2009’s hits and misses

Team of the Year — Close one between the *choke*Bulls*choke* and the Bokke here. I’ll go for the Bokke purely on the fact that a Lions Series is a real era-defining win.

Player of the Year — He calls the shots like no other and leaves an imprint on every major victory — Fourie du Preez

Newcomer of the Year — Heinrich Brussow. Fish to water has nothing on his ascent to Test level.

Moment of the Year — THAT penalty in the second Lions Test. Take a bow Morne Steyn.

Try of the Year — Jaque Fourie in the second Lions Test. Sterling work from Adi Jacobs on the inside and a powerful finish from a player who has made them his trademark.

Coach of the Year — Snor. Frans Ludeke a close second. Both men recovered from a poor first half of 2008 to bring the best from their teams.

Chokers of the Year — My own very beloved Sharks. At least we know we do that better than anyone, anywhere. Outside the World Cup that is.

Disappointment of the Year — Schalk Burger. Way, way off his best.

Shopaholics of the Year — Western Province. Recession? What recession?

Sherman Tank “forward momentum award” — The Free State Currie Cup scrum. Monstrous!

Jose Mourinho Teflon Conscience Award — The British and Irish press. You’d swear they’d hammered the Boks 4-0 in a three-Test series the way they carried on sanctimoniously.

Hit of the Year — Schalk Burger welcoming Fourie du Preez to HIS backyard.

Gaffie du Toit Fragile Temperament Award — Ruan Pienaar. Easily amongst our most gifted players. Easily the most fragile ego since Gaffie.

Steven Waugh Chirp of the Year Award — Bakkies complimenting Mike Phillips on his lovely blue eyes.

Shane Warne Grudging Compliment — Luke Watson. Only those who he may have actually puked on would begrudge him that he was the CC’s standout player.