Carter and McCaw in running for top player

CARDIFF - All Blacks Daniel Carter and Richie McCaw are again shortlisted for the international rugby player of the year award.

The list is scheduled to be revealed this week by the International Rugby Board.

Canterbury Crusaders and All Blacks first five-eighths Carter won the 2005 award. He also won the New Zealand player of the year and the New Zealand Players Association player of the year awards for 2005.

Another in the shortlist is Wallabies fullback Chris Latham, who quietly celebrated his nomination by scoring one of the great individual tries in test rugby against Wales yesterday.

The 31-year-old has been nominated alongside All Blacks captain McCaw, Carter, Irish lock Paul O'Connell and South African halfback Fourie du Preez, with the winner to be announced at a ceremony in Glasgow on November 26.

- AAP