O’Dris collomission hard to fathom

I AM astounded that Brian O’Driscoll has been sensationally passed over for the International Rugby Board player of the year award for 2009 in favour of New Zealand’s Richie McCaw.

There is, however, some consolation for Ireland with Declan Kidney named coach of the year.

O’Driscoll proved a magnificent captain of Ireland through 2009 while his many outstanding performances at second centre highlighted by tries against France, Italy, England and Wales were crucial in Ireland’s Six Nations success.

And it was he who scored the equalising try when Ireland forced a last minute draw with Australia in the November series to bring his international tally to 39.

Under O’Driscoll’s captaincy, Ireland completed the Six Nations Grand Slam for the first time in 61 years and ended the year unbeaten with nine wins and a draw. By comparison McCaw’s New Zealand were outplayed by South Africa in the Tri-Nations Championship and didn’t achieve a whole lot otherwise.

The IRB Player of the Year is selected by the IRB Awards independent panel of judges, comprising former internationals with over 500 Test caps between them.

The IRB claims that Will Greenwood, Gavin Hastings, Raphaël Ibanez, Francois Pienaar, Agustin Pichot, Scott Quinnell, Tana Umaga, Paul Wallace and John Eales watched over 63 hours of action from 49 matches, awarding points to the three players they thought stood out in each match.

I find it impossible to fathom how such a distinguished group of people didn’t automatically opt for O’Driscoll.

As a player, he produced a succession of outstanding performances for Ireland; for Heineken Cup winners Leinster; for the Lions on the tour of South Africa and more recently in the November series.

On Saturday, Ireland defeated World Cup holders and Tri-Nations champions South Africa.

Without a bone-crushing and perfectly timed tackle by O’Driscoll on Springbok full-back Zane Kirchner in the last minute, that result might not have been achieved. His captaincy of his country throughout 2009 is best reflected in the side’s results, all the more so when the additional responsibility in no way impaired his effectiveness as a player. Indeed the opposite was the case.

McCaw was chosen ahead of O’Driscoll, his Irish teammate Jamie Heaslip; Fourie du Preez and Francois Steyn of South Africa; Matt Giteau of Australia and England’s Tom Croft.

His selection as IRB coach of the year is another significant addition to Declan Kidney’s highly imposing c.v. and well merited recognition for his contribution to Ireland’s Grand Slam in the Six Nations and their unbeaten run throughout the calendar year.

Although beaten by Ireland on Saturday, few will question the choice of South Africa as team of the year after their series win over the Lions and their subsequent success in the Tri-Nations Championship.