British & Irish Lions
• What did the South Africans ever do for us?
TRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brian O’Driscoll’s try against Australia in last June’s Test in Melbourne was announced as Try of the Year at the IRB Awards in London.
The try started off with a lineout deep in the Irish half and was a catalyst for a team effort.
Donncha O’Callahhan claimed the lineout ball from Jerry Flannery’s throw, allowing Eoin Reddan to unleash a high kick for Denis Leamy to leap for.
Quick recycling on the Irish ten-metre line left Paddy Wallace making a looping pass out left to Rob Kearney – who motored into the Australian half.
Slipping a pass inside to Tommy Bowe kept the ball live and with the Australian defence already stretched he rushed down the left touchline into the 22, passing right for O’Driscoll to push over the line.
For those that missed it (or couldn’t keep up!) the try is here.
IRB AWARDS 2008 WINNERS -
IRB Player of the Year: Shane Williams (Wales)
IRB Team of the Year: New Zealand
IRB Coach of the Year: Graham Henry (New Zealand)
IRB Junior Player of the Year: Luke Braid (New Zealand)
IRB Sevens Player of the Year: DJ Forbes (New Zealand)
Spirit of Rugby Award: Roelien Muller and Patrick Cotter
Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service: Sir Nicholas Shehadie
IRB Referee Award for Distinguished Service: Andre Watson
IRB International Women’s Personality of the Year: Carol Isherwood
IRB Development Award: Tag Rugby Development Trust and Martin Hansford
IRPA Special Merit Award: Agustin Pichot
IRPA Try of the Year: Brian O’Driscoll, Ireland v Australia
IRB Hall of Fame inductees: 1888 Natives Team of New Zealand & Joe Warbrick, Melrose & Ned Haig, Dr Jack Kyle, Hugo Porta and Philippe Sella