Boks dread Smith factor
August 15, 2001

Dreadlocked George Smith is setting the pattern for modern openside flankers after just eight Tests for the world champion Wallabies.

Smith, who made his Test debut for Australia against France last November, is being compared to New Zealand greats Michael Jones and Josh Kronfeld.

"It's a great compliment," said Smith who celebrated his 21st birthday with a series-clinching third Test triumph against the Lions last month. "All I try and do is learn as much as I can in every match."

But the Springboks will not be fooled when they tackle the Wallabies in Saturday's Tri-Nations Test here.

South African skipper Bobby Skinstad was under no illusions about the player. "He's very often the first man to the breakdown, getting the ball away from the tackled player or making sure that his side's ball has not been slowed down," he said.

Smith admits he revels in the physical challenge. "I've always got stuck in with the rough stuff," he said. "I feel I'm improving every week."

He certainly did that against the Lions after being overshadowed by the tourists' back row in the first Test defeat in Brisbane. And he struggled in the 20-15 defeat in Pretoria last month.

"I wasn't satisfied with that game," he said. "But I think we showed against the All Blacks last week what we are capable of. Having possession is the key."

Australia broke a 96-year jinx by winning at Dunedin last week to throw the Tri-Nations wide open with each team having won one and lost one. - Sapa

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