WALLABIES COACH ROBBIE Deans says he may recall veteran forward George Smith for Saturday’s deciding Test against the British and Irish Lions.
Smith missed out on a spot in the final 23-man squad for last weekend’s 16-15 win in Melbourne, with Deans indicating the 100-Test forward was not yet fit enough to play.
But with another week of training with the rest of the squad now under his belt, Smith is looming as a shock starter in the back-row at ANZ Stadium.
Deans said there would be ‘surprises’ with the series on the line, with Smith’s experience and explosiveness at the breakdown seen as vital to the Wallabies chances of victory.
Value
“He’s got a week of training under his belt now and got some background with us so yes he is (available),” Deans said of Smith. “He’s certainly physically fit enough to be able to be considered for selection.
“It’s good to have him in the group. Even last week when he wasn’t out there on the playing field and wasn’t preparing to play, he was still preparing with the group. He offers good value for us.”
Smith has not played since injuring his knee in the Brumbies’ loss to the Waratahs on May 18. If the 32-year-old does get a start he will run out alongside skipper James Horwill, who said he was relieved to have been cleared of stamping to take his spot in the side.
No rematch of this little duel from 2001. Phil Walter/EMPICS Sport
Horwill learned of his fate yesterday morning following a marathon hearing the previous night, but said he was now focused on getting the win to help Australia retain the Tom Richards Cup.
“I love what I do and it means a hell of a lot to me to represent my country and not only to represent it but to lead it in what is arguably the biggest game in this country since the Rugby World Cup final in 2003,” Horwill said.
“I’m excited at that opportunity and now we can focus on the game, which is important. “I feel very vindicated by the way it’s gone.” With both the opening two games going right down to the wire, Horwill expects a similarly tight tussle on Saturday night.
“They’ve both been pretty epic struggles with not a lot separating both teams,” the skipper said. “I can’t see Saturday night being any different. “You need to take your opportunities when they’re there because you’ve seen in the first two games you don’t get many.
“You have got to be smart the way you go about your footy. “There’s opportunities that present themselves and the team that makes the most of those more often than not comes out on the right side of the scoreboard.”
Baloucoune for me is one of the most underrated young talents in the country, if he played for Leinster there’d probably be a lot more hype about him but every time I’ve watched him he’s been exceptional ( apart from when he should have been red carded v munster). He’s physically very well able and has decent speed but probably the most impressive thing about him is his ability to do the little things right all of the time. You rarely see him make mistakes. Sorry to see him injured, it could have been a good 12 months for him with Ireland but he’ll be back, I’ve no doubt about that. Hope he mends quickly.
@Jim Demps: right, now that Jim has his jab at Leinster out of the way, why don’t we all just not respond to him lest ANOTHER 42 thread becomes a mudsling-fest (the very kind Jim SWEARS he hates)?
@omgraham: agreed, 3 articles, none about Leinster, Jim fits in a dig about Leinster on each, on form today! … Baloucoune was called into the 6 nations squad , Is that enough recognition for you Jim?
@Dennis Reynolds: it’s his own Dennis system:
D: Demonstrate value with knowledge of the game
E: Engage with every article written about rugby
N: Nurture the idea that he is unbiased by sometimes complimenting Leinster players (I have witnessed this phenomenon)
N: Neglect reasoning to take a pop at Leinster at every given opportunity, thus bringing out the worst of the 42
I: Inspire hope by announcing you’re leaving the hell hole you’ve created to discuss rugby like an adult in a WhatsApp group
S: Seperate from said group to make a dramatic comeback, as sour and transparent as ever
@Dennis Reynolds: A bit like the Leinster fans who continuously cut Munster on the Munster articles and mention how great Leinster are. I’ve not seen you criticise them or is that different?
Really disappointing for Robert. Hope he come back stronger. Lucky we have good depth out wide.
Similar to Paul O’Connell it seems, in how it happened. Hopefully nothing near as bad
@Gareth Ward: Hope it’s not. Because of his age chances are he might make a full recovery and hopefully he does
Shame for him and Ulster as he is a big time player who has already established himself as someone with that match winning X factor quality.
Ulster don’t have the strength in depth and can ill afford to be missing players of his ability.
At least he has age on his side and that hopefully will lead to a full and speedy recovery
The 42 should stop with the injuries stories today.
@Chris Mc: Pretty bad news day all round isnt it