You can vote NOW for Cardiff Blues centre Owen Williams who has been named as one of ten nominees for the LV=Breakthrough Player Award this season!
The LV=Breakthrough Player Award shortlist has now been confirmed, and will be put to a public vote on www.LV.com/rugby.
Supporters have until March 10 to cast their vote for this year's award. The 2014 LV= Breakthrough Player Award winner will be announced prior to the LV=Cup Final at Sandy Park, Exeter on 16th March.
Joining the list of LV= Breakthrough Player Award nominees are:
Dan Baker, Ospreys
In a high-scoring and entertaining affair, Ospreys edged out Sale on Friday evening. Despite the visitors having their backs to the wall with far less possession, the Sharks outscored Ospreys five tries to four but were ultimately outgunned by the sheer power of the Welsh region. At the forefront of the Ospreys' attacking prowess was number 8 Dan Baker, who managed an incredible nine defenders beaten from 14 carries. This included an initial break and try scored, while in total he gained 58 metres; an average gain of over 4m per carry. In defence he was nearly almost faultless, missing just one of eight attempted tackles.
His match stats are below:
Carries – 14
Metres – 58
Defenders beaten – 9
Initial breaks – 1
Tackles – 7/8
Tries - 1
Owen Williams, Cardiff Blues
Owen Williams is already making himself a household name in Welsh rugby. Though not involved in Wales' RBS 6 Nations 2014 campaign at the moment, the Cardiff Blues player continued to enhance his reputation in the Blues' 35-5 demolition of Harlequins on Friday evening. Though not on the score sheet himself, Williams assisted a try, beat three defenders and made three initial breaks. He was one of just five players to gain over 100 metres over the course of the weekend, with a remarkable average gain of 14.9 metres per carry. In defence he made 5/7 tackles and won turnover ball through a jackal.
His match stats are below:
Carries – 7
Metres – 104
Defenders beaten -3
Initial breaks – 3
Try assists - 1
Ollie Devoto, Bath Rugby
Despite Devoto's young age he has already made a serious impression at The Rec with a series of accomplished performances both in the LV= Cup and also in the Premiership. In the Cup this season he has consistently turned in all-round performances. In attack he has made 67 metres from 23 carries, proving his ability to beat defenders (four) and bring teammates into play (5 offloads) in the process. A tackle success rate of 90% shows his strength in defence and paired with three turnovers won and you can see why there is a buzz down in Bath about this youngster.
His match stats are below:
Carries – 23
Metres – 67
Defenders beaten – 4
Offloads – 5
Tackles – 37
Tackles % - 90%
Turnover won 0 3
Matt Hankin, Saracens
Hankin has been the standout defensive player in the LV= Cup this season, making the joint most tackles of any player in the competition and still achieving a success rate of 92%. The England age-group player has also pitched in with five turnovers won (joint-fifth most) and made 35 metres from 19 carries, crossing for a try against Scarlets in the process. Having gained some good game time in the LV= Cup this season he will be hopeful of securing some minutes under his belt in the Premiership before the season is over.
His match stats are below:
Carries – 19
Metres – 35
Tackles – 45
Tackle % - 92%
Turnover Won - 5
To view the full list of nominees visit www.LV.com/rugby