New Zealand duo nominated for world player of the year

(Reuters) - New Zealand, eyeing professional rugby's first perfect year for a national team, could enjoy further success after Kieran Read and Ben Smith were nominated for the world player of the year award on Friday. The pair are joined by South Africa's Eben Etzebeth, Wales's Leigh Halfpenny and Italy's Sergio Parisse in the running for the International Rugby Board's annual prize, won last year by All Black flyhalf Dan Carter. Number eight Read, 28, has been in dominating form as New Zealand look to cap a perfect 2013 with victory over Ireland on Sunday, while 27-year-old utility back Smith has started in all 13 Test victories to date this year, scoring 11 tries.
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