Thoughts on Nathan Sharpe's 150 Super Rugby Games?

Question

Sharpey achieved the 150 match milestone last Friday, and, although the game was one he'd rather forget, he is the first and only player to play so many games in this comp.

I'd like to take some time to get your thoughts and feelings on this (imo) highly underrated player.

For mine, in general play Sharpe has been the epitome of what a great second rower should be, he always gives 100%, always works hard in the tight and never looks for accolades or glory.

In the lineout, well, the great Victor Matfield described him as his greatest rival in that area, I don't think anymore need be said on it.

I always thought Sharpe deserved more recognition than he received at international level, it always seems the Wallabies' opponents have more respect for him than they themselves do. I thought, personally, that he should have been made Wallaby captain for the RWC in 2011 (in fact, I thought he should have been captain since Gregan retired). No offence to Horwill, Mortlock or Elsom, but Sharpe is, in my opinion, a rare leader in the game of rugby, up there with the likes of McCaw and Smit.

Anyway, what do you think?

Mark L · Accepted Answer

Enormous regard for Nathan Sharpe, as a leader as well as a forward.  I reckon for the modern era - at least! - he will go down with Eales as run-on second row for Australia.    The points of his regard among his peers is well made, and telling.  Life in the engine room is pretty mysterious to many - probably all who have not played forward, so if one wants to understand the contributions of a lock, it is wise to listen to those who saw his work first hand.

Imagine the real meaning, in terms of conditioning and general toughness of mind and body, that it takes to play 150 games of Super rugby (plus his Internationals, of course).  

Mark L

Cali · Answer

It's difficult because he's a front rower and it's hard for them to stand out, often times as forwards get better at rugby we see less of them, if that makes sense. 

I think Scott Higginbotham is a good example of this, last year we saw him running with the ball quite a lot, where as in recent games he seems to be more involved in the up front stuff. 

We can take a look at Victor Matfield as well, known as a great rugby player, but we never saw him running with the ball, never saw him breaking tackles,  never saw him making amazing tackles. He had his job on the field and he fulfilled it. 

I see Nathan Sharp in the same way, great at what he's supposed to do and 'good enough' in the other areas of Rugby. 

That being said, 150 games? The guy must be invincible, I can't recall any serious injuries to him either.

moot46 · Answer

Nathan is one of Australia's best tight forwards ever. He was and still could be a constant threat to the opposition at test level.I for one was amazed at his treatment with the Wallabies last season.Who wouldn't want a constant and safe line out winner and his go forward at ruck and maul time were sorely missed.As you have said his leadership and experience were over looked for players of lesser stature.Pairing him (as captain) with Horwill throughout last season at international level would have better prepared Horwill for the job at a future time.Great servant to Australian rugby let down by those who should know better.

Bill P · Answer

Congrats to him. It has been a long hard haul for him. He is a player who never takes a backward step and always gives the game everything he's got. I remember that comment from Matfield. Sharpe has a lot to be proud about,

I hope when he plays his last game for the face they take him out with Iver the Hills and Far away.

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Thoughts on Nathan Sharpe's 150 Super Rugby Games?

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