasons too but Kearney just stands out for me.

bilston

Jonathan Sexton

I'm not sure if the poll results just refelct the fact there a lot more Leinster fans than Ulster fans on Boards (to be expected in fairness).

So just to even it up a bit I'm going for St Ruan of the Pienaar. He was the mastermind behind our wins in Thomond and the Aviva. I'd be happy with any of them actually. Although the winner will doubtless be determined by the winning province.

.ak

Jonny Wilkinson

tolosenc wrote: »

Surprised so many people are saying Sexton. He's been good, but Kearney has been supreme.

I think the reason Sexton is being lauded over Kearney is whilst Kearney is undoubtabley one of the best FB's in the world at the moment (maybe something that can't be said for Sexton), it's just Sexton's all round game, and the manner in which he puts his body on the line for his club.

Kearney is a specialist FB, but not much more than that. Sexton is a fly-half, centre, leader, defensive monster, and probably personifies everything LR stand for right now.

rrpc

Jonny Wilkinson

Sexton for me too. Kearney, Ferris and Pienaar are all worthy choices, but it's Sexton's drive, determination and leadership that swings it for me.

That moment that .ak mentioned of him thumping the ground in frustration at missing a tackle summed him up for me. He just doesn't 'do' losing.

.ak

Jonny Wilkinson

Thing is they're all worthy winners. They all have a little emotional connection to it as well; Kearney after essentially missing out on the previous two finals. Sexton's never really been recognized for the work he does with a big award like this. Fez for literally putting his health at risk, shows how much this means to him. And Pienaar for just oozing sheer class, and also sticking through some rough patches to come through. No doubt he's thanking his pastor/priest/whoever advised him to make the Ulster move.

Johnny's gotta get a mention as well, in the twilight of his career he's done some amazing things for Toulon.

rrpc

Jonny Wilkinson

.ak wrote: »

Thing is they're all worthy winners. They all have a little emotional connection to it as well; Kearney after essentially missing out on the previous two finals. Sexton's never really been recognized for the work he does with a big award like this. Fez for literally putting his health at risk, shows how much this means to him. And Pienaar for just oozing sheer class, and also sticking through some rough patches to come through. No doubt he's thanking his pastor/priest/whoever advised him to make the Ulster move.

Johnny's gotta get a mention as well, in the twilight of his career he's done some amazing things for Toulon.

Toulon was the move Wilko should have made years ago. He was a very loyal servant for Newcastle, but his loyalty wasn't repaid in any meaningful way. He's developed his game playing for Toulon in ways he never did playing for the Falcons.

Cpt_Blackbeard

If Ulster win Pienaar has to win it. He's had an Elsom-like impact on their campaign. Even ignoring his general play, his kicking alone has been instrumental to Ulster's season. If Leinster get the win, it has to be Kearney.

All of that said, I'd like Ferris to get the gong.

buck65

Jonathan Sexton

Paul O Connell.

Banbridgeman

Rob Kearney

From the official vote on the Heineken cup facebook page it looks like ferris has already won

molloyjh

Jonny Wilkinson

Wouldn't have any real issues with any of those nominated winning it. It's a fine list. For me though it is def Sexton. The guy has been magnificent for Leinster this season. Sure Kearney has been excellent too, but Johnny just has that little bit extra. Leaving aside things like the Montpellier kick and the Bath game (and that gorgeous inside ball to Fitzy against Cardiff), he's also calling important plays behind the scenes (the Kearney try against Bordeaux) and his defence this season has been something else. He's fearless. He also seems to really embody that single-minded focus that we've come to expect from Leinster and really demands the best from himself and those around him. He was a bit disgusted that he got MOTM at the weekend because he was pissed off with his own performance. He just seems to be a real driving force behind the team, both on and off the pitch.

prospect

Ruan Pienaar

Kearney for me, if only for 'that' drop goal.

Seriously though, his return to form this season has been extraordinary.

dodderangler

Ruan Pienaar

Where's obrien had another great season
But if he not there id say Kearney
Had smashing return

CIARAN_BOYLE

Jonny Wilkinson

Banbridgeman wrote: »

From the official vote on the Heineken cup facebook page it looks like ferris has already won

Almost as many votes here as on the official facebook vote

tolosenc

Ruan Pienaar

Banbridgeman wrote: »

From the official vote on the Heineken cup facebook page it looks like ferris has already won

Except that the Facebook vote counts for nothing.

wp_rathead

Rob Kearney

Can't complain with any of the nominations really

Ferris and Kearney were Ireland's two best players of the 6N's (mind you that wasn't to hard)
How fitting it is that those two are nominated..

For me I would choose Ferris- but again that is just personal
Think I may just have a man-crush on the guy :pac:

wouldn't grieve anybody on the list the award

Sindri

Jonny Wilkinson

Kearney deserves commendation for his return to excellent form and his domination of teams from full-back but I don't he's a European Player of the Year. His contributions and involvement from FB are excellent and can't be over looked even if he still has one or two weaknesses in his game though. I'd go for Sexton myself and .ak summed up why but I think most of the players there are deserving of it and Saturday will be the decider.

irishbucsfan

Jonathan Sexton

For me its Pienaar. He's been phenomenal. Every time he's turned out he's been fantastic. He's played 9 and 10 when needed. He's been a leader on the team, he's brought on Paul Marshall a huge amount, his goal kicking has been crucial. More though for his consistency than anything else.

Sexton would be second choice for me.

twinytwo

Rob Kearney

its a toss up between kearney and ferris tbh.

Kearney has been at the heart of everything that leinster have done this year.

Ferris is the son on Zeus... He is a monster both for ulster and ireland... its hard to believe he is only 26.

slievenamon fella

Ruan Pienaar

has to be kearny,back to his brillant best this year,although ferris is jus plain and simply an animal!

duckysauce

Ruan Pienaar

kearney pure class this year.

GerM

Jonny Wilkinson

Possibly worth pointing out that the ERC award is based on form in the HEC and AC so nominations/votes aren't based on international/T14/Pro12 performances. More I think about it, the more I think Kearney will get it as he has taken the plaudits just at the right time and is riding the crest of a wave with his IRUPA awards. Will take a big performance from someone to push past him, I reckon.

Judgement Day

Could there be any other choice?

Hagz

Jonny Wilkinson

Judgement Day wrote: »

Could there be any other choice?

wonton

Rob Kearney

Defo ferris for me, kearney and sexton have been class but for me ferris was as outstanding this season as o brien last.

GerM

Jonny Wilkinson

Hands where we can see them, JD......

Tox56

Judgement Day wrote: »

Could there be any other choice?

How could you say no to this?

Podge_irl

I could totally look like that if I wanted to...

peterako

Ruan Pienaar

The seal???

dodderangler

Ruan Pienaar

Tell me that was a girl that posted them pics or has Gareth Thomas made a influence on gay rugby players

durkadurka

Jonny Wilkinson

So, Kearney or sexton then?

Sexton for me after yesterday. Played a great game.

Fishooks12

Ruan Pienaar

durkadurka wrote: »

So, Kearney or sexton then?

Sexton for me after yesterday. Played a great game.

hmmm, tough one, though Kearney was very good yesterday too!

kc66

Ruan Pienaar

Kearney got it. Well deserved.