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.
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.
ant
Guest
Yep agree. That way he can keep the brumbies on track to top the Aussie conference, while the reds watch their backs with the tahs momentum. ;-)
Worlds biggest
Guest
Brilliantly put Crashie !
Crash Ball2
Guest
I echo your sentiments WB. From a purely selfish perspective, what a rare privilege it would have been to see Smith trot out in Gold one last time. Putting aside the politics for a moment, here's a consummate competitor, willing to wager the sparkle on his phenomenal rugby legacy to test himself once more in the fastest, most demanding provincial rugby tournament in the world, three years after his international retirement and with critics keyboards poised at the ready (and clearly still tapping a furious beat north of the Tweed). Instead, through the course of an abridged season and with as little self-promotion as he ever mustered throughout a stellar career, Smith did his talking on the pitch, tirelessly positioned at the centre of Brumbies gravity and embodied the immovable object: at the breakdown, on the Brumbies team sheet and almost (almost!) the Wallabies. How about for a moment we celebrate the achievements of a wonderful athlete who could produce a Man of the Series effort in a B&I Lions tour some 12 years prior and still have the innate desire, undeniable influence and once-in-a-generation skill to not just make the Wallaby squad, but potentially be one of its most important components? - All the while, conducting himself with the poise, professionalism and fundamental class so often lacking in more talked about, more promoted and no doubt, less enduring current protagonists. If this is indeed the last Australian hurrah for Smith, what a brilliant ride it's been. Congratulations sir. And thanks.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
I wouldn't expect any different response Red Kev.
Red Kev
Guest
Nah, the smart thing is to leave him sitting in the stands watching the Lions. Better for Smith, better for Australian rugby.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Yeah I read the Canberra Times which mention the knee injury isn't as serious as originally thought. Smith could be back in 4 weeks which means if Deans is smart he will keep a squad spot available for him and he can join the camp. That would be 2 weeks before the opening International. I'd still pick Smith on one leg against the Lions.
peterlala
Guest
Unfortunate injury for the great George Smith. Would have loved to have seen him against the Lions.
bluerose (Rotuma Island).
Guest
i read on The Australian that Smith and McCabe still has a chance to play against the Lions, Smith will probably make it just in time for the 2nd or 3rd test
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Cheers Shop, you coming over for the Lions mate ? Burgess selection is ridiculous, at least Smith has been playing for the Brumbies and form warranted his selection.
Atawhai Drive
Guest
I agree with you on one level, Red Kev. But Luke Burgess is supposedly in the frame as reserve halfback, and his eligibility is more of a stretch than Smith's. The days of selecting only home-based players might well be numbered. Australia and New Zealand are the last two holdouts but you have to wonder how much longer that will be the case.
Shop
Guest
Nice one WB. He is definitely one of the greats and it would have been a fantastic way to send him out.
Red Kev
Guest
I disagree. While I do feel for George as Deans was clearly going to select him, him not playing the series is justice. He should never have been made eligible.
Who Needs Melon
Roar Guru
I'm with you WB. Although there was very little outward expression, the look on George's face as he left the field was gut wrenching. I really feel for the guy. My bet is that he'd heard he WAS in the squad and was really looking forward to it as his swan song. And now? No justice at all for the guy.