Qantas Wallabies star Will Genia is leading the way in the battle to be named the ‘Man of the Series’ in the three Test clash with the British & Irish Lions.
As the two teams prepare to meet for the final time at a packed ANZ Stadium in Sydney on Saturday night, Genia leads the individual list after two sparkling performances.
Six media representatives from the UK, Ireland and Australia are selected for each Test to cast their votes for the three leading players on a 3-2-1 basis. Those votes can involve any mix of Wallaby and Lions players.
After the games in Brisbane and Melbourne, scrum half Genia is the only player from either side to have polled in both matches. Named 'Man of the Match' in Australia’s second Test win in Melbourne last weekend, Genia has a total of 19 votes heading into the series decider.
New rugby union convert Israel Folau, who marked his international debut with two tries in the 23-21 defeat in Brisbane, is in second spot on 13 votes. He just managed to edge out Lions wing rival George North for the 'Man of the Match' honours in the opening Test at Suncorp Stadium on 22 June.
North and Lions full back Leigh Halfpenny are equal third on the progressive points score with 11 votes apiece, followed by injured Lions skipper Sam Warburton on seven. Warburton will play no part in the third Test on Saturday night after damaging a hamstring in the Lions’ Melbourne loss.
Ten more players – six Wallabies and four Lions – have secured points in the opening two Tests. A further 36 points – and a maximum of 18 points for any individual – are up for grabs in the 'Man of the Series' award on Saturday night, with a presentation to be made post-match.
Man of the Series Award (Progressive points after two Tests)
1. Will Genia 19
2. Israel Folau 15
3. Leigh Halfpenny 11
4. George North 11
5. Sam Warburton 7
6. Benn Robinson 3
7. Jonathan Sexton 2
8. Adam Ashley-Cooper 2
9. Christian Leali’ifano 1
10. James O’Connor 1
