Ardie Savea may have been unable to lead the New Zealand under-20 rugby team to another world title in France, but he has been nominated for the IRB junior player of the year award.
Savea's side failed to make the final of the junior world championships for the first time in the competition's history, but the flanker has earned some consolation for his efforts at the tournament.
Captaining New Zealand, Savea has been the heartbeat of the defending champions and has earned recognition alongside Wales first five Sam Davies and England No 8 Jack Clifford.
With those two sides set to meet in this weekend's final, it would be no surprise to see Savea edged for the award. But if he were to win the top prize, he would follow in the footsteps of brother Julian, who earned the honour in 2010.
Savea led New Zealand from the front as the pack initially struggled in a narrow win over Ireland and a semifinal loss to England. The 19-year-old will have one last chance to impress, in the bronze medal match against South Africa on Monday, before returning to Super Rugby action with the Hurricanes.
Previous winners:
2012 - Jan Serfontein (South Africa)
2011 - George Ford (England)
2010 - Julian Savea (New Zealand)
2009 - Aaron Cruden (New Zealand)
2008 -Luke Braid (New Zealand)
2007 -Robert Fruean (New Zealand)
2006 -Josh Holmes (Australia)
2006 - Lionel Beauxis (France)
2005 - Isaia Toeava (New Zealand)
2005 -Tatafu Polota-Nau (Australia)
2004 -Jeremy Thrush (New Zealand)
2004 - Jerome Kaino (New Zealand)
2003 - Jean Baptiste Payras (France)
2003 - Ben Atiga (New Zealand)
2002 - Luke McAlister (New Zealand)
2002 - Pat Barnard (South Africa)
2001 - Gavin Henson (Wales)
