Heineken Cup Awards 2011/2012

A look back at another vintage Heineken Cup year.

Team of the Year:

Leinster Rugby. Third Heineken Cup in four years says it all. One of the greatest European teams ever, they don't know how to lose and seem have ten more points then they deserve in every match. Absolutely ruthless. Eight different players started the 09 final to the match on Saturday. They are evolving while winning the Heineken Cups, incredible.

Player of the Year:

Rob Kearney. The couple of times his team were in trouble this season he came up with the goods whether be a drop goal, rampaging run or an audacious catch Kearney has turned into the complete player. A man in the bar beside me said on Saturday "Einstein said definition of stupidity was do the same thing twice and expect different results, well then why hell does anybody bother kick the ball high to Kearney". I think the man was right it is borderline stupidity to test Kearney in the air. 

New player of the year:

Wesley Fofana. Only for a serious case of bad luck Fofana in the Semi Finals could well be the European player of the year but the young French man will have to be content for now. An explosive runner with an incredible off loading game has taken Europe by storm this year. Don't let this guy start because he is bloody hard to stop. 

Try of the Season:

Craig Gilroy. Incredible opportunistic effort by the young winger. Evading four tacklers with elusive feet while keeping his head up and two hands on the ball to ensure no more Munster defenders would commit was a real joy to behold. One of the best solo tries you will see in a long time.

Kick of the season:

Ronan O Gara. Pienaars in the final from 60 metres on Saturday was class but O Garas 45 metre drop goal into a swirling wind was one of the finest strikes of a ball you will ever see. One of the most memorable moments in the competitions history.

Tackle of the Season:

Rory Best. Ulsters captains tackle on the rampaging Sean O Brien five metres from his own line was one of the best individual displays of skill I have ever seen on a rugby field. O Brien who at the best of times is difficult to stop looked destined to cruise over for a try until the Best managed to bring him down with an incredible around the waist tackle. 

Moment of Genius:

Brian O Driscoll. He have lost a yard of pace but Dricos inside pass to Sean O Brien was a joy behold and reminded us all that class is permanent. In many ways that moment was a symbolised Leinsters performance this year, brute force combined with skill.

Shock of the season:

Edinburgh. Not many gave them a chance against Toulouse but Michael Bradleys charges proved that there is still a kick in Scottish rugby. Despite being down to 13 men at one stage the Edinburgh team never gave up and kept tackling and hounding to pull one of the biggest upsets in the competitions history. 

Underachievers: 

Northampton Saints. Incredible to think that last years runners up were so near to beating to Munster in Thomond Park but ended up only winning two of their six group games. The Saints were reeling for the opening three rounds after Rogs drop goal and with Downey, Ashton etc moving on its hard to see this exciting team being competitive in Europe for a while.

Team of the Year:

15. Rob Kearney

14. Tim Visser

13. Brian O Driscoll

12. Wesley Fofana

11. Sitiveni Sivivatu

10. Jonny Sexton

 9.  Ruan Peinaar

 8.  Peter O Mahony

 7. Chris Henry

 6. Stephen Ferris

 5. Dan Toughy

 4. Nathan Hines

 3. John Afoa 

 2. Rory Best

 1. Cian Healy

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