Paul defends Aussie pack

Paul defends Aussie pack

13 Jul 2006

Wallaby hooker Jeremy Paul believes his country’s forward talent is the best he has seen in his nine years as a Test player.

Paul’s statement follows a 2005 Test season that saw the Australian pack humiliated regularly, most notably at Twickenham, and a heavy defeat to the All Blacks last weekend that was blamed on their inability to dominate up front.

“We do have one of the most exciting back lines in the world, but I also really believe we have the potential to be one of the best forward packs in the world,” Paul told the Sydney Morning Herald’s Greg Growden.

“Look at our second-rowers – Nathan Sharpe and Dan Vickerman. They’re both world class, and you have guys like George Smith, who is special. Rocky Elsom is only 23 and he’s starting to step up to Test footy. You have guys fighting for positions, like Scott Fava, and guys like Daniel Heenan and Wycliff Palu on the fringes as well.

“I’ve played in a few Australian packs over the years, but now I see so much talent. I probably see just as much, if not more talent, in this pack of eight than I’ve ever played with. Talent-wise, some of these guys are phenomenal.”

Paul said the young front-rowers such as Guy Shepherdson, Greg Holmes and Rodney Blake had to get more experience against the best props in the world.

“I remember nine years ago when I was playing my fourth Test, I was absolutely crapping myself,” Paul said. “You’re playing against some of the biggest blokes in the world. It is daunting, and hard. But as the years go on, you start wishing you had started the way you are playing now. It all takes time.”


11 Comments

  • 1.keg: Reply to this comment
    13 Jul 2006, 17:12 pm

    What you been smoking Jeremy?

  • 2.wpforever: Reply to this comment
    13 Jul 2006, 17:25 pm

    Big Os is gonna make Sheperdson his *****

  • 3.jb: Reply to this comment
    13 Jul 2006, 17:30 pm

    Jorrie, Gus and Tiaan as a frontrow could druk the ozzie front 3

  • 4.Jake_White: Reply to this comment
    13 Jul 2006, 17:30 pm

    Os and CJ are gonna make the entire pack their *******

  • 5.tomcat: Reply to this comment
    13 Jul 2006, 17:38 pm

    The bok pack is gonna be skinning the sheep shaggers on saturday…..

  • 6.rastafox: Reply to this comment
    13 Jul 2006, 18:07 pm

    One hopes for Aussie sakes that talent can scrum!!!!

  • 7.Skim: Reply to this comment
    13 Jul 2006, 18:58 pm

    Paul should defend aussie packages

  • 8.ricane: Reply to this comment
    13 Jul 2006, 23:48 pm

    Paul will be the only talent in the front row and he’s not even an Ozzie

  • 9.Ian: Reply to this comment
    14 Jul 2006, 01:45 am

    Ah, Tomcat,

    My, my, you’re full of astute comments. Typical laager mentality.

  • 10.pompies: Reply to this comment
    14 Jul 2006, 06:20 am

    Tomcat is Ian’s ***** so it seems.He he.

  • 11.snoop: Reply to this comment
    14 Jul 2006, 06:35 am

    When last did you see a bok pack hammer a pack from the top 4 in the world?

    If we had Cobus Visagie, schalk and bakkies back we may just have an edge.

    Dominate packs …. oh no.

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