The Rugby World Cup champions won three of the five main categories as well as the supreme award at last night's Westpac-sponsored awards, held at SkyCity in Auckland.

It was the first time since 1987 - a date that had been used to taunt All Black fans until recently - that the team had claimed the supreme award. Captain Richie McCaw, who inspired his side to a one-point victory over France in the final despite a serious foot injury, was named Westpac Sportsman of the Year. Sir Graham Henry was, unsurprisingly, Sky Coach of the Year, and his All Blacks Westpac Team of the Year.

World champion shot-putter Valerie Adams was named Sportswoman of the Year after smashing the world championship record with a personal best. Sophie Pascoe won the first Disabled Sportsperson of the Year for winning two gold medals in world record time at the Pan Pacific Para Swimming Championships.

The All Blacks capped their stellar night by winning New Zealand's Favourite Sporting Moment, the public voting the World Cup's final whistle.

Article sourced from NZ HERALD -