Sharpe suddenly in demand with Deans

[blueandblack]

Just two months after fearing his international career was over, Nathan Sharpe is set to be a pivotal figure in Australia's Bledisloe cup team to take on New Zealand in an historic Hong Kong clash.

Coach Robbie Deans will be forced to field a new-look back row for Saturday week's clash with the All Blacks after receiving more injury bad news today.

The luckless Hugh McMeniman and rookie Peter Kimlin were both ruled out of the Hong Kong showdown - and almost certainly the first Test of the European Spring Tour as well - after breaking down during another demanding team training session.

The rest here

[Thequeerone]

I was hoping the article was about his leadership qualities not just more injury problems

[GIGS20]

OK, Bristles up.....I just don't Fu**in understand why this is so sudden. Either Robbie Deans just isn't looking or this is a media beat up but Nathan Sharpe has been the most consistent second rower in the team this year, with the possible exception of James Horwill, yet every article this season has been about how he is only being selected due to injury. I wonder how this comes about, was he actually dropped for the tour or 'rested' given that his Mrs was about to pop one out? anyway Sharpie, here's another opportunity to prove to the rest of the World that you are the first choice lock in the team and help the media to understand why you're the only forward (AFAIK) that has a Wallabies contract until the next World Cup!

[Thequeerone]

Jealously pure jealously - the game without Sharpie the whole front 8 was a mess, the lineouts a farce etc.. Deans must have been seriously worried that the front 8 couldn't string two moves together without Sharpie on the pitch - his is should a passive understated leadership - which means it probably is undervalued - unlike Waugh who gives excellent copy for the Journos

Succession planning for Sharpie is imperative but reckon he will make it to RWC 2011

[GIGS20]

By then, we'll be seeing a bunch of talented young locks who have apprenticed under Sharpe at the Wallabies Forward Factory (the for the uninitiated)
Think about it, Beef O'Connor, Tommy Hockings, Sammy Wykes, and caveman Pusey will all have done the succession plan under the best of the best. will be happy as long as they select correctly and close their ears to the addle-brained wankers in the media!

[lara93]

its great to see that sharpie is suddenly in demand

[James]

OK, Bristles up.....I just don't Fu**in understand why this is so sudden.

Sydney media have never liked Sharpie and any support he had out of Queensland dried up the day he signed for the Force. What it comes down to is that they need a scapegoat to explain why the Waratahs front row which is competant in the Super 14 is a disgrace at international level. Not being able to accept the fact that they are just not good enough they blame Sharpie.

Sharpie is like the new George Gregan. A very talented and experienced player who takes the blame for underperformance in the team and as soon as he's gone you really see it in how the team performs.

[Flamethrower]

The Score - Rugby Home

Have a look at the player stats for any test Sharpe played this year. See if anyone can work out where the other 2nd rower beat him.

[robyn <3]

make a bloke feel second choice much!
nathan is a brilliant player, who didn't deserve to be dropped. if 1 or 2 not-so-perfect games makes him a bad player, what the HELL is lote tuqiri doing in the team (sorry, i'm still bashing him)
its good he is in demand, but do you wanna wait any longer robbie?

i really want him to score two tries next game, just to show robbie who is who go get 'em sharpie!