By David Beniuk
July 18th 2009 @ 12:50am
One Rolex please, Mr O’Neill
George Smith would like a Rolex watch from Australian rugby boss John O’Neill to celebrate his 100th Test.
The Brumbies flanker, who turned 29 earlier this week, will become the 10th player in history to reach the milestone and the fourth Australian after George Gregan (139), Stephen Larkham (102) and David Campese (101), in Saturday’s Test against New Zealand in Auckland.
“I think I’m getting a Rolex from John O’Neill,” Smith joked on Friday.
“I don’t have one so I’d like one of them if he’s listening.”
O’Neill was listening earlier this year when he re-signed Smith to Australian rugby until the end of the next Rugby World Cup in 2011.
“Staying in Australian rugby has got that stability for me and also the lure of staying for the 2011 World Cup was a factor as well,” Smith said.
“I think this team is building to great things. I definitely want to be a part of that.”
Smith, who made his Test debut as a 20-year-old in 2000, said it was special to be reaching the ton against the All Blacks, who has played on 20 occasions.
“They’ve been the barometer for a number of years and I think playing in this game at Eden Park where we have the opportunity to break that (23-year Auckland) hoodoo, it’s a good opportunity,” he said.
Renowned for his ability to make the right decisions, particularly at the breakdown, Smith said being quick between the ears was more about instinct.
“Once you’re out there on the field the players seem to get in the zone and stay connected with the people inside and outside of you,” he said.
“You’re not too worried about the effect that (the opposition are) going to make. It’s more about you completing your role in that moment.
“I guess you’re not standing back, you’re always going forward to the contest.
“I seem to be around that area a lot of the time and if I’m quick enough to retrieve that ball first then I’m not going to let it go.”
Smith will relax on match eve as a member of the Wallabies‘ movie group.
As one sports comedy reporter suggested at Friday’s press conference, maybe the new Harry Potter film would be the ticket.
“It might get you in the mood for a bit of magic tomorrow,” the reporter said.
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