Smith poised for Wallaby ton
Sun, 28 Jun 2009 11:39
Australian coach Robbie Deans says George Smith will become even better at his trademark role of securing turnover ball for the Wallabies once his teammates learn to support him more.
Smith, man of the match in Australia's 22-6 victory over France here on Saturday, is poised to play in his 100th Test in the Wallabies' Tri-Nations' opener against New Zealand next month.
The flanker has been a standout for the Wallabies since his debut in 2000, but Deans believes Smith can be even more effective with greater team support.
"He's played 99 Tests, but for a large part of that he has had to work in isolation, but we can support him better and I think you saw evidence of that against France," Deans said Sunday.
"When we do that, George shows what he is capable of."
Smith, who turns 29 next month, is poised to join George Gregan (139), Stephen Larkham (102) and David Campese (101) as only the fourth Australian to rack up a century of Tests when the Wallabies take on the All Blacks in Auckland on July 18.
"It's something George will be hugely proud of," Deans said.
Smith, who amazes his teammates with his deft scavenging skills at the breakdown, said his century of Tests will be something he will cherish.
"It will be a special time for me and my family and also the players I've played alongside throughout those 99 Tests," Smith said.
Wallabies centre Berrick Barnes praised Smith's trademark ball pilfering and his rugby longevity.
"You don't realise how good George is until you play with him," Barnes said on Sunday.
"You'll see him get his head in there and somehow he comes out with the ball. I don't know how he does it because I know when I put my head down there, I get knocked back 10 feet."
Deans said the Wallabies' performance against Les Bleus was ideal preparation for the Tri-Nations series against New Zealand and South Africa.
"The French are a capable side, but for the greater part we suppressed their opportunities and we did it in a way that was organised, positive, enthusiastic and we sustained it," he said.
"That's encouraging because we know from here we are going to get a serious test. In the Tri-Nations the ante is going to go up."
New Zealand have won the last four Tri-Nations series, while the Wallabies have not won the southern hemisphere crown since 2000.
AFP
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