All Blacks raking in the awards

Published: Monday, 2. January, 2012 in category New Zealand

The All Blacks are in the running for yet another award after being nominated as Team of the Year in New Zealand's Halberg awards, with Richie McCaw, Jerome Kaino and Graham Henry 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).

McCaw and 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 the New Year's honours list for a knighthood, could be honoured again as the Halberg Coach of the Year, and will compete against New Zealand Sevens coach Gordon Tietjens.

Tietjens guided the Sevens team to a World Series title after a two-year wait, while Dayle Cheatley (cycling) and Dick Tonks (rowing) are also in the running.