AUSTRALIA

Smith proud of career milestone

Wednesday 16th July 2008

Smith: Proud of reaching 87 Tests

Veteran flanker George Smith will become the most capped forward in the history of Australian rugby when he runs out for the Wallabies in Saturday's Tri-Nations opener in Perth.

The Brumbies' star will earn his 87th Test cap, taking him past the legendary John Eales, and also become the third-most capped Wallaby of all time.

What's even more astonishing is Smith's age - he only turned 28 on Monday, a remarkable achievement to reach a career milestone like this at such a young age.

Smith is a rare and noted rugby union player in that he made his debut for his country against France in 2000 before playing a professional game of rugby.

His gameplay around rucks and mauls is fearless and frequently turns over the ball in favour of Australia. Smith is known as a work horse around the field, his skills with ball in hand resemble that of a back-line player and he is also a damaging tackler in defence.

He is widely regarded as one of the world's best openside flankers, with his major ability of stealing ruck ball.

Smith replaces Phil Waugh in the number seven jersey following the side's last outing against France two weeks ago as Australia prepare to take on a confident South Africa outfit at Subiaco Oval.

Smith is proud of the achievement and also believes he couldn't have achieved it without the rivalry for the openside flanker spot he has had with Waugh over the years.

"It is a nice feeling to achieve that," Smith told Sportal.

"John Eales has been a fantastic player for the Wallabies and he still chats to the players to this day, so to reach his mark is something special.

"Myself and Phil (Waugh) entered into the professional era at the same time and throughout the years we've had the battle between each other.

"The standard of football we push each other to helps us develop into the players that we are.

"Without that rivalry, competitiveness and friendship, we might not have become as accomplished as we have."

It will be the fifth meeting between the two teams playing in Perth and while a full house is expected, Smith doesn't mind the Wallabies going in as underdogs one bit.

"We've enjoyed playing here. The Perth crowd has got behind the Wallabies and the boys do enjoy the atmosphere and intensity that this game will bring," he said.

"A number of guys like the underdog tag. The pressure isn't on us, but we put the pressure on ourselves and try to keep our standards high."

Meanwhile, Wallabies winger Lote Tuqiri returns from a knee injury along with Wycliff Palu (shoulder) and Nathan Sharpe (groin) to give the Wallabies experience against the in-form Springboks and the winger is delighted to be back.

"I'm feeling confident," Tuqiri said.

"I trained full on with the boys last week and haven't missed a beat this week, so it's good to be back and feeling part of the camp again as you tend to sit back in the shadows when you get injured."

Tuqiri knows that the Springboks not only present the usual physical challenge, but also a better running and more expansive game under the ELVs, but he's looking forward to locking horns with them.

"You definitely have to be up for the physical contest," he said.

"The last two games between the Blacks and Boks have been very physical and we expect nothing different on Saturday night and for the rest of the tournament.

"It's no place for the faint-hearted, and we have plenty of guys in our team that like that and don't shy away from it.

"They aren't too slow out wide either, with guys like Habana and Pietersen on the wings.

"They are World Cup winners and their confidence is riding high after their win last weekend and a confident Springbok team is very hard to beat."