The curtain has fallen on another season of the ITM Cup, with Canterbury taking out the Premiership division for the fifth year in a row and Counties Manukau gaining promotion from the Championship after proving too classy for Otago in the final.
Although only two teams finished with silverware to add to their trophy cabinets, there were so many individuals who contributed to an exhilarating season.
These are the ITM Cup awards for 2012:
Coach of the Year: Tana Umaga (Counties Manukau) - The former All Black hung up his boots for this season after spending the past two years as a player/coach. He has moulded his young players into a team of fierce competitors, capable of knocking heads with Premiership sides.
Notable mention: Tony Brown (Otago)
Bolter of the Year: Ardie Savea (Wellington) - Every year the player rosters are filled with exciting new talents hoping to catch the eye of selectors in order to gain higher honours. In 2012, Savea has stood head and shoulders above the rest of the newcomers. The 18-year-old loose-forward's ball running skills helped the Lions gain some crucial wins this year and earned him a contract with the Hurricanes.
Veteran of the Year: Jason Rutledge (Southland) - The man known as ‘Cabbage' was a stand out for Southland this year, becoming the most capped Stag ever and maintaining his immense work-rate. The man has his own fan club - how could he not gain this award?
Notable mention: Andy Ellis (Canterbury)
Try of the Year: Robbie Malneek (Tasman) - There were many stunning tries in this year's competition, but an 80 metre solo effort from the Mako's fullback was the most spectacular. A crucial handling error from Southland gave Malneek the opportunity to split their defence and score the best try of the season.
Tackle of the Year: Fumiaki Tanaka (Otago) - Standing at 5 ft 5" and weighing 75kg, Tanaka seems like an unlikely candidate for this award. The little Japanese halfback was flipped upside down and brought down Northland's giant winger Tui Faasisila in the opening round of the season. It was his sheer determination that gave him the edge in this category.
Game of the Year: Otago vs Tasman (Semi-final) - This game had it all and created some nerve-wracking moments for fans of both sides. Two intercept tries to Tasman in the second half almost sunk Otago, but a stunning comeback in the last 20 minutes saw Tony Brown's young side shake off their off-field demons to earn themselves a place in the Championship final.
After an intense season, players can put their feet up over Christmas with the knowledge they injected some much needed life into our proud provincial competition.
By Paul McDonald from CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND.
