Two of the six nominees for World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year are Samoan.

All Black loose forward Ardie Savea and USA Eagles hooker Joe Taufete'e are joined by Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa), Tom Curry (England), Alun Wyn Jones (Wales), Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa) on the shortlist for the award.

There was even a Samoan on the panel which decided on the nominees; former Manu Samoa centre Seilala Mapusua along with rugby greats including Richie McCaw, George Gregan and Brian O'Driscoll.

Savea might just be among the favourites for the award, which will be presented at the World Rugby Awards on Sunday.

Perhaps the best player in 2019 Super Rugby thanks to his form with the Hurricanes, Savea was outstanding in his nine All Blacks appearances as well, playing all back row positions while helping New Zealand finish third at the Rugby World Cup.

Meanwhile Taufete'e has made history by becoming the first player from a Tier 2 Nation to be nominated for World Player of the Year.

He smashed the international record for tries by prop, hooker or lock this year, and is now up to 20 tries from just 27 tests.

For comparison, that rate of 0.74 tries per test is better than what was managed by legendary wingers David Campese, Jonah Lomu and Bryan Habana.