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.
Mike
Guest
How would you know? :)
Keeping it real
Guest
Good club man was the point I was making.
ohtani's jacket
Guest
I can buy this. After playing for the Wallabies and being told you're the best in the world constantly getting dropped must cut deep.
Justin3
Guest
Perhaps that he may pull his finger out and work harder and become a truly great prop, not just a pretty decent one.
Magic Sponge
Guest
Maybe Link and Topo should show how it is done and play for 20 minutes. I reckon they could still scrummage better these Generation Y or zeros.
Magic Sponge
Guest
You obviously did not watch the games. Got destroyed in the Easts and Uni games I saw.
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
I need reminding of the details - I thought Robinson was dropped about two years ago because he'd gone off the pace a bit, not as enthusiastic about any part of it; and that this recent fall from favour was for much the same reason. I'd be happy to hear what happened and why on both those occasions.
Keeping it real
Guest
Was good to see he put is heart and soul into playing for the Woodies though!
Magic Sponge
Guest
We are about to get demolished in the scrums because the pack are soft, especially the props and they dont have the fire and heart of the Springboks. Robinsons club form was average at best but your right Mike the Scrum is not working in unison so is not up to any one individual. Boys hope you enjoyed your holidays but should have been on the scrum machine and doing contested scrums against good packs.
fernando marzano
Roar Rookie
Mike I do believe that Ben can change the situation of the Wallabies Scrum, is more if Mc Kenzie include Sekope Kepu of Tighthead prop, the Boks are not going to be that easy. Surely Ben will defeat Jannie Du Plessis in his contest, and WB's confidence will grow from Scrum. Fernando - Argentina
Mike
Guest
I'm not sure what the dropping of Robinson was supposed to achieve. But whatever, now he's back. It doesn't change the deeper issue with the Wallabies at present - the apparent lack of purpose behind their scrum coaching. No single player is going to change that.