Bret Harris | June 04, 2009


Article from: The Australian

IT is just as well Phil Waugh sympathises with Lote Tuqiri because he may soon experience the same raw emotions as his axed Wallabies teammate.


Waugh, newly named Barbarians captain, spoke yesterday about how bitterly disappointed Tuqiri was over his omission from the Wallabies' 22-man squad to play the Baa-Baas in Sydney on Saturday night.

"I've spoken to him. He is obviously very disappointed," Waugh said. "He would love to be out there playing. He loves representing Australia.

"He's bitterly disappointed, but he'll be back. He's a class athlete, a class footballer and a very competitive guy."

Although Waugh was named in the Wallabies' 29-man squad for the inbound internationals, he was released to play for the Barbarians against England and Australia.

Waugh will be acutely aware that when he rejoins the Wallabies on Sunday he faces a huge challenge to force his way into the 22-man squad for the first Test against Italy in Canberra on Saturday week.

The anticipated return of fellow Barbarian Rocky Elsom to the Wallabies squad will heighten the competition among Australia's backrowers.

George Smith and Matt Hodgson are the starting flankers against the Barbarians with Richard Brown at number eight. On the bench are openside flanker David Pocock and Dean Mumm, who can play blindside flanker and second row.
Smith and Elsom are likely to start against Italy, leaving Waugh to compete with Pocock and Hodgson for a place on the bench.

But Waugh is a great warrior for the Waratahs and the Wallabies and he will have his eyes on Smith's gold No7 jersey when he leads the Barbarians against the Wallabies.

"Every time you play you've got to perform," Waugh said. "No matter who you are playing for or what level you are playing, you have to perform when you go out onto the field.

'I'll be going out there and enjoying myself and most importantly performing."
Waugh has played in Wallaby back rows with two opensides many times in the past, but now he will encounter the same small, mobile combination in Smith and Hodgson.

"The tackle contest is going to be hugely competitive," Waugh said. "One of the things that is so strong about the Super 14 is the tackle contest.
"In a way we are playing against three opensides. Richard Brown plays openside as well.
"That area of the game is going to be very important and it's important we get the detail right in that particular part of the game."

With Elsom at number eight and former All Black Jerry Collins at blindside flanker, the Barbarians will have a size advantage against the Wallabies in the back row.
But Waugh is expecting a fast, open game in which speed to the breakdown will be vital.

"Bodyweight-wise and height-wise and size-wise we would have an advantage, but it's going to be a quick game and mobility is important," Waugh.
"The ball on the deck is going to be important as well. It's about getting the balance right."

Waugh did not think Elsom had a point to prove against the Wallabies after returning to Australia from his Heineken Cup-winning stint with Leinster.
"Rocky's been proving a point in Ireland for the last 12 months," Waugh said.
"It's great to be playing alongside him again. Obviously, a world-class player. I'm sure he is focused as well."

But Waugh was disappointed he would not be playing alongside Elsom at the Waratahs again next season following his decision to join the Brumbies.
"It's disappointing. It's great to have him back in Australian rugby. It's no secret that the Waratahs would have loved to have him. It's good to have him back playing in Australia and it will be good fun playing against him against the Brumbies."

Waugh was honoured to be named captain of the Barbarians, which includes former internationals Justin Marshall and Chris Jack as well as rugby-league convert Sonny Bill Williams.

"It's a huge honour and a huge responsibility as well," Waugh said. "It's a very good team and it's a big occasion. I'm just excited to be part of it."


http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...015651,00.html