Smith Australia's S14 Player of the Year... again

[Evie]

Smith takes out top gong

BRUMBIES flanker George Smith has won Australia's Super 14 player of the series award, taking the tournament's top individual honour for the second straight year.

It was a Brumbies cleansweep for the top three vote getters – no surprise given they were Australia's best performed franchise in the competition – with Smith (20 points) two clear of fellow flanker Stephen Hoiles and a further point in front of utility back Julian Huxley.

The votes for player of the series were submitted by Australian print media and players for each game involving a local team.

While Queensland captain John Roe polled strongly in the first half of the season, it was Smith's game-by-game consistency which saw him over the line.

The rookie of the series was won by New South Wales Waratahs winger Lachie Turner, who didn't debut until week seven, against the Stormers.

Turner played eight consecutive games after debut, scoring three tries.

The coach of the series was awarded to the Brumbies' Laurie Fisher.

Australia's most experienced whistle blower, Stuart Dickinson, was named Super 14 referee of the series.

The try of the series went to Brumbies utility Adam Ashley-Cooper, for his solo effort from the kick-off in Week 14 against the Highlanders.

Awards

Player of the series: George Smith (Brumbies)

Rookie of the series: Lachie Turner (Waratahs)

Coach of the series: Laurie Fisher (Brumbies)

Referee of the series: Stuart Dickinson

Try of the series: Adam Ashley-Cooper (Brumbies)

[Sagerian]

They're not even trying anymore. I was sure Giteau would have been in the mix.

[Skiza]

Gits came fifth on 14 or 15 points. Was pretty disappointed that the brumbies managed to take out 3 awards and polled the top 3 players of the season...guess thats the way the cookie crumbles!

[Burgs]

Pretty fair reflection of the season.
Would hope that Pocock was close on Turners heals for Rookie (if he was eligible? Surely one match at the end of '06 doesn't eliminate him?).
Wonder if the Kiwi was in the running for Coach of the Year having brought a team from 14th to 7th?

[travelling_gerry]

wait till next year.....just wait......you wait and see....

[AndyS]

And where did Shep come - missed games and still wound up second highest Australian scorer and highest try scorer?

[prop53]

So it goes on if your from the West you will never be the best. So "sad"