Wallabies captain Michael Hooper and star centre Samu Kerevi will hope to create history as World Rugby announces its men’s 15s player of the year award tomorrow (AEDT).
Hooper and Kerevi are up against France halfback Antoine Dupont and England lock Maro Itoje for the prestigious gong, which has been handed out since 2001.
In that time 13 Wallabies have been shortlisted but an Australian player is yet to win the award – which will be decided by a fan vote for the first time.
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Hooper and Kerevi were the only two Wallabies to be picked in World Rugby’s dream team for 2021.
That team included five Springboks, three All Blacks and one player apiece from England, France, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Hooper enjoyed career-best form after returning refreshed from a stint in Japan, while Kerevi transformed Australia’s backline in the Rugby Championship.
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Two other Wallabies finalists have already missed out on major prizes as World Rugby staggers its announcements throughout the week.
Dave Rennie was beaten by England’s Simon Middleton, who created history by becoming the first coach of a women’s team to win that award.
The England women completed a second straight calendar year unbeaten and are riding a winning streak of 18 Tests.
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Meanwhile, Wallabies outside back Andrew Kellaway missed out to All Blacks speedster Will Jordan in the breakthrough player of the year award.
Jordan scored a record 15 tries in 11 Tests this year.
France dominated the women’s dream team for 2021.
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