Recognition for Savea

All Blacks star Ardie Savea has gained some belated international recognition for his rampaging form. The blockbusting No 8 has been named as a finalist for the Autumn Nations Series’ Player of the Series award following a month of inter-hemisphere action in Europe. He is up against French wing Damian Penaud and Italy’s young fullback Ange Capuozzo. Savea was a controversial omission from World Rugby’s annual awards, not making the short list for the 15s player of the year or the Dream Team, despite his consistent form in an up-anddown All Blacks outfit.