Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth lost out to Ireland loose forward Caelan Doris in the vote for the Player of the Autumn Nations Series.
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Etzebeth, the only southern-hemisphere player on the six-man shortlist for the award, was in outstanding form for the world champions on an end-of-year tour of the United Kingdom. But voters opted for Doris who started for Ireland at blindside flank in the comprehensive 60-5 victory over Japan, making 11 carries for 39 metres and also contributing nine tackles – more than any of his teammates.
His pièce de resistance was the performance in the historic 29-20 victory over the All Blacks as he popped up everywhere to complete 12 tackles, carry for 84 metres and beat two defenders.
He also scored Ireland’s all-important third try after the break, stepping inside and racing through a gap in the wall of black shirts to run the ball in from just outside the New Zealand 22.
In fact, so good was his display at the Aviva Stadium that evening, it earned him player of the match in what was only Ireland’s third-ever win over New Zealand.
Even switching to No 8 in the absence of injured Jack Conan for Ireland’s final Autumn Nations series game did not slow him down, rising to the occasion again against Argentina.
Doris scored his second try in as many games as Ireland prevailed 53-7 in Dublin, covering another 58m with ball in hand and finishing the game with 11 carries.
All in all, Doris made 36 carries across the Autumn Nations series – more than any other player – while he also hit a joint-high 99 rucks as his relentless engine drove Ireland forward.
Player of the Series vote
Caelan Doris (Ireland) – 26%
Eben Etzebeth (South Africa) – 22%
Freddie Steward (England) – 20%
Antoine Dupont (France) – 14%
Marcus Smith (England) – 10%
Romain Ntamack (France) – 8%
