Can Heinrich Brussow claim the crown at Newlands?

Published under Tri-nations on the 05 Aug 2009 by Dooley

Springbok newcomer, Heinrich Brussow, with just 6 caps to his name has already dethroned the 72 cap veteran, Richie McCaw, can the same be done to George Smith, the centurion? At the moment it looks like Brussow has the world at his scavenging finger tips, but Smith won’t relinquish his rule without a fight. Does he still have a few tricks up his sleeve after 8 years at the top of his game?

Below is footage of George Smith at a press conference shortly after arriving in SA, along with footage of the Wallabies training in Cape Town this week.

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Dooley

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Francois

Brussow is da ou….. I think I would rate Richie above Smith I, so my answer would have to be that Brussow will come out tops!!
Going to be an absolute stunner match up!! Cant wait!!
Hope Newlands crowd does us all proud!!!
http://www.sportchat.co.za sportguru

Smith should find it difficult against Brussow, he’s pure class. Aussies watched from the side line for the last three weeks they will have a few tricks up their sleeves, they will also know that ill discipline will cost them.
http://www.blogspotrugby.com Dooley

@Francois and @sportguru, are you guys forgetting what a complete rugby player Smith is? With both Steyns on the park, I think the Aussies are going to be kaking a bit about discipline, but Smith is an old dog, not only does he know every trick in the book, he invented half of them. I am however still backing Brussow to take it! Thanks for the support guys, enjoy the game.
mike-in-NZ

Brussow dethroning McCaw???? I think you may be getting ahead of yourself mate. Richie has just come back from injury and doesn’t have a forward pack nearly as good as the Boks pack to suppport him. I agree, Brussow is amazing, But I think it is far to early to be comparing him to the likes of McCaw and Smith!!
http://www.blogspotrugby.com Dooley

@mike-in-NZ, I know it is a bit premature to compare the likes of Brussow to legends like McCaw or Smith in the long run. They have been at the top of their trade for so many years already and he’s just starting out. So far in this year’s Tri Nations, Brussow has come out on top, regardles of who is coming back from injury, or what the forward packs are like, just fetcher VS fetcher. It’s an exciting prospect for many years to come don’t you think?
mike-in-NZ

for sure mate. think hes an awesome player and will only get better. If he is still out performing McCaw andSmith at the end of the year, i will pay for you to fly over to new zealand. haha.
Francois

The fact that guys (eg Richie and Smith) have been around for a while and dominating doesnt make them out of reach for guys that are new on the scene like Brussow! When they run on the field, the only thing that counts is those 80mins.
The fact that Smith ended up getting a yellow card (even though it was in the last few minutes), is a victory for Brussow as this was from pure frustration!!
What can I say… I called it!! Brussow is top! Boomslang!!!
mike-in-NZ

Again. I think you are being premature. However so far this tri nations (only 4 games so far. Brussow has been better. Lets see how he travels.
http://www.blogspotrugby.com Dooley

@Francois, I concur.
http://www.blogspotrugby.com Dooley

@mike-in-NZ, although I think that Brussow has come out tops so far, you are right, how he travels and performs in a hostile arena will be the true tell of who is tops.
http://www.sportchat.co.za sportguru

@Dooley we’ll have to see Schalk is back, i would still pick Brussow but will the coach agree.
http://www.blogspotrugby.com Dooley

@Sportguru, I think Schalk will come off the bench in Juan Smith’s place. We so clearly have to keep Brussow for his breakdown steals. Schalk’s tackle rate will be an asset. Spies has largely taken over the ball carrier roll that Smith used to play. Smith is still a class player though and did alot of work in the lineout at the weekend. It will be interesting to see what choice the coaching staff make though