George Smith to retire!!!

[Lee Grant]

I think we are obsessed by the RWC, as other countries are.

Were there no RWC, Deans still had a duty of care to provide succession planning for the 7 position.

Businesses who don't have tested people to step into key positions often fail and the rugby business is no different in that respect. Anybody who doesn't think rugby is a business is off with the fairies.

What is different is that rugby players who are either incumbents, or who are being trained to replace the incumbents, have passionate fans who post to forums.

 

[Scarfman]

It wasn't succession planning, Lee, it was succession. And too soon.

 

[Ash]

Pocock's performances on the EOYT showed it was the right decision to play him, though. If he had failed, you might have a gripe - but he didn't. And it's not like Smith was forsaken by Deans - he was rotated at 7, and still in the matchday 22 anyway.

 

[Brumbies Guy]

To the contrary, he seemed genuinely chuffed to have been voted in by genuine lovers of the game and actually asked me for the plastic sleeve that I'd brought it in. (you can hear the interview here http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/the-winner-ggr-wallaby-player-of-the-year/)

Listened to the interview.. just hope he follows through with this drop goal now

 

[tranquility]

In regards to the Pocock posts, I think you will find that David essentially picked himself.

David is known as the hardest trainer in the squad, he doesn't drink alcohol and his nutrition is immense. He already runs two charity's in Perth and will almost definatley be the next wallabies captain.

George Smith is with out doubt Australia's greatest backrower and it is a tradegy that he will not be playing in the next world cup. However the talent David possesses now and in the future can not be ignored.

 

[naza]

David is known as the hardest trainer in the squad, he doesn't drink alcohol

Houston, we have a farking problem !!

 

[Lee Grant]

It wasn't succession planning, Lee, it was succession. And too soon.

Well, in your eyes, but not in those in two others who posted after you - and not in mine. Pocock had to be started in big games to get a measure of what he could do. Had he not been been so tested Deans would have been derelict in his duty to Oz rugby.

Had Pocock failed this thread wouldn't exist.

 

[Cutter]

It wasn't succession planning, Lee, it was succession. And too soon.

Well, in your eyes, but not in those in two others who posted after you - and not in mine. Pocock had to be started in big games to get a measure of what he could do. Had he not been been so tested Deans would have been derelict in his duty to Oz rugby.

Had Pocock failed this thread wouldn't exist.

Are you suggesting Smith threw his toys out of the pram? I don't think that is fair or correct. Perhaps he was just tired.

 

[DPK]

It wasn't succession planning, Lee, it was succession. And too soon.

Well, in your eyes, but not in those in two others who posted after you - and not in mine. Pocock had to be started in big games to get a measure of what he could do. Had he not been been so tested Deans would have been derelict in his duty to Oz rugby.

Had Pocock failed this thread wouldn't exist.

Are you suggesting Smith threw his toys out of the pram? I don't think that is fair or correct. Perhaps he was just tired.

Maybe he didnt "throw the toys out of the pram", maybe he was waiting for a good opportunity to bow out with some class and nobility?

 

[Gagger]

I'd suggest it was a combo of there now being a credible replacement (sorry Phil) and him needing a change after having played for the same 2 teams for 10 years; if he's gonna make a good move, needs to be while he still has value.

No flounces, no Deans scheming, to be honest no succession planning, just a grown up man making an understandable decision

 

[Biffo]

I'd suggest it was a combo of there now being a credible replacement (sorry Phil) and him needing a change after having played for the same 2 teams for 10 years; if he's gonna make a good move, needs to be while he still has value.

No flounces, no Deans scheming, to be honest no succession planning, just a grown up man making an understandable decision

Yep

 

[en_force_er]

He is doing what is best for his family. Financially and emotionally.

Pocock probably just sealed the deal. Good on him.