Recalled Wallabies prop Benn Robinson says being dropped from the squad last month was a massive shock that cut him deeply and took a long time to get over.
The cornerstone and linchpin of the Wallabies scrum for several years, 59-Test veteran Robinson was left out of the squad for the first four Rugby Championship games by new coach Ewen McKenzie.
The 29-year-old front rower, who started all three Tests of the British and Irish Lions series under previous coach Robbie Deans, was sent back to club rugby.
With the Wallabies scrum under pressure in their first four Rugby Championship games, Robinson was recalled to the squad for Australia’s last two fixtures away to South Africa and Argentina.
“It was a massive shock, a massive disappointment,” Robinson said of his axing from the squad.
“It took me a long time to get over it. The day after I had to play for (my club) Eastwood, so to get up for that game was tough.
“It hurt, it cut deep, it cut really deep.
“To be told that you’re out of the squad, a squad that I’ve been involved with for the last nine years, is probably one of the hardest conversations I’ve ever had.”
Robinson also found himself left out of the NSW Waratahs starting lineup for their first Super Rugby match of this season.
“When you are told you are not in the squad, or you’ve been dropped from the squad, it hurts you deep, it makes you reassess whether you are doing the right things,” Robinson said.
“It’s always an honour and it’s always jubilation when you do get the chance to play for your country or for your state, I never lose sight of that fact.”
Robinson,has stayed match fit, playing four games for Eastwood, including the NSW premiership grand final loss to Sydney University.
“Ewen and I had a chat and we spoke about going back and playing club footy and for me going back there, it really showed me how much I loved playing rugby,” Robinson said.
He has yet to play a match under the new scrum engagement calls which the Wallabies have had problems adjusting to.
“I haven’t played, so it would be really hard to comment on, but there’s still a lot of collision, there’s still a lot of impact, it still relies on having a very strong frame,and shape,” Robinson said.
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