All Blacks raking in the awards
The All Blacks are in the running for more honours, this time with New Zealand’s Halberg Awards, with loose forwards Richie McCaw and Jerome Kaino and coach Graham Henry all in the hunt for individual gongs.
The Halberg Awards recognise New Zealand’s top sporting achievements and the All Blacks are an obvious choice after their World Cup triumph on home soil in 2011, although they will receive stiff competition from the county’s best rowers (Men’s double scull, Women’s pair and Men’s pair).
Captain McCaw and hard-hitting blindside flanker Kaino are both in the hunt to be Sportsman of the Year, but must beat off the challenge from Mahe Drysdale (rowing) and Mark Todd (equestrian).
Henry, who was on the New Year’s honours list for a knighthood, could be honoured again as the Halberg Coach of the Year, and will compete against long-time New Zealand Sevens coach Gordon Tietjens.
Tietjens guided the Sevens team to the IRB World Series title after a two-year wait, whilst Dayle Cheatley (cycling) and Dick Tonks (rowing) are also in the running in that category.
