Aussies drop Smith for vital game

[NewsBot]

Aussies drop Smith for vital game

Australia flanker George Smith has been left out of the team for Saturday's must-win clash against New Zealand.

[Flamethrower]

Smith will be like a psycho Bullterrier when he's let off the leash!!!

[felixnelson]

he was a bit hard done by. if they wanted to bring waugh into the starting side couldnt they have moved smith to number 8?

[Shaun]

Is he at least on the bench?

[Sagerian]

Ya he's on the bench

[.X.]

Honestly, I think this selection is a mistake. Smith is a much better breakaway then Waugh.

The big problem with both Smith and Waugh is that they are not a physical presesnce. If only they were 15kg heavier they would be the dominant force in World Rugby.

[Shaun]

Imagine crossing John Smit with George Smith...Dam that would be one awesome player!

[felixnelson]

why isnt he at number 8?

[JediKnight]

why isnt he at number 8?

because he isn't big/strong enough with the ball in hand

[Burgs]

Personally (as some may recall) I have been waiting for some time to see this.
I feel that, with Waugh being quality enough to take the opening barrage, Smith can acheive far more in the final 25-30 minutes than he can in the first 55-60 minutes.
He will be able to come on full of fire and brimstone when the opposition is starting to fall of tackles and the Props are slowing down.
We will see either way on Saturday but I feel it is an inspired move that could well unexpectedly see us over the line.
I know it goes away from the traditional "start your best XV" however the reality is that we are now in a 22 man sport and managing those impact type players to the best outcome is what it is now about.
Waugh is sure to run and tackle himself to a standstill while he is on (and I mean this as a compliment) as he knows no other way, I am confident this is a great selection by Knuckles.

[littleleck]

I know it goes away from the traditional "start your best XV"

Who ever said that knuckles isnt doing just that, picking his best 15. I mean sure enough richie mccaw is not someone to be comparing anyone to, but last weekend, in the worst game of rugby ever played, smith still didnt have the prescence which he normally would. I dont know if it is because his size is starting to hamper him (although i think it is), but i think it was about time that knuckles tried something different. waugh has a small advantage in size, and maybe that is what is needed to tame richie. I dont believe that either of them should be a number 8. they are both openside flankers, and openside flankers only. Perhaps smith will have more impact coming off the bench against the tiring defence as mentioned above.

[The Lone Hydrangea]

I think George needs a breather.He is definitely not a no8! Knuckles knows his onions! We arent going to die wondering are we? A bit of fine tuning in the forwards, especially now is required.We have 2 of the best flankers in the world, gotta see how to work them right. Not at 6 and 7. PS: Eddie Jones shut the f.... up.( Wallabies by 7)