Sharpe weary of 'bloody noisy' crowd
Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:57
Veteran Wallaby lock Nathan Sharpe has listed the "bloody noisy" Twickenham crowd as probably the biggest factor for first-timers in the Test between Australia and England on Saturday.
"When you play in these big stadiums, and especially [before] the northern hemisphere crowds who are pretty vocal - communication becomes a pretty big issue," the 71-Test veteran told AAP.
"So we've addressed that in the areas that we need to.
"But you can't really sit around and talk about it and be prepared for it. You know about it once you get out there. That's when you actually know what everyone's been talking about all week."
Wallabies scrumhalf Luke Burgess, however, is relishing the opportunity to run out in front of a sell-out crowd at Twickenham.
"I'm very excited. I can't wait. I'm expecting to feel the roar of the crowd in my chest," Burgess said.
"The guys that have played there have described it as one of the most amazing experiences."
Burgess is among 12 players in Australia's match-day squad of 22 preparing for their first Test at Twickenham - and one of six starters - preparing for their first Test at Twickenham.
But the eight-Test rookie says the Wallabies are unconcerned about any of the newcomers suffering stage fright in front of the 80,000-odd fans.
"Inexperience is something that we've dealt with all year," Burgess said.
"So we're very excited, as always. Yeah, just looking forward to it."
* Is Twickenham a factor? Or is it the players? You tell us.
