0
Smith's final season in the balance
GREG GROWDEN
March 22, 2010
BRUMBIES officials are worried star flanker George Smith may have played his last game for the province after suffering a serious shoulder injury against the Blues in Auckland on Friday night.
ACT coach Andy Friend is deeply concerned about the damage to Smith's shoulder, which forced him from Eden Park during the second half of their 39-34 loss, and the former Wallabies openside flanker may be sidelined for a significant period of time. Smith announced in February after 110 Test appearances he had retired from international rugby, and was likely to pursue a career overseas after this year's Super 14. In his farewell season, the 29-year-old with 126 Super 14 caps was hopeful of being part of a Brumbies finals revival, but whether he takes an active role, or will be just a spectator, will be discovered this week.
''George is a real concern,'' Friend said yesterday. ''His shoulder doesn't look real good. He won't be available for our next game, and we'll know more later on in the week to see whether he is a chance for the rest of the season.
''He copped a really heavy knock on it, and it definitely didn't look good yesterday morning. It could be serious, unfortunately.''
Friend is uncertain who will replace Smith in the back row against the Chiefs in Canberra on Friday night, but one option is moving skipper Stephen Hoiles from No.8 to the openside flanker's role.
And Smith is far from Friend's only injury concern, with inside-centre Christian Lealiifano sidelined for three months because of ligament damage to his knee. At least former Wallabies skipper Stirling Mortlock is expected to return against the Chiefs. That is likely to result in Tyrone Smith moving from outside-centre to No.12 to fill Lealiifano's position.
Lealiifano's plight is a major blow for the Brumbies, as he was enjoying an excellent season.
However, former Wallaby Julian Huxley, who is returning after suffering a brain tumour two years ago, is gradually getting closer to Brumbies selection. On Saturday night, Huxley played his second match in a week, appearing for the Brumby Runners against West Harbour in Canberra.
''He played a quarter at fullback, and we moved him into No.10 [five-eighth], because the game didn't seem to have much flow,'' Friend said. ''We just wanted to get him into a bit more traffic. It was a little more challenging for him, but definitely good for him at the end of the day.
''So Julian's now got two 80-minute games under his belt, and he will definitely fit into the selection discussions which we will be having tomorrow.''
The Stormers stayed in second spot with a 21-8 win over the Cheetahs on Saturday, while the Crusaders picked up a 46-19 bonus-point win over the Lions to be equal second on 23 points. The Sharks recorded their first win of the season, defeating the Highlanders 30-16.
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/un...0321-qo54.html
Reply With Quote
