The All Blacks have continued their winning streak taking out the Team of the Year at the International Rugby Board awards.

Coach Graham Henry was named Coach of the Year for a record fifth time in Auckland on Monday night.

However, the three All Blacks in the running for Player of the Year were pipped for the big prize which went to French Captain Thierry Dusatoir.

Dusatoir had been named Man of the Match in the nail biting final on Sunday night.

Former chairman of the New Zealand Rugby Union Jock Hobbs was given a special award from the IRB for his services to the game.

Meanwhile, France rugby coach Marc Lievremont has signed off from his role with one final jibe at the media after a tempestuous battle throughout the World Cup.

The former France international, who is being replaced by Philippe Saint-Andre as national coach, sparred with his country’s media throughout the tournament, particularly after a series of performances that prompted heavy criticism.

Lievremont said his French side made it to the final and made the All Blacks tremble and the performance was beautiful.


Story by: Ronal Deo