Having survived the potential threat of a Mayan apocalypse, most people (well me anyway) are now merrily plotting their 2013 rugby-viewing calendar.
As always, there’s much to look forward to and in the spirit of Oscar season, here’s a brief BDR awards preview:
6 Nations – 02 Feb
Best Actor Nominees:
Owen Farrell – the new(ish) golden-boy of England rugby, his performances and delivery have been deadly this season.
Best Director nominees:
Rob Howley – the Welsh head coach is putting together an all-star cast, in an epic bid to retain the 6-Nations title.
If it was a Spielberg film:
The Colour Purple – the Scottish thistle will be in full bloom if they manage to win, well….anything really.
Super rugby – 15 Feb
Best Actor Nominees:
Schalk ‘the Hulk’ Burger – back from ‘injury’ (or what industry insiders call a cosmetic surgery getaway) to take a lead role in the The Stormers’ campaign.
Best Director nominees:
John Plumtree – he came painfully close to the ultimate prize last year with a stellar performance (remember this?), he has also brought in critically acclaimed assistant director Carlos ‘Twinkle Toes’ Spencer to help with this year’s production.
If it was a Spielberg film:
Jaws – the Sharks will be hoping the sequel is better than the last one.
British & Irish Lions Tour Australia – 1 June
Best Actor Nominees:
Brain O’Driscoll – the man, the legend, will be hoping his rousing performances can help make amends for missing out in the 2001 awards…and who knows, maybe bag him a lifetime achievement award!?
Best Director nominees:
Robbie Deans – despite a rocky few months at the helm, the Wallaby coach is still Top-Gun…and some might say a bit of a rebel with a cause.
If it was a Spielberg film:
War of the Worlds – well okay, hemispheres…if you want to be picky about it!
4 Nations Rugby championship – 17 Aug
Best Actor Nominees:
Richie McCaw – he may be taking a sabbatical (trying out a new hair-style?), but really…is there any competition here?
Best Director nominees:
Santiago Phelan – the Argentine head-honcho will be hoping to make another impression with his portrayal of gritty realism, having taken the best foreign language accolade in last year’s competition.
If it was a Spielberg film:
The Terminal – there’ll be lots of time spent in these during the course of this competition.
Richie McCaw preparing his acceptance speech.
