All Blacks' Carter named players' player of the year

Fly-half Dan Carter was named the International Rugby Players Association player of the year yesterday and his all-conquering All Blacks the team of the year. Carter was inspirational in New Zealand's 3-0 series win over the British and Irish Lions.

Fly-half Dan Carter was named the International Rugby Players Association player of the year yesterday and his all-conquering All Blacks the team of the year.

Carter was inspirational in New Zealand's 3-0 series win over the British and Irish Lions. The All Blacks also won the Tri-nations and their European tour could end with a grand slam if they beat Scotland tomorrow.

Carter was the clear winner from a short list that included team-mates Richie McCaw and Tana Umaga, and Springbok duo Bryan Habana and Victor Matfield.

The same five players are shortlisted for the International Rugby Board player of the year award, to be announced on Sunday, which Carter is also expected to win.

Habana was named newcomer of the year after a series of impressive displays on the wing for South Africa which have brought him 15 tries in 14 starts.

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