Tuesday’s rugby news has Michael Cheika awarded coach of the year, Folau uncertain about playing in the next World Cup, Cheika commenting on Dan Carter’s “lay down” and Dan Carter’s right footed kick.
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Cheika Coach of the Year
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has been awarded coach of the year at the World Rugby Awards in London.
Cheika claimed the award over World Cup winning coach Steve Hansen and became the first Wallabies coach to win the award since Rod Macqueen in 2001.
In other awards, Dan Carter was named player of the year, Nehe Milner-Skudder was named World Rugby’s breakthrough player of the year, Nigel Owens was named referee of the year and Julian Savea was awarded try of the year.
Sonny Bill Williams also received another winners medal after he selflessly gave away his other medal to a young fan.
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Folau Uncertain
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Carter’s “lay down”
Michael Cheika has spoken about Dan Carter’s “lay down” which resulted in a crucial penalty to the All Blacks.
Carter was hit late by Wallabies prop Sekope Kepu and appeared to be injured on the floor, however, he continued to play for the rest of the match.
“That happens and we’ve said in games when that happens you’ve got to find another way to get the ball,” Cheika said.
“We did that through our work, and I thought we were a bit unlucky really; the penalty for Kepu’s late tackle was bordering on the edge. They lay down and played for the penalty.
“We really had them under pressure in that moment, then that turns around and there was a few others in that game that just at the key moment changed the momentum.”
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Carter’s Cheeky Conversion
Dan Carter has revealed why he cheekily kicked the conversion for Beauden Barrett’s try with his non preferred right foot.
“It was a bit weird but it’s always been a dream of mine to kick a conversion right-footed,” Carter said.
“I sort of had a bit of fun with the guys in the team that it would ever happen.
“The opportunity came. I practised a few in training off my right foot and I just thought I’d give it a little go.”
Carter also spoke of his drop goal which put the All Blacks further in front of the Wallabies.
“To kick that drop goal and give ourselves a little bit of breathing space was an important part of the game,” Carter said.
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