Sharpe looks to avoid unwanted stat

The West Australian
August 15, 2012, 6:48 am

The All Blacks' decade-long dominance over Australia is set to earn veteran Wallabies lock Nathan Sharpe an unwanted Test rugby statistic.

Saturday's Bledisloe Cup Test in Sydney will be Sharpe's 25th against the All Blacks. He is seeking just his seventh win.

His 18 losses against New Zealand is level for the most defeats by any player against another nation in Test rugby history. He sits alongside compatriot David Campese, whose 18 losses were also against the All Blacks but at least came from 29 Tests.

Wallabies players' struggles against the All Blacks dominate the top of the list, such has been New Zealand's recent command of their rivalry. The sheer number of trans-Tasman fixtures hasn't helped Sharpe's cause - this year's series will make it 18 Tests since 2008.

It's no surprise that All Blacks dominate the opposite list, for wins over any other nation.

Current captain Richie McCaw tops it on 21, followed by former fullback Mils Muliaina's 19, both against Australia.
In Tests involving other nations, former All Blacks halfback Justin Marshall leads the way for wins, with 16 over South Africa, while former Springboks lock Victor Matfield has the most losses with 16 against New Zealand.

Not surprising really. Considering Scotland and Italy only have to play England and France once a year otherwise they would probably have players topping the list. Anyway, lets do it for Sharpie!