A Super Rugby appearance record is being set this week but Australian George Smith could already have left that mark for dead had he not spent several seasons overseas.
Crusaders prop Wyatt Crockett made his 176th appearance on Friday, in the match against the Sunwolves in Christchurch, nudging him one match clear of fellow New Zealander and front row forward Keven Mealamu.
Reds captain Stephen Moore, who is being rested this week, is third overall and the leading Australian on 171, followed by retired Wallabies lock Nathan Sharpe on 162.
Seven of the top eight are forwards, with former All Blacks centre Ma’a Nonu the sole back.
On Saturday, flanker Smith will notch his 150th Super Rugby game when he runs out for the Reds against South Africa’s Kings in Brisbane.
Smith would likely have smashed the 200 appearance mark in Super Rugby had he not sought to go overseas in 2010, after playing 11 seasons for the Brumbies.
The 36-year-old briefly retuned to the Canberra-based franchise for a guest stint in 2013 and has another season left on his Reds contract.
The champion backrower potentially missed out playing in another 80 matches, as he opted not to play in five full Super Rugby seasons.
Acting Reds captain and Wallabies centre Samu Kerevi said the team had addressed Smith’s milestone this week.
“He’s a valuable player to our team, (his) 150th game is a massive milestone, it just shows the type of calibre of player he is,” Kerevi said on Friday.
Smith won 111 Test caps and numerous individual awards while representing the Brumbies and Wallabies.
He continued to earn accolades and awards during his time overseas, when he played in some 130 matches for clubs in Japan, France and England.
Kerevi emphasised Smith had already brought plenty to the Reds this season despite them winning just one of seven games this year.
“I think just his positive vibes around the team and his knowledge around the game,” Kerevi said.
“Obviously playing that many games he’s been part of a lot of successful teams and he’s gained a lot of knowledge through wins and losses; so it’s been a real credit to his character.
“He’s real positive just going about his business, which is why I like him.
“Doing his extras and doing the things that a lot of people don’t see but we see it as teammates and I think he’ll have a big game this weekend.”
Ants32
Roar Rookie
+1 :D
Ants32
Roar Rookie
+1 :D
Bakkies
Guest
World War II took several years out of Bradman's career constantly fails to get a mention online when Bradman's career gets discussed.
Harry
Guest
Great to see the champion have a blinder today against the Kings, best player on the ground and exhibiting the full range of skills. Cheika should certainly have him in the Wallaby 23. Look forward to George v Hooper in two weeks time.
RubberLegs
Guest
George performed his trademark superb tackle and turnover against the Brumbies last week and the ref penalised him for not releasing. George did the release the player upon dumping him on the ground, then he grabbed the ball. George has to subdue his athletic genius and perform the manoeuvre as normal mortal pace so the the game-ruining inconsistent officials can keep up with the action.
puff
Guest
George Smiths longevity is a testament to his enduring qualities to survive the modern game. Although some folk may suggest his game is becoming one dimensional, at 35 he has lost none of his ability to read the play and make critical decisions or produce that George magic on queue. May the magic continue for a while yet.
Muglair
Guest
Being a far more team oriented game it is a bit hard to use Bradman as a comparison for rugby players, he dominated his sport as an individual for 20 years. Maybe McCaw comes close but his prodigious records owe as much to him being a member of a dominant All Blacks team. I assume that by "long career" you are referring to the fact he only played about 60 tests but Bradman played for Australia 1928 - 1948. WW2 and the fact that travel was by sea meant only that many were played. He still scored a lot of runs on that 48 tour and I suspect only retired to attend to his business interests.
Dave_S
Roar Rookie
rugbyness /RUGbinəs/ noun The quality of being like George Smith
Harry Jones
Expert
Pure rugby greatness.
Old Bugger
Guest
Ed Zachary mate....
Paul
Guest
Given he seems to be able the play every game he could hit 200 by the time he's, 31-32?. That leaves plenty more years for an overseas stint should he choose it. I think he loves the surf, so might be happy living the beach life for a while yet
Fionn
Guest
Do you think Hooper will stay in Aus longterm? Hooper's ability to stay injury free is really pretty incredible. He's one of the most durable players I've ever seen.
Paul
Guest
Hooper will hit 100 by the end of the year at 25. 200 is just about a dead certainty. No I'm not mentioning Hooper to make any comparisons or to detract from Smiths milestones, so back under your rocks Hooper haters! ;) And I don't think Bradman is the right comparison, as he was brilliant, but not for an especially long career.
Fionn
Guest
Congrats, George. You're the greatest Brumby, Australian professional player, and, I would argue, Wallaby of all time. You've been a great servant of Australian and Canberran rugby and having grown up watching you was a true privilege.
Fionn
Guest
I love you, Jock. Best comment I've read all year.
Rhys Bosley
Guest
Yeah, and Kerevi does too ;-).
Rt
Guest
Got a good future in the game that kid.
AndyS
Guest
Imagine a 200+ player! Would almost be Bradmanesque, even in the age of expansion.
Jock Cornet
Guest
Legend make him ARU CEO