The fallout to the All Blacks loss to Ireland is expected to include the end of Beauden Barrett's two‑year reign as the best rugby player in the world.
His Irish opposite Johnny Sexton is now a warm favourite to win the gong at the World Rugby awards in Monte Carlo next Monday.
Barrett and Sexton are among the five finalists along with All Blacks try machine Rieko Ioane and the Springboks pair of Faf de Klerk and Malcolm Marx.
The judging panel were set for a phone linkup tonight to discuss the ramifications of the latest test action in Europe.
The panel consists of Richie McCaw, John Smit, George Gregan, Maggie Alphonsi, Sir Clive Woodward, Brian O'Driscoll, Fabien Galthie and Agustín Pichot.
Fans and media also have the chance to be involved in the voting process. A new format also sees international captains and coaches join the panel for one final vote to determine the winner.
Meanwhile in the Autumn Internationals this Sunday, the All Blacks will face Italy at 3am, the Wallabies take on England at 4am and Ireland will take on USA at 7.30am.
[Source:Stuff.co.nz]
