The All Blacks could not compete with Spanish soccer giants Barcelona when
the Laureus Sports Award for team of the year was handed out in London.
The World Cup champions were on the shortlist after claiming the Webb Ellis
Cup last year but missed out to the Champions League winners when the awards
were dished out on Tuesday morning (NZT).
There was also no joy for the Crusaders who were up for the comeback of the
year after reaching 2011's Super Rugby final despite playing the whole season
away from home after last February's earthquake devastated Christchurch.
Northern Irish golfer Darren Clarke scooped that award after his emotional
victory in the British Open.
Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic won the men's award after claiming three
Gland Slam titles, while Kenyan distance runner Vivian Cheruiyot was named
sportswoman of the year after winning the 5000m and 10,000m double at the world
athletics championships.
The winners were chosen by 47 sports stars who make up the Laureus sports
academy.
NZN