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Veteran second-rower Nathan Sharpe is more than a lineout jumper
- Bret Harris
- From: The Australian
- September 10, 2010 12:00AM
ALL Blacks lock Brad Thorn claims veteran Wallabies second-rower Nathan Sharpe is unappreciated in his own country.
Thorn said he thought Sharpe was in the best form of his career, but did not always receive the praise he deserved.
"Sharpie is a good man," Thorn said. "Sometimes I don't think he has been appreciated. He is known as a lineout operator and other stuff, but sometimes he doesn't get noted for his ball-running and work-rate.
"Victor (Matfield) gets a lot of love about his lineout work and stuff, but Sharpie's
right up there. There is stuff he doesn't get acknowledged for which I think he does well, which is his ball-running. He is a significant ball carrier for the Wallabies and makes the advantage line more often than not.
"His presence in the team . . . there are a lot of young guys . . . he has had a lot of ups and downs in the Wallabies jersey. He is an important guy for them."
Thorn said he was surprised when his old Crusaders coach Robbie Deans dropped Sharpe from the squad for the tour to South Africa in 2008. Sharpe fought his way back and is now playing outstanding rugby.
"A couple of years ago when he was dropped, Ali (Williams) and I were really surprised because we really rated him," Thorn said.
"I'm sure Robbie had his reasons for that.
"I read somewhere Sharpie said it was good. He came back stronger. But I've always rated Sharpie as a bloke. He's a good guy and a tough competitor.
"He is probably the leader of the pack. He has been around a long time. He looks like he is enjoying his rugby."
Thorn predicted the Test on Saturday night would be a fast and furious affair.
"They (the Wallabies) look like they are playing a brand they are really comfortable with and it's pretty much all-out attack," Thorn said. "I think it is going to be very exciting because we enjoy attacking as well."
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news...-1225916768117