Perenara’s big gesture at awards
All Blacks star TJ Perenara has graciously used his magic moment from the Rugby World Cup to praise the victorious Springboks.
Perenara won World Rugby’s try of the year and New Zealand’s Ruby Tui was named women’s sevens player of the year at a glittering awards night in Tokyo.
Predictably, the Springboks swept the major awards on the back of their stunning World Cup success – team of the year, coach of the year to Rassie Erasmus and player of the year to Pieter-Steph du Toit.
When Perenara was handed his award by former All Blacks centre Conrad Smith, he ignored his own deeds and those of his New Zealand team, instead turning his immediate attention to
South Africa, who claimed a third World Cup to equal the All Blacks’ record.
‘‘Cheers mate, thanks for that. I just want to take this moment to congratulate South Africa,’’ Perenara said to wide applause from the attending audience.
‘‘Siya [Kolisi] and your guys’ accomplishment. What you guys have done is truly inspiring. I congratulate all the other winners and your awards but what you guys have done inspired a nation, so good s .... ’’
The All Blacks’ commitment to attacking rugby, so destroyed by England in the semifinals, was rewarded by Perenara’s incredible try in the pool win over Namibia gaining recognition.
Playing in the unfamiliar role of first-five against Namibia, Perenara side-stepped Prince Gaoseb before racing into opposition territory and producing a stunning pass to George Bridge. Once play was recycled Rieko Ioane popped a pass to Brad Weber whose ridiculous offload found Perenara on the left wing.
The All Blacks replacement set a course for the line, brushing off tackles from Obert Nortje and Helarius Kisting before touching down in the corner with a desperate dive.
New Zealand was assured of a victory in the women’s sevens player of the year category with Tui beating out team-mates Sarah Hirini and Tyla Nathan-Wong.