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I am really coming to admire Barnes' character, he is top shelf.
We need Larkham: Barnes
By Wayne Smith
September 25, 2007
THE rave reviews continue, though more restrained, but Berrick Barnes believes that for the good of Australia the time has come for him to exit the stage to allow Stephen Larkham to return for his triumphant farewell.
It is extraordinary the impression the 21-year-old has made in just three Tests, and even though he readily found fault with his own performance against Fiji on Sunday, the British critics have warmed to him in a way they never have the more established stars of the Australian side.
Yet although the growing consensus is that the Wallabies would be in good hands if Barnes was needed to play in the knockout stages and indeed that he offers a kicking game that Larkham can no longer deliver, there is a world of experience separating the master from his apprentice.
Barnes realises that. He would love nothing more than to go head-to-head with Jonny Wilkinson in an Australia-England quarter-final but knows Larkham is far better equipped to handle that assignment.
"I'd love to play against Wilkinson," Barnes said. "He's someone I've looked up to. But I think for Australia's sake it's best that Bernie (Larkham) comes back. Because that gives the team more stability."
Larkham himself isn't taking anything for granted. "I think everyone has competition for their spot and it would be no different for me," he said. "Berrick's playing quite well at the moment and you have to base your team selections on what's best for the team."
But before he exits stage left, Barnes has one last performance to give, against Canada in Bordeaux on Saturday, an appointment he is expected to keep despite finishing the Fiji match with a corked thigh which will mean he is not likely to train until Friday.
And he may not play the full game with Connolly hoping to play Larkham for the final 20 minutes.
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
Yeah he's a bright button. Def another one that has his head screwed on right. From what Gits was telling me, he's very conscious of knowing where he stands and not letting it all get to his head. At the same time he has confidence in his ability and an eagerness to learn and improve which very much mirrors Gits back in 2003. Its a very promising thing given how well Matty has come along.
Barnes is a good friend of my ex-bf and he maintains he's the most down to earth guy...really nice and damn funny
On Larkham - he's damn right. I mean Barnes has been wonderful but you can't beat the experience of Larkham
"Remember lads, rugby is a team game; all 14 of you make sure you pass the ball to Giteau."
jehna has all the connections
no wonder shes now a mod, its all about who you know.....
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Of course, Barnes would say that
Nah, honestly he seems like a good guy and i think that once Larkham's gone, he'll slip in nicely and probably permanently.![]()
Perhaps we can get the bookie to put odds on Barnes to make Vice-Captain when Gits makes Captain.
Exile
Port Macquarie
"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that!" - Rocky Balboa
That and I'm also dating Coach on the side....obviously...but don't let his wife know...Originally Posted by Krusher
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"Remember lads, rugby is a team game; all 14 of you make sure you pass the ball to Giteau."
Originally Posted by RugbyWidow
damn...did i say that outloud? I promise its all innocent
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"Remember lads, rugby is a team game; all 14 of you make sure you pass the ball to Giteau."
Originally Posted by Exile
i'll take that bet. lol but i'd be betting on myself to make vice captain.
its gonna happen. (in my dreams)
barnes is doing an awsome job, could also be an option to have him play a half and larkham have a half so as to be able to conserve his knee.