Al Baxter retires

[Scarfman]

More from Al:

''I'd love to play as many Tests as I can. I'm under no illusion that I will be first selected but would love to play another World Cup. That is out of my hands … but I did contact Robbie (Deans) in the last couple of days and told him I was retiring but was still very much available for Tests and World Cup selection,'' Baxter said.

What was Deans's response?

''Pretty deadbat, as it usually is with Robbie. But he certainly thanked me for my time with the Wallabies and for letting him know before the fact. He was very nice, but he wasn't giving anything away.

''All I can do is play as well as I can, and, if they want to use me, I am available. I feel that I am playing better now than at the start of the year.

''Strangely enough, I have felt that I have played pretty well the last couple of years when I've been battling to make the Wallaby side. But that's the nature of the beast. There is also now far more depth in the front-row ranks, both at the Waratah ranks and nationwide, which is brilliant.''

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/u...ng-up-boots-20110608-1ft7y.html#ixzz1Oj1HkZas

We'll need how many props? 5? 6? I haven't read the RWC thread in a while - have we got a spot?

 

[qwerty51]

Well imo the order of THPs are Kepu, Palmer (who won't get picked anyway), Baxter and Slipper.

I can understand Deans favouring Slipper but then at least pick Al as the 3rd THP.

 

[Scarfman]

Seems tough on Slipper doesn't it? Mind you, I don't know much about the dark arts etc etc.

 

[Slim 293]

The 3 leading Australian TH's are Kepu, Palmer and Slipper...

Palmer is the best scrummager of the 3, but has by far the worst workrate...

Slipper possibly has the best workrate, but is the worst scrummager...

I'm starting to lean towards Kepu, but his versatility also makes him a good bench prop...

I'd love to see Palmer in the Wallabies, and used in the first 40-50 minutes against teams like Italy, Wales, France and England who always come out to target the Wallaby scrum in the first half of a match... granted, Deans and co would have to whip him into shape...

But it's not going to happen... Alexander will be the one picked instead...

 

[DPK]

I think you underate Slipper's scrummaging, Slim. He's not that far behind Kepu, but he is behind.

 

[Ruggo]

We constantly hear about props being late bloomers but Slipper has held his own against some of the best in the world at such a young age. The bloke is a freak.

Palmer should not be let anywhere near a Wallaby squad yet. This is not the NFL as a rugby player actually has to multi-task. No workrate, no entry. Pick your game up bloke.

Kepu has been great also this season. He has impact in all facets of the game and deserves to be in the side.

Anyways this thread is about Baxter so back on topic. Thanks Al for your dedication and commitment to Australian rugby over the years. Thankyou for your modest nature and they way you have represented rugby with your impecable record off the field. Your are an inspirational example in how a rugby player should conduct himself. Although he had his troubles with the kiwis, he was pretty bloody solid against the rest of the world. The 2008 English scrum demolish is up there with your best but your 2003 RWC performance for me was the highlight of your career for mine. Talk about being thrown in the deep end but you did a great job and your country proud that day. Never have I cheered for a Tahs player like I did for you the night you scored your first try in Super Rugby.

Cheers Al.

 

[lily]

Goodbye Scrumface and good luck in your retirement.

 

[daz]

Thanks Al for your dedication and commitment to Australian rugby over the years. Thankyou for your modest nature and they way you have represented rugby with your impecable record off the field. Your are an inspirational example in how a rugby player should conduct himself. Although he had his troubles with the kiwis, he was pretty bloody solid against the rest of the world. The 2008 English scrum demolish is up there with your best but your 2003 RWC performance for me was the highlight of your career for mine. Talk about being thrown in the deep end but you did a great job and your country proud that day. Never have I cheered for a Tahs player like I did for you the night you scored your first try in Super Rugby.

Cheers Al.

Nice.

Eloquent, heartfelt and genuine comments there Ruggo. Do you employ a ghost writer now?

 

[pissedoffihavetoregister]

I always thought he was the worlds best prop at putting on that face that said "you are not going to screw me over in this scrum (like you might have done in the last one)", just as the scrum was packing.

Cracked me up every time.

Gonna miss that!

 

[TheNextBigThing]

I was wondering when someone would mention his "Angryface".

 

[daz]

I was wondering when someone would mention his "Angryface".

Greg Sommerville has the best angry face I have seen. Watch him at scrumtime; veins sticking out, face-flesh shaking and twitching, a stare that could cut diamonds.

 

[Scarfman]

I make the Al Baxter face most mornings, usually just after I've had some coffee.

 

[Eyes and Ears]

What would be next for Al?
Maybe he could join TV commentary team. A front rower is well overdue, if I hear another comment like "Ohh the dark arts of the front row, who knows what goes on in there" I will kick my TV

Don't we already have Kearns and Cannon?

 

[Ruggo]

Greg Sommerville has the best angry face I have seen. Watch him at scrumtime; veins sticking out, face-flesh shaking and twitching, a stare that could cut diamonds.

Those colliflower ears alone would be enough to scare the shit out of most people.

I remember Dan Crowley having a mean scary face.

This topic is worth a thread of its own.

 

[Richo]

A great servant of NSW and Aussie rugby, and an even better man.

For those curious, Al works at the architectural firm Cox Richardson and is, I believe, intending to focus his career there. I've heard that the firm is looking forward to finally getting his undivided attention.

 

[daz]

He will need a small period of adjustment to civvie life. Crouch, touch, pause, engage has a whole different meaning in an office environment.....

 

[Jnor]

I make the Al Baxter face most mornings, usually just after I've had some coffee.

More fibre, Scarf, more fibre.

 

[Victorian Reds Fan]

For mine, regardless of what we thought of him as a player, now that he is retired I think it is appropriate to focus on the positives and appreciate what he brought to the table over his career.

Fair enough.

I couldn't help myself...

Anyways, Al was a great Super rugby player and ever reliable for the Tahs, but like Chisholm just couldn't step up to test rugby...

But it sounds like he's one of the few that's set themselves up for a post-rugby career and good on him!

This is what I was getting at.

And this from someone who supports the team with the weakest scrum in the Super comp. People in glass houses.......

We all know the history of the New South Wales bias of the ARU in regard to Wallaby selection. Almost as bad as Cricket Australia.

 

[jay-c]

ive often criticized baxter for the amount of penalties that went against him in the gold shirt> even though i belive many were not his fault
but i must commend the man on the maturity and professionalism he took into his games
im jus watching the rugby club now and he is soming across like a great bloke- educated and insightful views and very likeable guy
hats off to him~

 

[tigerland12]

I think you underate Slipper's scrummaging, Slim. He's not that far behind Kepu, but he is behind.

I think Daley and Saia are making him look a lot worse