0
Australia's premier lineout forward is set to equal John Eales
- Bret Harris
- From: The Australian
- July 26, 2010 12:00AM
ALL Nathan Sharpe wanted at the end of the Wallabies' win against South Africa on Saturday night was his two front teeth.
And he will certainly have something to smile about when he equals John Eales' record as Australia's most capped second-rower.
Sharpe had dental surgery after the game in Brisbane to straighten one tooth and re-insert another, which was accidentally knocked out by South African outside centre Jaque Fourie's boot in the 70th minute.
The back of Fourie's boot connected with Sharpe's teeth as the Wallabies lock attempted a dive tackle from behind.
"The back of his heel flicked up and caught my front teeth and flicked the left one out," Sharpe said. "I had a quick look for it, but I couldn't find it. A groundsman found it. I was very grateful. It's a little sore. I've got to get a special mouthguard made tomorrow."
On the safe assumption he is selected, Sharpe's dental drama will not stop him from playing against the All Blacks in Melbourne on Saturday night and joining Eales on 84 Test appearances in the second row.
Sharpe made his Super rugby debut for Queensland Reds alongside Eales in 1998, although their Test careers did not overlap.
"When I look back on my career, it's something I would have achieved," Sharpe said. "At the moment, I'm looking at winning this game against the All Blacks.
"I was lucky enough to play alongside John Eales. I learnt a lot from him."
The 2007 John Eales Medal winner, Sharpe has had a distinguished Test career, which includes captaining the Wallabies twice and becoming the first captain of the Western Force.
Australia's premier lineout forward, Sharpe has been almost a permanent fixture in the Wallabies forward pack since making his Test debut against France in Sydney in 2002.
But the 32-year-old Sharpe is arguably playing the best rugby of his career.
"I know how I want to play now and I've got the confidence to do it," Sharpe said. "That makes it easier. I've worked on a few areas, like strength, but I'm just enjoying my rugby.
"I missed the spring tour (to Hong Kong and Europe) last year. I worked my arse off in the off-season because I still wanted to play for Australia and win."
Sharpe played solidly against the Springboks until he went off after losing his tooth and he was impressed with the Wallabies' performance.
"We played the way we wanted to play," Sharpe said. "In attack, we put a lot of pressure on the Springboks, who resorted to infringing because we were gaining momentum."
But Sharpe warned that the Wallabies would have to improve to beat the All Blacks, who recorded two convincing wins against the Springboks.
"The All Blacks looked very impressive against the Springboks," Sharpe said. "They are a physical team with speed, as well."
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news...-1225896767645
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by tic
