George Smith’s return to the Brumbies might be good for Australian rugby, but it seems there’s no longer room for the star No.7 at the Wallabies.
The 110-Test veteran said last week he’d have to consider making a comeback to face the might of the British and Irish Lions in June and July if approached by the Australian Rugby Union.
That’s despite signing only a short-term contract to take him through to the end of the Super Rugby season before a return to Japan.
However, national coach Robbie Deans made it clear on Thursday that Smith is not in his plans for openside flanker, with David Pocock the clear first choice ahead of up-and-coming stars Michael Hooper and Liam Gill.
Deans doesn’t begrudge Smith for leaving Australia in 2010 and wouldn’t run the line through the 32-year-old, but said he’d prefer to concentrate on “realities”.
“It’s obviously a short-term contract so there’s no point in second guessing. He’s not a possibility for us right now,” Deans said.
“Hopefully we won’t need to (investigate his availability further) … I’d rather chase realities.”
But Deans is excited about the knock-on effect his presence at the Brumbies might have on Pocock.
The coach remembers fondly 2009 against Wales in Cardiff, where Pocock and Smith combined to deliver Australia an emphatic 33-12 victory.
Smith plays his first match from the bench against the Waratahs on Saturday, meaning Pocock could have less time on the field and keep relatively fresh.
“It will give David some respite and not worry about if he gets pulled because he knows he’s got someone capable of filling the void if he leaves the ground,” Deans said.
“I’ve got no doubt you’ll see them driving each other.”
Kane
Roar Guru
I sure as hell hope that he's on his radar now and Folau's off it
Crockycrocky
Guest
First game mightn't be til then but apparently to play in the season he needs to be registered/signed/contracted by July 1.
Crash Ball2
Guest
That Thorpey bloke is one hell of an openside eh JBJ?
Crash Ball2
Guest
"He's not a possibility for us right now" - this statement is fair. Does not discourage the worthy young tyros fighting for their place in history but also leaves open the possibility if Smith makes an irresistible case or injuries cruel our back row stocks. Whilst I would selfishly love to see him run around in gold one more time, I agree with Deans in this instance. Not because Smith wouldn't make a telling, vital contribution to a series victory - he would - but rather that beyond this series (there will indeed be rugby afterwards) some young gun who may play as important a role to the Wallabies as Smith himself, may be robbed of a key rite of passage on their own path to greatness. This said, talk of GS's massive last year decline, is revisionist garbage. Smith was playing smarter, more adaptive rugby and at times reminding doubters in a straight up "anything you can do..." fashion that age had just enhanced his skill set. I have no words for any commentator that believes the Wallabies didn't need GS at RWC 2011. The laws of gravity clearly don't apply on your planets. Most of us carbon based life forms (including I'd bet one B. McCalman) would strenuously disagree.
Jonny Boy Jnr
Guest
The last former The Wallabies need is an open side flanker. 'Never say never' in case Pocock, Gill & Hooper get injured but really this guy is another Thorpey. Just watched the Reds/Rebels game and Higginbotham was superb. Hopefully Dingo doesn't put his disciples McCalman or Dennis in or we'll be straight back to where we were last year
ohtani's jacket
Guest
People in Japan wouldn't care that a Suntory player is playing for Australia against the Lions. Rugby is barely marketed in Japan, most people don't know that Australia even play rugby and the Lions concept is meaningless to the general populace.
Kane
Guest
You don't rate "form" very highly do you
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
Untrue. Only last season he was out of form.
Kane
Guest
Kurtley hasn't been a good test player since 2010. 2011 he was ok 2012 he was poor.
Kane
Guest
First game 31st of August long time inbetween
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
Totally untrue: his last season off-form, but plagued by injury too. The one before that he was great. The difference is that Smith had declined through age and probably exhaustion after 100 international caps in the incredibly demanding position of openside flanker. Beale was a form lapse, not a decline with age.
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
A very important last year. He went from being stellar at international level to being average. He was surpassed by Pocock. He had become a much lesser player, unsuprisingly after 100 caps. And that was in 2010. It's now 2013. How he played for the Brumbies is irrelevant to his playing for the Wallabies. His final international season was very average. The decline had suddenly set in.
Brett McKay
Expert
J2, he's actually won the Brett Robsinson Medal for the Brumbes player's player nine times in all, including his final season in 2010..
Justin2
Guest
as I said above he would be an ideal bench player if his form warrants selection. then again that doesn't matter much it seems.
Justin2
Guest
thanks for setting the record straight, always struck me as odd that puerile were saying he had become a liability and that Pocock had gone so far pay him etc etc.
Brett McKay
Expert
Not if Suntory want him back in Japan, he won't be..
cantab
Guest
Fair call, though...if he plays well enough i'm sure he will find himself on the radar ... injuries to either Pocock or Hooper will also change things.
Kane
Guest
Smith will be here in July if needed, and if he is the last game is on July 6th. It's not like you need him for the whole month just six days.. They allowed SBW to play for the All Blacks I'm sure they would allow Smith a chance to play for the Wallabies. It would be a huge marketing buzz for Suntory.
Kane
Guest
I would have Gill as my starter Smith on the bench due to his ability of being able to cover all three spots if his form warrents. Hooper doesn't attack the ball and only stands out when he has his wee runs. During a quiet game he disappares. Pocock offers the ability to attack the ball but nothing else and can't seem to make the steal if he's made the tackle unlike Gill. So if he's not starting then there's no room on the bench for him. I think the only flanker in the professional era to come even close to Richie is Smith. Pocock can only dream of it. Gill on the other hand this kids a talent. He will be eclipse Pocock before too long and he has the potential to be better that McCaw.
Kane
Guest
Kurtley Beales been pedestrian for his last two seasons, might as well ship him off as well.