In a highly entertaining Rugby World Cup that was highlighted by some fantastic performances from the lesser nations, the southern hemisphere dominates the six-man shortlist for the World Rugby Player Of The Year award.
There's no fairytale ending for three-time winner, and eight-time nominee Richie McCaw who doesn't make the list, but two All Blacks do - Dan Carter and Julian Savea. Savea earns a nomination for the second straight year, after losing to fellow Kiwi Brodie Retallick last year.
The favourite for the award will be Australian backrow David Pocock who had a fantastic tournament, and he's joined on the shortlist by his backrow partner Michael Hooper.
The Six Nations is represented on the list with Wales' Alun Wyn Jones finally rewarded for his brilliant form, and Scotland's Greig Laidlaw recognised for a very good season. Laidlaw has been a key figure in Scotland's impressive World Cup campaign, but his inclusion over other names will raise some eyebrows.
Full Shortlist For World Rugby Player Of The Year:
David Pocock (Australia)
Dan Carter (New Zealand)
Julian Savea (New Zealand)
Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
Michael Hooper (Australia)
Greig Laidlaw (Scotland)
See Also: Three Irish Stars Mentioned As NFL Confirm Rugby World Cup Offers
Picture credit: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE
