Woodman is leading candidate for player of the year
THERE has been much talk about who will receive the World Rugby Player of the Year award in Monte Carlo tonight – Beauden Barrett again gets the nod for me – but we should also throw a spotlight on the women ‘s award after a stellar World Cup Year.
2017 saw New Zealand roar back into prominence and the Black Ferns rightly boast two of the five nominees in utility back Kelly Brazier, who is perhaps most effective at centre and was ever present all year for New Zealand, and try machine Portia Woodman, below, who scored 13 tries at the World Cup including four in the semi-final against France.
The French shone brightly as well with Romane Menager making a massive impression at flanker alongside fellow back rower SaN ‘Daye.
England speedster Lydia Thompson completes the line up, having scored 12 tries in ten Tests for England this year including two, in a losing cause, against New Zealand in the World Cup. It ‘s almost the toss of a coin but I ‘m going with Woodman.
