Nathan Sharpe at head of lineout after losing sidekick

[KenyaQuin]

WHILE he will be sorry to see him go, Wallabies second-rower Nathan Sharpe is confident Australia's world-class lineout will continue to be a strength even without long-time partner Dan Vickerman.

Sharpe and Vickerman have been the "Horan and Little" of the Australian second row for four years, but their wonderful partnership is about to be broken up.

Vickerman will miss the Wallabies' home Tests against Ireland and France following ankle surgery yesterday and then he will be gone indefinitely when he heads overseas at the end of the year.

But Sharpe believes Australia has enough second-row talent to cover for Vickerman's absence.

"It's always disappointing not to be able to play with a good mate of yours," Sharpe said.

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[Moses]

Yeah, I miss Justin Harrison too.

I suppose with Vicks injured Sharpe might get a bench spot.. he'd have to be behind Dean Mumm, Horwill and Chisolm though

[KenyaQuin]

Moses, ..you couldn't resist, could you?

[The Lone Hydrangea]

Dont lower your standards Moses.

[jono]

sharpie should handle it fine.

[force addict]

vickerman is the shiz

[robyn <3]

hope sharpie is right... who ever is taking vickermans spot has some big boots to fill

[oxleymoron]

Sharpie is the straight man in the locking partnership. The mongrel that Vickerman delivered can be replaced by Horwill, who has stepped up since being named as the reds captain. I would prefer to see Chisholm come off the bench, especially with his speed in open play (ok, I know it sounds like an oxymoron for a lock, but he did score a couple of linebreak tries this year).