Brumbies coach Jake White says he will look into extending the loan of Wallabies great George Smith from Japanese club Suntory.
Smith, who is on a three month loan from Suntory during their off-season break, has been a revelation for the Brumbies following the season-ending injury to fellow openside flanker David Pocock.
Despite missing the opening two rounds, the 32-year-old ex-international is only behind Reds flanker Liam Gill for the most pilfers and turnovers forced in the entire competition after six rounds.
White said he would like to keep Smith in the side and will speak to whoever he needs to in order to find out if it’s possible, before quickly adding he didn’t want to rush the process.
“I think it would be a bit unfair for me to literally after two or three weeks start phoning and say `How long can I have him for?’” White said.
“They (Suntory) have been really kind by loaning him to us.
“So what I’ll do is just wait and see how the season pans out.”
Meanwhile, standout fullback Jesse Mogg and halfback Nic White are expected to return from injury to bolster a battered and bruised lineup this weekend against the Bulls following the Brumbies’ first defeat of the season.
The Brumbies lost to the Stormers 35-22 in Cape Town on Sunday morning and will take on their third South African franchise in as many weeks at Canberra Stadium this Saturday night.
While the Brumbies must overcome the jetlag of their trip back from South Africa, the Bulls have only to travel from Sydney where they lost narrowly to the Waratahs on Sunday.
White said he was looking forward to having the long-range kicking abilities of late-withdrawal Mogg and halfback White for the Bulls as it was an area of the Brumbies’ game that was found wanting against the Stormers.
“Both Jesse and Nic are very important in how we get from our D and C zone into the A zone,” White said.
“They recovered quite nicely in their week off so I’m hoping all things being equal they’ll be available for selection.
“It’s a major boost because they’ve been so good for us this season.”
Catch BBQ
Guest
Incorrect par was apparently added in by a sub. AAP correction was sent out immediately but not updated by The Roar.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
This article is via AAP - a wire agency. I have passed on this mistake. Thanks...
Well Duh
Guest
Yep. It can't be that hard to check the previous games before submitting the article?
Peter Breckenridge
Roar Guru
Yes Smith for the Wallabies as in David Lords article today.
mania
Guest
DT - thats the what makes GS great. the fact that he gets a hammering and still comes back for more
allblackfan
Guest
David, the Bulls lost to the Reds in Brisbane. The Tahs beat the Blues on Sunday.
ScrumJunkie
Guest
I agree, they we one the greatest centre pairings. However any 13 playing outside Horan looked like a world beater. Horan not only made himself look a genius, but those around him as well.
Hightackle
Guest
Smart enough to say his hands are tied. Its not up to Deans. Its up to the ARU and his Japanese club. He said this. He isnt allowed to select Smith, there is nothing stopping White selecting Smith.
Shop
Guest
He was a great Wallaby for me (commentator not so much). WB not sure he played in the 99 RWC though...?
jeznez
Roar Guru
Only an ARU rule not to select overseas based players. Under IRB rules George is eligible for the Wallabies and only the Wallabies at the international level.
GWS
Guest
Jake white. Smartest man in oz rugby. How smart is dingo?
Dingobob
Guest
I believe the ARU will have to ask the IRB to allow GS to play as he currently doesn't qualify for the Wallabies.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Shorty, IMO Kearns was a great player, a beast of a scrummager, good around the field and had mongrel. I know his commentating is incessantly annoying however the guy was a hell of a player. We we're lucky Foley and Jeremy Paul took over after he retired so we tend to overlook how good Kearns was. Jason Little not far behind Horan in my book. One of the most naturally gifted players I have seen, just brilliant to watch. Horan and Little must rank as one of the all time great centre combinations. Certainly the best I have seen.
Short-Blind
Guest
Nailed it Kevin - we need aura & some experience to gell the new / young blokes & GS fits the bill
Short-Blind
Guest
WB, good points you make, although I don't see how Kearns is called a Wallaby 'great'. Really not on the same planet as Horan, less so Little. Your thoughts?
Kevinsons
Guest
He will be the most experienced player on the field and as an icon of the sport his presence on the field is bound to have a subliminal impact on the opposition and the referee. Players like Lockyer & Fitler in Rugby League did it; McCaw obviously has the same impact; It will be a very long time until Aus rugby have this experience and aura to call on...
Worlds Biggest
Guest
No doubt he want out on top, Wallaby skipper playing well and a win in Cardiff to finish up.
DT
Guest
I believe the ARU then has to sign off. I think it must have been a bridge too far for Sharpe. His last 10 tests or so only came about because of injuries and maybe he wasn't sure he'd get a shot, despite all that experience. Bit of an emotional ride for him. Gotta call it quits sometime.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
If the Brumbies can get an extension does this mean he is available for the Lions series or does the ARU have to step in also ? DT, Sharpey must have been very tempted to play one more season to face the Lions. He made his debut the year after they last toured. I wish he stuck around for another year. We are light on for experienced 2 rowers. His leadership and lineout work will be sorely missed. Interesting that some of our Wallaby greats such as 2 time World Cup winners, Kearns, Horan and Little never played in a Lions series. They all made there debuts in 1989 after the Lions tour.
DT
Guest
Amazing isn't it. Nathan Sharpe plays for what seems like forever and doesn't get a chance to face the Lions. George Smith looks set to bookend his international career with Lions series. How's that for durability? I've got tapes, yes, tapes, of the 2001 series when GS was a dreadlocked 21yo, quite a bit slighter than today but immensely fearless at the breakdown. He got hammered, but kept getting back up for more. Nothing has changed. Like when Mark Ella came out of retirement to run around for Randwick in the mid to late 1980s, being able to see George Smith go around one more time is a real pleasure and treat. Legend.