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King George you will be missed

George Smith playing for Stade Francais. AFP PHOTO / THIERRY ZOCCOLAN
Roar Pro
20th May, 2013
13

I feel robbed, yes robbed, of the chance to watch one of my favourite all time rugby players don the Wallaby jersey one last time.

George Smith’s knee injury has left me gutted, god knows how he must be feeling.

Yes he has been there, done that, earning player of the series honours when the Lions toured in 2001. However to play the Lions in two separate series would have been very special.

He was 20 odd minutes from guaranteed selection before he did his knee against the Waratahs in a brutal clash which also claimed Tatafu Polota-Nau and probably Pat McCabe.

Injuries are part and parcel of the game which Australian rugby knows too well in recent years.

However George Smith was Mr Dependable, Mr Durable during his 10 seasons as a Wallaby and rarely missed a game. I was really looking forward to seeing him one more time in Wallaby colours.

Notwithstanding my admiration for the great man, he will be a big loss in a colossal series.

His toughness and experience can not be replaced. I’m surprised not much has been written about this. I realise Quade Cooper and Israel Folau have dominated the discussion and column space, however we are talking about one of the greatest Wallabies of all time.

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I wish Michael Hooper and Liam Gill all the best as they will need to bring every ounce of fortitude to this series.

I just wanted to watch my favourite player go round one more time in the green and gold. I’m glad I went to ANZ to watch the Waratahs and Brumbies.

King George, you will be missed.

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