Smith urged to rethink retiring and play until next World Cup

[sandgroperrugby]

Robbie Deans has revealed he tried to lure George Smith back for the 2011 World Cup and has asked the openside breakaway to keep playing for the Wallabies beyond the third Test against the British and Irish Lions on Saturday.
''We were close,'' Deans said on Thursday. ''We were very keen for George for participate. We felt he left too early in terms of his own place in the game.''
Deans was criticised for taking only one specialist openside to the World Cup, but said the plan had been to unleash Smith and David Pocock in a partnership that could have changed the Wallabies' fortunes at the tournament.


Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/un...#ixzz2Y7H3thRy

[GIGS20]

OK, don't think I don't respect George, I think he's the best openside the world has ever seen, but he'll be geriatric by the time the RWC rolls around and openside isn't exactly and old man's game! If he's still up to this standard at that time then sure, but injuries and general tiredness will play a major part in it.

Would George be happy to play the game the way McCaw the cheat does, only rolling out for a couple of tests each year in order to extend his international career? Is he the sort of bloke whose rugby can thrive in that environment? It seems like a reach (at best)

Secondly, if Deans was planning to unleash Smith and Pocock in the RWC but was short changed by Smith's unavailability, let's not forget that he had something like 8 months to come up with a plan "B" wouldn't a good coach have contingencies prepared anyway? If it were me, I would have several backups in place, but not named in the squad, who were getting the coaching and exposure to the environment just in case one of them sustained an injury.

Such lack of planning and foresight might just explain why Deans is the worst performing Wallabies coach in history.

[sandgroperrugby]

I am just happy to see my favourite Wallaby back out on the park. Exceptional player and a great bloke.

Go George!!!!

[Alison]

I love George too, but given the gracious way Liam Gill has accepted being made to stand aside for him tomorrow, I think George should make way for him to have a crack at making RWC2015!

[DinkyDi]

I will reserve judgment until after tomorrow's game. He is a legend but a couple of games for the Brumbies is not test level and I am not sure if he still can compete at the next level up. He has been out of that area for a while and though still a class act I think Deans is getting ahead of himself re the RWC

[GIGS20]

Oh, I think he'll compete at that level...THIS year, maybe next year, who knows how long the run will last.

I just think it'd be a shame to tarnish a legendary career by hanging around too long and not leaving as the unquestioned best in the world. Particularly if it is done to paper over the cracks of Deans' lack of foresight and inability to develop World class players.

Let the bloke collect his superannuation for goodness sake

[welshrugbyfan]

And if Pocock wasn't injured it would be George who?
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[jargan83]

WRF is right

If Pocock didn't go down injured Geoerge Smith would never have got the SOS from the Brumbies

Pocock to come back from injury and Liam Gill carving up I doubt Smith will be in front of either of those two by 2015

[GAFFA]

WRF is right

If Pocock didn't go down injured Geoerge Smith would never have got the SOS from the Brumbies
Pocock to come back from injury and Liam Gill carving up I doubt Smith will be in front of either of those two by 2015

yes and no he had already been called in before pocock got injured. his first match back was from the bench. the same game Pocock did his knee and on came smith.

The SOS may not have come from the ARU if Pocock wasnt injured.

[beige]

Oh, I think he'll compete at that level...THIS year, maybe next year, who knows how long the run will last.

I just think it'd be a shame to tarnish a legendary career by hanging around too long and not leaving as the unquestioned best in the world. Particularly if it is done to paper over the cracks of Deans' lack of foresight and inability to develop World class players.

Let the bloke collect his superannuation for goodness sake

I have mixed feelings about that kind of thing - we've all cringed seeing greats of various sports labour on past their prime but Stirling Mirtlock shows how someone can reinvent himself as a 'role player' and still be useful at the end of their career.
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[Burgs]

George will know if he is up to it or not, he won't require pushing when the time comes.
Tomorrow is a pivotal game for him because it then leads to the rest of this season. If he is average that will be it. If he dominates then he will have the full Test season to cement a specialist bench (6-7-8) role.
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[GAFFA]

George will know if he is up to it or not, he won't require pushing when the time comes.
Tomorrow is a pivotal game for him because it then leads to the rest of this season. If he is average that will be it. If he dominates then he will have the full Test season to cement a specialist bench (6-7-8) role.
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execpt at the end of super rugby he needs to be back in japan

[Burgs]

Money talks in Japan
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[brokendown gunfighter]

money talks,fullstop.

[westies man]

Would George be happy to play the game the way McCaw the cheat does, only rolling out for a couple of tests each year in order to extend his international career? Is he the sort of bloke whose rugby can thrive in that environment? It seems like a reach (.

Bit of respect for 3 times IRB player of the year please