Smith wary of a loose Storm
Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:35
In your face: Brumbies flank George Smith on the run
The Brumbies are in Cape Town preparing for a massive game against the Stormers - one that will go a long way in determining the fate of both teams in the competition.
The Australian outfit has been making all the right noises in recent weeks by winning three consecutive matches, to keep their chances of a semifinal spot alive.
Their clash against the Stormers at Newlands on Saturday - the Cape side's fourth consecutive home match - is eagerly anticipated, and only a win will do for either team in the race for those coveted top four spots on the points table.
Brumbies and Wallaby flank George Smith's contribution in a brand new Brumbies team has been invaluable, and the energetic loose forward has long been one of the best ball-winners at the breakdown in world rugby.
It is a well-known fact that the Brumbies are a team in the midst of change, after losing many star players through retirement and injury this season.
The Canberra franchise have had to blood many youngsters in the toughest provincial rugby competition this year, and their current standing is a tribute to how well those players have fared under trying circumstances.
A relaxed Smith chatted to rugby365.com about his views on the Stormers, and his outlook on the match in general.
The Aussie said that he was very impressed with the way that young players like flyhalf Christian Lealiifano, and his younger brother Tyrone Smith, have fared thus far.
"I think a number of the teams in the Super 14 this year are going through transitions," said Smith.
"A number of players move onto other things, whether its employment in rugby, or employment outside of rugby. That happens to all Super 14 teams.
"The way that our team has gone this year I think is a true testament to how the young guys have stepped up, and got the exposure that they have gained through the opportunity of someone being injured.
"Those players have stepped up and played some good football. They have come along a lot earlier than we thought they would. And given that exposure, I think they've done well."
The flank commented that he saw the Stormers as a real threat, despite the spate of injuries that has plagued the coastal team recently. The influential Schalk Burger has been ruled out for the rest of the Super 14 season, and his massive energy and vigour will be a major loss for the Stormers.
"It's unfortunate that Schalk's out. He is a quality player, and everyone knows that. We know it's always a tough battle in the breakdown each game you play.
"Last week [we played] against [Cobus] Grobbelaar, who was fantastic around the field, and this week's going to be no different against the back row of the Stormers.
"We're definitely wary of them, but we'll focus on what we need to do rather than what the Stormers need to do," he said.
The Brumby, a veteran of more than 100 Super Rugby caps, said that he feels there are still many quality players around that can do damage for the Stormers around the rucks and mauls - specifically in the shape of Luke Watson, who has been named by coach Rassie Erasmus to start in the openside flank berth in the absence of Burger.
"He [Watson] is a huge quality player. He's performed well and consistently throughout the years, whenever he's played.
"He's a workhorse, he gets around the field well, but I feel we have the players to play well against him as well," countered the Brumby forward.
Smith's ball-stealing abilities have been revered over the past few years, and he has made the converted the turnover into somewhat of an art form.
Even the game's new experimental laws have failed to diminish his skill in this area - in fact, he has probably prospered with the new laws.
Yet Smith feels that the ELVs do not radically change the game, but rather forces a slight shift in focus.
"I'd say it's a little bit different, but we've had enough Super 14 rugby this year to adapt to those new laws.
"It relies on you to be aware of quick-tap opportunities when you're attacking," added Smith.
The record books show that the Brumbies have really flourished against the Stormers historically. The Canberra franchise have lost only once to the Stormers in all their previous Super Rugby clashes - back in 1998.
But Smith feels that such facts will count for nothing in the heat of battle at a packed Newlands.
"I don't think we'll be using that as a motivation to win this game," confirmed Smith.
"It's more about us playing some good football, executing our plays, and playing well against the Stormers on game night.
"Records are interesting for the reader, but when you're out there on the field, you're more worried about what you need to do in your role."
By Phil Coetzer
