James Horwill, right, has great admiration for Nathan Sharpe
Injured Wallabies captain James Horwill has praised Nathan Sharpe and is overjoyed that his fellow lock is retiring in a fitting manner.
Horwill, who has been sidelined since June with a serious hamstring injury, called Sharpe a "great of the game" and is delighted that the 112-Test veteran is captaining the Wallabies at the moment.
Sharpe was on the fringes of Australia's matchday 22 last year and ready to retire at the end of this year Super Rugby tournament in July.
But Horwill's injury, as well as Dan Vickerman's retirement, saw the 34-year-old accepting Wallabies coach Robbie Deans' request to play on through the inaugural Rugby Championship.
And injuries to second and third-choice skippers David Pocock and Will Genia saw Sharpe taking over the captaincy of an injury-ravaged Wallabies side last month.
Sharpe's fine leadership and inspirational play has prompted Deans to retain him as captain for Australia's upcoming four-Test tour to Europe where they will face France, England, Italy and Wales.
After the tour he will then finally hang up his boots.
"It couldn't happen to a better bloke," Horwill told AAP.
"He's done some great things and I think it's deserving he's been able to go out in such a way and help influence the team the way he has.
"It's a credit to him that he's given such great service to Australian rugby and he's a guy that I think will go down as one of the greats of the game.
"I think it's great he's got this opportunity."
Comments
rugbyphile says...
A very good player and has always given his all on and off the field. Far rather have him and players like him around than some of the "talented " rockstars who are more interested in their image,. their online drivel, and feeding each other ego-boosts and alcohol off the field than worrying about the good of their teams.
Posted 04:08 25th October 2012
Trader2 says...
Yep one of the best Oz have produced. Has been unfortunate that for the last 10 years the Wannabies have not been able to match the AB's and I was almost (said almost) hoping they would pull it off last Saturday just for him. I see G Smith has had his usual rant, what a drop kick, there is obviously some sort of mental problem with him (could he be a Queenslander?). he asked the question about Super titles well unless you played for the Brumbies throughout your career not many Aussies have got one, oh thats right 2011 Queensland when nobody really cared.
Good luck in for the next few weeks Sharpie.
Posted 23:06 24th October 2012
paulynz says...
I'd take much more notice of the comments from J Horwill than the-person-who-(disrespectfully)-goes-by-the-name-of-an-Australian-Rugby-legend
Posted 19:45 24th October 2012
paulynz says...
We kiwis love our All Blacks but we totally admire spirit and courage in the face of extreme adversity. That's why most of us, while we're disappointed with the result of the last test match (more for the ABs than for ourselves), aren't complaining about the outcome.
N Sharpe exemplified that spirit and courage.
Respect to that man.
Posted 19:39 24th October 2012
GoWalesGo says...
Always has been my favourite Aussie player.
Posted 11:42 24th October 2012
side_stepper says...
Well, anyone playing 100+ Tests deserve legendary status. And currently, none more fitting than NS. He's soldiered on and accepted the challenge, due to the surrounding circumstances. Certainly a Wallaby great. Go you good thing!
Posted 09:19 24th October 2012
ArmchairGeneral says...
We have not heard from @Georgesmith for a long long time. Lost too much face or cut his wrists?
Posted 08:44 24th October 2012
georgesmith says...
There is nothing great or legendary about N.Sharpe apart from him being a carry-bag burdening other players in the team. How many Super Rugby titles won? Zero. What about Test Rugby against tier-one teams? Less than 50 per cent. How many World Cups? Ooopssssss zero, again. For me, J.Horwill is certainly a Wallaby great. Test caps don't make a player great or legendary, it's the results.
Posted 08:31 24th October 2012
Centre12 says...
Totally agree, a great player of the modern era and up there with true aussie greats like Gregan, Smith, Larkham etc, enjoy the November tests Sharpie!!!!!!
Posted 07:11 24th October 2012
nzmaoriboy says...
Some of the younger players (ahmm C.....ooper) would do well to follow the exemplary way Sharp'y conducts his business!
Posted 06:21 24th October 2012
nzmaoriboy says...
Agreed too mate! Consummate professional & competitor..And the dude conducts himself well on and off the pitch...(Obviously Im a kiwi too) he he
Posted 06:18 24th October 2012
kiwilad says...
Nathan Sharp, or N Sharp as others refer to him, has been an inspiration in the latter stages of this season, bordering on Legend status.
Posted 21:39 23rd October 2012
paulynz says...
Couldn't agree more. An inspired decision (and I'm a kiwi!!)...
Posted 18:45 23rd October 2012