New Zealand's domination of world rugby was showcased with a near clean sweep at the World Rugby awards today - with one notable exception.
Following Sunday's Rugby World Cup final win over Australia, the All Blacks have won almost every award on offer including Daniel Carter being named player forthe year for a third time.
There was however one award that eluded the All Blacks - coach of the year.
Richie McCaw arrives with the Webb Ellis Cup at the World Rugby awards. Photo / Getty Images
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika denied Steve Hansen from winning the award for a fourth straight year despite the fact Australia defeated the All Blacks once in three attempts this year.
Carter won his third player of the year award to join captain Richie McCaw as the only player to win the accolade three times. Carter also won the award in 2005 and 2012.
Carter beat out teammate Julian Savea, Australian breakdown masters David Pocock and Michael Hooper, Welsh prop Alun Wyn Jones and Scottish halfback Greig Laidlaw for the top player award.
It's a fitting farewell for Carter who finished his career by kicking the final points of the 34-17 win over Australia, four years after missing the knockout stages of the 2011 after suffering a groin injury.
The All Blacks were named team of the year for the sixth straight year.
Steve Hansen, left, arrives at the awards ceremony. He was beaten to the coach of the year by Michael Cheika. Photo / Getty Images
The awards began with All Blacks winger Nehe Milner-Skudder being named breakthrough player of the year.
Milner-Skudder, who scored six tries at the Rugby World Cup, received the award ahead of fellow nominees Scotland centre Mark Bennett and Georgia halfback Vasil Lobzhanidze.
The young winger made his All Blacks debut in Sydney in July, scoring a double on debut, after an impressive season for the Hurricanes.
All time high: Carter with his award. Photo / Getty Images
He scored the opening try of the Rugby World Cup final as the All Blacks went onto defeat the Wallabies 34-17 to defend their title.
Fellow winger Julian Savea won the try of the year award for his bustling run in the All Blacks quarter-final victory over France in Cardiff.
Four All Blacks, Carter, Conrad Smith, Savea and Milner-Skudder, were named in the World Cup team of the tournament.
The awards began with Sonny Bill Williams being given a new winners medal after giving his to a fan after the final.
Black Ferns halfback Kendra Cocksedge was named women's player of the year while New Zealand's Portia Woodman won women's sevens player of the year.
Nigel Owens who took control of the World Cup final was named referee of the year.
South Africa's Werner Kok was named men's sevens player of the year while Ireland and Australian greats Brian O'Driscoll and Nathan Sharpe were awarded IRPA Special Merit awards.
