Sam Harris (centre) of the NSW Waratahs is tackled by the ACT Brumbies George Smith (centre) and Mitchell Chapman (left) during their round 4 Super 14 match in Sydney. AAP Image/Paul Miller.
George Smith is the most valuable Australian forward, simply because of what he brings to the breakdown. Since his dreadlocked early days, Smith has revolutionised open side play.
With his low centre of gravity, he has been able to stay on his feet and win countless ball for both the Brumbies and Wallabies, prompting numerous other players to attempt to emulate hs style.
But the real value Smith brings to the team is the pilfering of the other team’s ball.
When a player intercepts the last pass destined for a try, and then scores a length of the field one themself, it is classed as a 14 point turnaround. From potentially being down 7, now you are up 7.
I think the same applies to Smith.
The impact of winning a turnover switches defence to attack, and (at the very least) lets a bit of pressure off. This influence can’t be underestimated. Who knows, in a ruck or two’s time, perhaps the opposition score?
Regardless, it is deflating to have your possession stolen, and your forwards turned around and marched back up field.
I would hate to think how much extra pressure would have been placed upon the Wallabies over the years had they not had George Smith bum up and reefing the ball away.
fred
Guest
yes smith is a great allrounder there is no doubt;a great competitor for sure.however i get the feeling both he and moore indulge themselves a tad in fringe obstruction and pragmatic "cheating" which is glaringly obvious to those referees who adjudicate full time for a living.. having said that it is clearly the principle of percentages at work.
sheek
Guest
Matt, I was coming from the angle that any player who revolutionises the way a position is played & thought of, is generally at the very top of tree (eg, Ella & flyhalf; Campese & wing). So I was contesting you from that viewpoint. Certainly agree he's one of the very best, perhaps just not the absolute best. I can also agree we would be a damn sight worse without him.
Matt
Roar Rookie
Sheek, I never claimed Smith was our all time best, or better than McCaw, not sure where you got that idea from? I said he is our best forward running around now. As for revolutionising open side play, a sweeping statement perhaps, but look at how many copied that low bridging style of pilfering after he burst onto the scene. The point of the article was that Smith has been responsible for taking pressure off by stealing possession many many times over the years, and we all know how the current Wallabies handle pressure.
sheek
Guest
Matt, I can't totally agree with you. Smith is an outstanding openside flanker. It's debatable whether he's the best ever in our history. Old-timers will argue Col Windon is that man. During his own generation, he isn't the best. Richie McCaw is better. Once McCaw established himself early in the ABs, his place has been unchallenged. Smith, on the other hand, has had to fend off the challenge of Phil Waugh, even moving to blindside for a spell. It's also interesting to note McCaw has only played in one losing team in NZ (back in 2003 against England). Smith occasionally has quiet &/or poor games. McCaw almost never. I wouldn't say Smith has revolutionised flanker play. He certainly has an amazing set of all-round skills. But if a flanker wants to be the best, they would emulate McCaw first, & Smith second.