The All Blacks claimed the Rugby World Cup crown with a narrow 8-7 victory over France back in October © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

News: McCaw declines New Year knighthood

Match Pack: All Blacks edge out France for World Cup glory

Players/Officials: Sir Graham Henry | Richie McCaw

Teams: New Zealand

The Rugby World Cup-winning All Blacks have been nominated for World Team of the Year at the 2012 Laureus World Sports Awards.

New Zealand claimed the sport's biggest prize with a narrow 8-7 victory over France in a nail-biting finale at Eden Park in October - an achievement acknowledged by the world's leading sports editors, writers and broadcasters who have shortlisted them for the Team of the Year honour.

However, if they are to follow in the footsteps of previous World Cup winners England and South Africa who both went on to claim the Laureus award, they are going to have to see off the challenge of some notable rivals.

Football giants Barcelona make the list following their UEFA Champions League and La Liga double last season while the England cricket team also makes the grade having lost just one of their 10 Test matches in 2011 on their way to the No.1 ranking.

Also nominated are the Dallas Mavericks, who edged out the Miami Heat to claim the NBA title, and the Japan Women's football team who beat the USA in a penalty shoot-out to win the FIFA Women's World Cup. Rounding out the nominations is the Red Bull Formula One Team who claimed the World Constructors Championship for the second straight year.

The 2012 Laureus World Sports Awards Ceremony will be staged in at Central Hall, Westminster in London on Monday, February 6.