Waugh and Smith ready for battle
October 22, 2001

Wallaby rivals Phil Waugh and George Smith have landed in the UK with the Australia touring party ready to do battle for the the openside starting berth.

"I`ve known George for years and we get on extremely well. Whenever we play we do our best and we try and play better than each other," Waugh told AAP.

"Going into this tour it`d be hard to say who`s got the (open-side flanker) spot. George is the incumbent but the rivalry we`ve established is good for both our games. I lift him to a new level and he lifts me to a new level so I think both our games have improved due to the rivalry."

Smith revealed his delight at his rise to prominence with the Wallabies and the honour of being named Rookie of the Year but looked forward to forthcoming challenges.

"It`s been a pleasant rise and I`m very happy with the year that I`ve had," he said. "I haven`t had time to reflect but it`s been a great year for the Wallabies and the players` preparation leading up to games has been very good and we`ve shown it on the field."

Waugh, 22, admitted to being frustrated at his bench time and has set his eyes on Smith's place in the Wallaby side. "It`s extremely frustrating not starting the games and sitting on the bench although it`s better than not being in the squad at all," he said.

"While it`s frustrating and you just want to get out there, it`s also a great honour to play for the team when you do get on the field."

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