All Black trio in running for top prize

Auckland: All Black trio Piri Weepu, Jerome Kaino and Ma'a Nonu made up half of the list of nominees for rugby's World Player of the Year award, announced Wednesday.

The New Zealanders, who are almost certain to play in the World Cup final this weekend, were joined by Australia's David Pocock and Will Genia on the shortlist for rugby's most prestigious individual award.

The final nominee was France flanker Thierry Dusautoir, who will captain his country against the All Blacks in Sunday's final at Eden Park. "This has been one of the closest years to date," said the head of selection panel John Eales, the former Australia captain.

"In fact the result could be influenced significantly by the next two matches and that's what it should be like in a World Cup year."

Flanker Kaino has been his country's form loose forward this season with several standout performances in the World Cup so far. Centre Nonu, who has been among the world's best backs for several years, has also been in impressive form but Weepu's nomination was something of a surprise.

The scrumhalf returned from a long-term injury in April and although he was included in the New Zealand World Cup squad, he only made the starting role his own during the tournament.

Weepu assumed the kicking duties after the loss of New Zealand's flyhalf Dan Carter to injury, however, and was instrumental in their victories over Argentina and Australia in the quarter and semi-finals.