Wallaby George Smith tipped for No. 7 spot over Phil Waugh

[Flamethrower]

Wallaby George Smith tipped for No. 7 spot over Phil Waugh
Jim Tucker
June 09, 2008 10:00am

GEORGE Smith is again set to trump eight-year rival Phil Waugh when coach Robbie Deans unveils his new-look Wallabies on Saturday night.
Smith's development as a genuine playmaker beyond his ball-snaffling arts has become a factor in the latest tug-of-war for the No. 7 jersey against Ireland at the Telstra Dome.

The "Smith or Waugh" conundrum has been a puzzle for Australian coaches Rod Macqueen, Eddie Jones and John Connolly.

For now, the 83-Test Smith appears to have the nod as part of the fresh attacking direction of the Wallabies.

For the rest; Wallaby George Smith tipped for No. 7 spot over Phil Waugh | PerthNow

[Burgs]

Rightly so, he's the better player in virtually every facet of the job description.
Enjoy your last year as a Wallaby Cro-Magnon, Bam-Bam is coming for you next year!

[slomo]

the correct choice by deans....

[GIGS20]

Enjoy your last year as a Wallaby Cro-Magnon, Bam-Bam is coming for you next year!

You really think that'll take a whole year Burgs? The under 20s finishes in a couple of weeks you know!

[Burgs]

Yeah, without injury affecting things, I can't see him forcing either of them out.
As indicated in the other thread re Brownie, it also depends on what style of player Robbie wants on the bench, it may well be starting or not at all for all three of Smith, Waugh and Pocock.
Maybe for the Spring Tour though.
Love to see it happen though and not saying it shouldn't, just that it most probably won't.

[KenyaQuin]

Most definitely George over Waugh..both quality players but Smithy is the more consumate..

[pieter blackie]

This might be harsh words but here goes....

Phil Waugh is a looser and hopefully Robbie Deans has seen this with the Super 14 final. He can play in the easy games and will look good, but if he starts on the back foot and is under pressure then I don't want him in my team

[KenyaQuin]

This might be harsh words but here goes....

Phil Waugh is a looser and hopefully Robbie Deans has seen this with the Super 14 final. He can play in the easy games and will look good, but if he starts on the back foot and is under pressure then I don't want him in my team

You're right Pieter, harsh words. I think Phil's better than that.

[force addict]

Smith all the way!

[Darren]

Phil Waugh is a looser ...

Play on words here - just who is the loosest loosie?

[GIGS20]

Play on words here - just who is the loosest loosie?

Richie McCaw is as a matter of fact Coach!

Loosest bind to the scrum, Loosest interpretation of the offside rule. Loosest morals when it comes to competing for the ball!

[greenandgoldrugby]

Agreed that Smith is THE most talented 7 in the world. Full stop. I include choker McCaw in that.

It's harsh to say Waugh's no good on the back of that though. I reckon he's a world class 6 in a body that's just a foot and a half too short.

[The Lone Hydrangea]

I rate Waugh but George is the man,easily.

[robyn <3]

waughs average, george is better... but bam bam is the best!

[Woody]

I've always admired the selectors who have given Waugh a go, over here if you ain't 6'2" you ain't a forward. However George definetly gets the nod over Phil. I reckon Richie has been a bit off song since this time last year but he showed his class and value in the Irish test, the best player on the paddock bar none. I still wouldn't have him as captain but there doesn't seem to be anybody else holding their position and capable of leading.
Unfortunately the Irish tests will not give much of an indication of Aussie vs ABs as the conditions this weekend will be very different to those of last weekend. I was a little surprised the Munster pack didn't dominate given their time together.
Ultimately ill discipline cost the Irish and got Henry another week without being picked off by a sniper.