Nothing sinister with Smith on bench

Brumbies coach Jake White says his decision to name Wallabies legend George Smith on the bench for Saturday’s final-round clash against the Force is not a result of the sickening head knock he suffered in the third Test against the Lions.

Smith was knocked out cold in the fifth minute but somehow passed a concussion Test and controversially returned to the field.

The South African-born mentor has rushed all nine of his Wallabies squad members back for the trip to Perth, however Smith is the only one to start from the pine.

But White insists the decision is strategic – not precautionary – as the Brumbies prepare for their first Super Rugby finals campaign in nine seasons.

“I think we’re going to need George going into the big (finals) games,” White said.

“We’re going to need his experience, I’m going to need him to be 100 percent.”

Asked if Smith, who was sidelined for six weeks with a knee injury before making his return for the Wallabies last Saturday, will at least see some game time in the west, White replied: “He will get on.

“Our doctor was actually the (Test) match doctor as well. He’s a very conservative doctor and he would never have been gung ho about a decision like that.

“And secondly I have no doubt that George himself wouldn’t have gone back out onto the field if he didn’t feel he was 100 per cent right.

“He’s been all fine (this week at training).”

Rebels-bound young-gun Colby Faingaa, who starred in the Brumbies’ 14-12 win over the Lions, will start at openside flanker against the Force.

Scrumhalf Nic White will miss the clash against the Force as a precaution as he continues to battle a shoulder injury, with Ian Prior to start.

“He’s probably 75 per cent ready to go,” White said of his namesake.

“If it was a one-off game I would probably risk it, but we’ve got a couple more weeks of rugby and I’ve got to make sure he’s ready next week.”

BRUMBIES: 15. Jesse Mogg, 14. Henry Speight, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 12. Christian Lealiifano, 11. Joe Tomane, 10. Matt Toomua, 9. Ian Prior, 8. Ben Mowen (c), 7. Colby Faingaa, 6. Peter Kimlin, 5. Sam Carter, 4. Scott Fardy, 3. Ben Alexander, 2. Stephen Moore, 1. Scott Sio.

Reserves: 16. Siliva Siliva, 17. Ruan Smith, 18. Fotu Auelua, 19. George Smith, 20. Robbie Coleman, 21. Andrew Smith, 22. Mark Swanepoel.

Article source: http://www.express.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/413812/Returning-skipper-savours-success

Nothing sinister with Smith on bench