The All Blacks have signalled out dreadlocked Wallaby flanker George Smith as a significant threat in Saturday’s Tri-Nations rugby Test with Australia.
Smith did not start in the Wallaby pack in the 16-7 loss to New Zealand in atrociously wet conditions in Wellington on July 17 but he made a significant impact for Australia in it’s match against South Africa last weekend.
He will return to the starting lineup this Saturday in place of the Fijian-born impact backrower Radike Samo.
All Blacks’ forwards coach Steve Hansen said Smith’s inclusion will make life more difficult for New Zealand when it comes to retaining possession in rucks and mauls.
”He can kick, run, pass, pinch the ball on the ground — he can do the whole lot and he has some line-out ability as well,” Hansen said on Thursday.
”He’s unique in that he can play anywhere from 1 to 15, he’s got all the skills and he’ll make a big difference in the tackle area because he’ll contest every ball and he’ll complement [fellow flanker Phil] Waugh as well.
”I think he’s one of the best in world rugby, but they’ll lose at the lineout with a bit of height.”
Smith is physically smaller than Samo but is expected to pose more problems for the New Zealanders at breakdowns in play.
Hansen said All Blacks lock Chris Jack was likely to be fit for the match but two players Simon Maling and Mose Tuiali’i remained bracketed on the reserves bench just in case he is not ready to play. – Sapa-AFP