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By Bret Harris
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans claims veteran second-rower Nathan Sharpe is playing the best rugby of his career, which includes 105 Tests dating back to 2002.
Sharpe, 34, will retire after the third Bledisloe Cup Test in Brisbane in October, but Deans suggested he could keep going if he wanted to.
He was originally meant to retire after the Tests against Scotland and Wales in June, but Deans persuaded him to play in the Bledisloe Cup matches and Rugby Championship.
"Sharpie is probably playing the best rugby of his career to be honest," Deans said.
"He is enjoying his rugby. He has obviously extended it. He has essentially retired from Super Rugby. Who knows? He might even revisit that decision in time.
"He is enjoying adding value to the group. You look at the locking stocks. That's an area of need. He has taken on that role of mentor. More so than just being a mentor, he has actually taken on a role of educator. That's great for us."
Asked whether he would encourage Sharpe to play again next year, Deans said: "I would encourage him to follow his passion.
"There is a lot going on in Sharpie's life. He missed the first (Wallabies) camp because he had made some plans. He has parked them. They are on the backburner for now. That involved relocation and life after rugby. He is clearly a long way down that path in terms of his thinking. "It will become clear to him. By the time we've completed the Rugby Championship he'll know."
Sharpe's imminent retirement will create an opportunity for an up and coming second-rower such as NSW lock Kane Douglas, who was named in the 30-man squad yesterday.
"He (Sharpe) is around for the Rugby Championship," Douglas said. "I hope I can learn a lot off him in that time.
"With him retiring at the end of the year there is a great opportunity for a few young locks. There's a few guys in front of me, Simmo (Rob Simmons) and Sita (Timani). A lot of hard work will put me in good stead. It's good to be a lock in Australia at the minute."
http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/th...-1226445633930
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