Western Force head coach unhappy with omission of Nathan Sharpe from Wallabies squad - Rugby news
Perth based Australian Super Rugby franchise, Western Force’s, head coach Richard Graham has expressed his displeasure at the omission of the his squads captain and Wallabies 94 test veteran
lock, Nathan Sharpe, from the Wallabies 24-man squad announced by the Wallabies head coach, Robbie Deans, for their second match of the 2011 Tri Nations tournament.
Graham has praised Sharpe’s services for the club and county and termed him as one of the world’s best second row forward.
Commenting on Sharpe’s removal from the Wallabies squad, Graham said, “I certainly am surprised but at the same time I haven't spoken to him and wasn't part of his conversation with the Wallabies
selectors, his non-selection will be something a lot of West Australians will be talking about this morning.”
Graham has further praised Sharpe’s efforts in the 2011 Super Rugby competition. He termed the exclusion from the Wallabies final 30-man squad for the 2011 Rugby World Cup as a "major mistake."
Graham acknowledged the performance of Rob Simmons and James Horwill in the 2011 Super Rugby championship. However, he added that the trio of Sharpe, Simmons and Horwill will provide the Wallabies
the depth of the world’s best second row forwards in the same match 22.
Graham said that Sharpe had so much to offer in the upcoming rugby World Cup. He said, “I think any guy with his experience, his personality - he does want to lead and help people, particularly
in a very intense tournament over six or eight weeks - he'll be invaluable.”
Graham added that he is not aware of the reasons which forced his omission from the squad.
Wallabies 24-man squad for their August 6 encounter against the All Blacks include, Ben Alexander, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Luke Burgess, Quade Cooper, Pekahou Cowan, Rocky Elsom,
Anthony Fainga'a, Saia Fainga'a, Will Genia, Scott Higginbotham, Matt Hodgson, James Horwill, Digby Ioane, Sekope Kepu, Pat McCabe, Ben McCalman, Stephen Moore, James O'Connor, David Pocock, Rob Simmons, Sitaleki Timani, Lachie Turner, Dan Vickerman
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