Wasps director of rugby Dai Young lamented George Smith’s inevitable departure from the English premiership side after watching Northampton unravel at the hands of the Australian legend.
Wallabies great Smith displayed his playmaking prowess by using footwork and guile to create two tries for Rob Miller in Sunday’s 28-6 victory over playoff rivals Northampton.
The 35-year-old openside flanker Smith, who gave England breakdown coaching during the Six Nations, is nearing the end of his one-year contract at Wasps and has resolved to complete the final instalment of his celebrated career in Japanese club rugby.
His stellar performances have marked him out as a leading contender for Premiership player of the season and Young views him as one of the league’s finest imports.
“There’s not really any way we could stop George leaving. We’d love to keep him,” Young said.
“When he came we knew it would only be for one year. He’s been excellent for us and for the Premiership as well.
“Everybody is enjoying watching a player of his quality. He’s got to be up there for Premiership player of the season.
“It’s the unseen stuff that he’s given us around the club, not just what you see on the pitch.
“He’s so professional in the way he prepares. He’s approachable and tries to help everybody. He’s a role model for any player.”
Smith and Miller combined to provide a low-quality showdown at the Ricoh Arena with two moments to savour as Wasps continued their pursuit of securing home advantage in the playoffs.
The Coventry-based club, who added a third try through Jamie Stevenson in the closing seconds, face Exeter in the Champions Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.
CUW
Guest
its difficult to compare over time - but i went for the contemporaries. i would think the iceman michael Jones would still rank above ritchie , playing in a different era under maybe differnt laws. also u have to say that the saffers did not play untill very recently and maybe there would have been real greats who never saw the dirt. i think michael jones is the torchbearer - mccaw took it and improved. guys like smith also learnt playing against guys like mccaw. what is interesting to wait and see , is if anyone can still improve flank-play.
Crash Ball2
Guest
Richie is indeed the greatest rugby player I have ever seen. Not my favourite, as you can imagine. But all allegiances aside, the best. I suspect that McCaw would have had similar consistency across any number of international / provincial rugby competitions and environments. However, we'll never know. His (remarkable) legacy has been exclusively attained within the rarefied air of Canterbury / Crusaders / All Blacks. All exceptional teams with strong management and high performance rugby programs. At provincial and (unfortunately) international levels, GS has often carried the can for workmanlike, mediocre or journeyman packs (sometimes entire teams). It is one thing to exude excellence within a world class side. It is another thing to shine like a diamond from the depths of a coal mine. In 2015, Smith was Top 14 first choice openside flanker(despite being selected more often than not at 8; within a then relegate Lyon side). Smith is arguably the finest forward in world rugby at imposing his considerable influence in patently outclassed sides. Still, in seeking a comparison for George Smith, it is interesting that you go straight to the top. On this sir, we agree.
CUW
Guest
" Can you think of any other players (of any age) that have affected that sort of tangible and consistent impact regardless of competition / management / environment? " RITCHIE MCCAW the GOAT :D
Crash Ball2
Guest
You are either paying a huge compliment to SH flankers generally, or doing a galactic disservice to George Smith. It's not just English flankers GS has dominated in his supposedly decrepit years. @ 35 - leading contender for Aviva Premiership Player of the Season @ 34 - Midi Olympique's Top 14 Flanker of the Season @ 33 - We're all familiar with Smith's eye-watering SR and International Test return - spearheading the Brumbies finals run; in some cases almost single-handedly dragging the ponies to victory (e.g. Brumbies V Bull SF @ Loftus Versfeld) @ 32 - League MVP Japanese Top League So that's England. France. SR. Japan. You'd contend that this probably covers the bulk of quality rugby players within this particular solar system. Can you think of any other players (of any age) that have affected that sort of tangible and consistent impact regardless of competition / management / environment? Indeed, Smith hasn't just dominated Aviva backrowers (and the rest Premiership as it turns out), he has - figuratively and literally - schooled them. BT Sports' Austin Healey: “Some things never go with age. Your ability to read situations, make the right decision, commit to a breakdown, not commit to a breakdown and generally feel a game. "George’s performances for Wasps have been nothing short of sensational this year. I genuinely believe Wasps would not have got more quality had they signed Richie McCaw. “George is high on tackles, high on breakdowns and high on all the stats, but that doesn't tell the whole story. It's George Smith's reading of the game and his link play that could just carry Wasps to a major trophy this season." Might have been handy in England last year...
Squirrel
Guest
He would still be great for the wallabies
CUW
Guest
as much as smith is good , it also shows how poor some of the english flanks are - to get dominated by a , what - 35 year old? maybe explains the reason for the demand for sh flanks in england :)
Daz
Guest
At 35 George is still tearing it up. The great man should have played 8 with Fardy at 6 and Pocock at 7 and we might have had a chance.
Brisbane Boys
Guest
Watched the Brumbies Saders 04 final on Fox about week ago and was just beautifully reminded of just how good he is.
Blinky Bill of Bellingen NSW
Guest
I have huge admiration for man, his skills, how he plays the game and what he has done for Rugby. I wish him nothing but the very best in this fantastic stage of his career. What a wonderful legend. As has been said before 'go you good thing'.
Tissot Time
Guest
George Smith a craftsman who plays the game hard and fair. Kudos to George
Lostintokyo
Guest
During Smith's last stint in Japanese rugby he dominated the competition too. And probably will again. Quite a storied history.