Who has been rugby union"s player of the year for 2013?

Who has been rugby union’s player of the year for 2013?

Sir Ian McGeechan

Forward:
Kieran Read

A player who currently reflects New

Zealand’s strengths and approach to the the game better than anyone.

Very accurate at the breakdown. Immense work rate around the field which,

with his intuitive game awareness puts him consistently into strong support

positions – both behind runners and wide in the outside channels.

Back:
Leigh Halfpenny

The most instrumental Welsh player in their Six Nations win and then the

outstanding player in the Lions’ series win, with the best place kicking

performance of the year. He is the best 15 under the high ball, almost never

gets caught out, and rarely allows the ball to bounce. He has outstanding

speed which allows him to join the attacking line late, and a side-step

which can turn a poor kick at him into a counter-attacking scoring

opportunity.

Brian Moore

Forward:
Kieran Read

Over-shadowing Richie McCaw is no mean feat but presently Read is showing a

full range of ball-carrying, hard-running and tackling that is a textbook

lesson for every aspiring number eight.

Back:
Israel Dagg

A player who generates a frisson with every touch but whose overall tactical

contribution is also exemplary. A threat on the counter-attack he also gives

his midfield a potent diversionary presence that creates space and

opportunity.

Steve James

Forward:
Kieran Read

He has redefined the role of the No 8. He does the dirty stuff excellently,

but then is a huge danger out wide, with hands and pace to cause serious

damage. Was quite astounding in New Zealand’s 38-27 victory over South

Africa in the Rugby Championship’s final match.

Back:
Leigh Halfpenny

May not have been outstanding this season – whilst not exactly shabby either –

but was player of the Six Nations and of the British and Irish Lions tour.

Simply a rock in all he does. New Zealand’s Ben Smith runs him close.

Mick Cleary

Forward:
Kieran Read

There are other fine contenders for the best forward such as Springbok lock,

Eben Eztebeth, the enduring giant of Argentina rugby, Juan Martin Fernandez

Lobbe, but Read surpasses them all. He has been that good, consistently so,

his speed, his toughness and his intellect setting him apart.

Back:
Leigh Halfpenny

Small in height but huge in stature, Halfpenny has dealt with every challenge

that has come his way through the year, winning a Six Nations title with

Wales and proving to be a key figure for the Lions in Australia. His boot is

unerring and his competitive spirit unquenchable.

Gavin Mairs

Forward:
Kieran Read

The All Blacks No 8 has taken his game to new levels this year to the extent

that he is now as influential to New Zealand as Richie McCaw. Enough said.

Back:
Leigh Halfpenny

His place-kicking has been the decisive factor in Wales’ Grand Slam win and

the Lions tour win over Australia, but his attacking threat and defence have

been equally impressive.

Article source: http://www.espnscrum.com/wales/rugby/story/193219.html

Who has been rugby union"s player of the year for 2013?