Waratahs captain Phil Waugh is disappointed his great rugby rivalry with George Smith won’t extend beyond this season, but is adamant Smith’s departure from international rugby won’t change his own focus.

Late last week Brumbies and Wallabies openside flanker Smith announced his immediate retirement from Test rugby and the coming Super 14 campaign will be the last with the Brumbies.

Rival No.7 Waugh has been either playing with or against Smith since they were 14 years old.

Smith has logged 110 Test caps to the 79 of Waugh who was born almost 10 months before his great rival.

Smith’s decision to exit the international arena would appear to smooth the path back to Test rugby for Waugh, who missed out on the Wallabies Spring tour late last year.

“That doesn’t change my focus, it’s always the same,” Waugh said at the Waratahs’ season launch on Monday.

“It’s disappointing to see George go, I’ve really enjoyed the battles that we’ve had.”

He was looking forward to their Super rugby showdown, which fitness permitting for both players, will eventuate in a round 11 clash in Sydney in late April.

While Waugh has shed his share of blood and collected his portion of knocks in scrapping with the likes of Smith and All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw, the encounters haven’t produced the same affect as his recent experience aboard Sydney to Hobart maxi yacht Investec LOYAL.

“I don’t feel sick when I’m playing rugby,” joked Waugh.

He supported the recent SANZAR directive to referees about play at the contentious breakdown area which should favour attacking teams and theoretically make life more difficult for ball pilferers like himself.

“It encourages teams to run with the ball which is good and gives the attacking team the advantage which is also important,” Waugh said.

“I think it will also reward guys that are good at the breakdown and guys who aren’t, will get penalised.”

© AAP 2012

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