Let’s talk about it. George Smith is back as the ACT Brumbies take on NSW Waratahs at Canberra Stadium tonight. Join us for live scores and updates from 7.40pm AEDT.
Tonight he’ll be playing for the Brumbies alongside David Pocock, the man who shortened his Wallaby career and sent him packing to France – a departure many perceived as premature.
There’s something to be said for earning a buck, we all need a bob or two from time to time, but for a man to leave while he still had so much left to give, well it was like finding out Santa Claus was actually Turkish. It was disappointing.
Smith, who is the youngest person in history to have notched up 100 tests, rarely if ever had a bad game and it’s difficult to recall a single injury during his career.
He must be made of tougher stuff.
Smith will partner up with specialist openside Pocock, and it will be fascinating to see how they interact together under coach Jake White.
For a time at the Crusaders Richie McCaw partnered up with another fetcher in Matt Todd.
The pair would hover next to each other in the defensive line, but only McCaw would go in for the tackle, turning and exposing him to Todd who would thank-you-very-much and complete the transaction.
Of course, tonight Smith and Pocock are up against another world class flanker in Michael Hooper, and we all want to see who comes out of this scrap on top.
Brilliant.
It’s a shame Robbie Deans can’t fit all three in the national team. Perhaps Michael Hooper could play at number eight as he has the running game for it.
And not forgetting of course Liam Gill who snuck in a cheeky MOTM performance last week for the Reds.
It’s all a bit silly, really.
Aside from the Smith-Pocock-Hooper sideshow, there will be a few others to watch.
Jesse Mogg, the best runner in the country, is a bit of a pyromaniac and will be looking to set things on fire again tonight with his speed, skill and propensity for the audacious chip and chase.
The Waratahs will be looking to build on last week’s scrappy five-point win over the Rebels, where they managed to turn on the gas in the second half, hop and bop their way to a win. A three-try spate in the second half coincided nicely with the introduction of Ben Volavola.
This young man is going to be massive.
Game on.
Join us at 7.40pm AEDT tonight on The Roar, the place to be for live scores and where you can have your say on the go.
Phil Bird
Roar Guru
Actually Wayne smith from the australian ran with our Roar article "the waratahs are the new reds"
jeznez
Roar Guru
What has Kearnsy said? He is passionate about the Tahs but has he hyped them? I never get to see the Fox rugby shows over here so if he has suggested they will win the title or even the Aussie conference I will have to take your word for it. Certainly I've seen nothing in print making either of those claims and Kearnsy hasn't made comments that amount to hype during his commentary which I do get
jeznez
Roar Guru
I have zero idea, Ulugia's throwing is pretty poor but Holmes certainly did not bring improvement in that area
Dan H
Guest
I might be wrong but werent you the one touting the possibilties of folau?
mikeylives
Guest
Is that the same diehard Waratah supporter and ex-waratah player Phil Kearns that tipped the Brumbies to win pre-match? Hmmm...
Bunce
Guest
Suggest you watch the game in slow_mo and you'll see Hooper comprehensively outplayed by George, and Dennis plodding and offering little inspiration or leadership. Palu was once again absent through injury, his usual position. A pity, because Mowen would have showed him up. Like TPN, Palu is too injury prone to remain in Wallaby contention. If Deans want spirit and passion, Brumbies will form the nucleus of his team. Tahs are pampered poodles, yet again.
Jutsie
Guest
jez what was with the dropping of ulugia for holmes? holmes was poor for the rebels last year so not sure why the tahs even recruited him let alone drop ulugia out of the squad to bring him in.
Bunce
Guest
Are you joking Jeznez? Phil Kearns?
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
Yes, HT, White delayed his surgery at the request of Deans, then he didn't pick him.....that is poor management. White could have opted for surgery at the end of the Super Rugby season, but delayed it because he was told, by Deans, that he was to be part of the RC squad.......then he picked the 3rd option ahead of his supposed back up. Whichever way you try and spin it, that is poor man management.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
If Mogg is not the starting fullback in the Lions series then Australia deserve to lose. Beale is mud and has been nothing close to world class since pre world cup . Oconnor has no idea what position he plays these days. People might be concerned about his lack of experience going into such a big test, but imo the experience of being part of the Australian backline in the past 18 months has been a negative one.
Boomeranga
Guest
Remember these days Billy Bob? http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/08/14/brumbies-the-real-madrid-of-australian-rugby/ There's hope for us yet.
Justin2
Guest
You are right about that, though Kearns is probably worse. Kearns issue is he appears to know dark all about the game. You wouldn't think it could be so for a wallaby captain to sound so utterly clueless but our Phil is a genius at sounding just that.
Justin2
Guest
White was shafted, how many games did he misss with his injury last year? Phipps is not in the same class as white never will be. Deans is a rubbish selector. http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/unwanted-white-opts-for-surgery-20120831-255kd.html Again for your perusal....
Justin2
Guest
And Dennis has been a great disappointment since his super 15 efforts last year.
Billy Bob
Guest
Boomerang, it would be interesting to see the relative salaries of each team. On the Tahs side are the Wallaby millionaires, and on the other side with exceptions, are jake white's 'no names'. I've said it countless times before- the Tahs have a cultural problem. It is in part at least, geographical. They camp in a place called Moore Park, you all know it. It's that stadium with NRL and AFL signage all over it. And the Tahs have that crowd that might turn up, and might make a sound, if it's not considered too impolite. The team representing NSW needs to represent NSW. Introduce them to the suburbs, towns and regions. Then introduce these suburbs, towns and regions to the Tahs. Get some passionate following. Ever seen state of origin? Then bring in a Randwick back rower or an Eastern Suburbs water boy to coach something out of the passion. Rant over.
jeznez
Roar Guru
HT. that is comedy gold. Next you will be saying coaches nfluence team performance and players get injured at training.
jeznez
Roar Guru
I'm still happier with that performance than I was with the equivalent match last year. What is to be sucked in about?
jeznez
Roar Guru
Name one media person talking the Tahs up. It's a myth.
jeznez
Roar Guru
I'd call Holmes a journey man rather than a rookie but the rest of your comment stands.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Juts I'm not sure i agree with Mitchell. Hooper was decent Robinson was good and the rest of the Tahs got beaten man for man. I still preferred the style of play the Tahs tried to employ and can't fault the effort. Am still on board for what Cheika is trying to achieve.