British and Irish Lions

The team's underwhelming performance at the World Cup means only Rodney So'oialo of the Kiwis' front-line international performers appears among the leading honours.

Auckland and Blues duo Daniel Braid and Isa Nacewa, the former Fiji back, go up against So'oialo for the 2007 Player of the Year.

Braid is also a nominee for Super 14 Player of the Year, joined by Blues team-mate Isaia Toeava and Highlanders scrum-half Jimmy Cowan.

Auckland, surprise Air New Zealand Cup semi-finalists Hawke's Bay and the national Under-19 team are Team of the Year Nominees.

British & Irish Lions tour manager Andy Irvine has backed Warren Gatland's call to protect his Test side for Saturday by picking a makeshift side to face the Brumbies in Canberra tonight.

Shane Williams will become the oldest back to play for the British & Irish Lions when he makes his 15th appearance in the famous jersey after answering an emergency SOS from former Wales team mate Rob Howley.

The British & Irish Lions are bracing themselves for chilly conditions in Canberra this evening, and fans of both sides are being urged to do the same.