Saying goodbye: Sharpe
It certainly wasn't the way Nathan Sharpe envisaged ending his rugby career but a missed conversion was the last act for this retiring Wallaby.
For the past 16 years, the strapping lock has earned a living by smashing into rucks, leaping in line-outs and pushing in the middle of scrums.
Lining up kicks from the touchline has never been on his to-do list. But there he was in the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, 30 metres out and attempting a conversion with his last competitive touch of rugby ball.
His kick failed to reach the posts - one of the few times Sharpe has come up short as a Wallaby.
"Of course I'm going to miss it - it's what I've done since I can remember," an emotional Sharpe said as he assessed his long, distinguished career after the 14-12 victory over Wales.
"I am going to have to find some walls to run into every weekend, just to get my head around things, ease my way out of it."
Sharpe's debut for Australia came in a match against France in 2002 and he turned out for 115 more tests, making him the Wallabies' second most-capped players after scrum-half great George Gregan.
With James Horwill, David Pocock and Will Genia all struggling with injury in the second half of 2012, Robbie Deans turned to Sharpe to lead his tired side through its end-of-season European tour.
After scrappy wins over England and Italy, Sharpe summoned up one last big match against Wales in which Kurtley Beale scored a last-minute, match-winning try to provide a fitting send-off for Sharpe.
"What better way of finishing a game for a great man as Nathan, our skipper who is retiring," Beale said. "We are very relieved and happy for him."
Naturally, the unassuming Sharpe refused to take any credit.
"It wasn't for me - it was what we've spoken about all year," he said.
"Games go one way and then the other, and if you stick in there you don't know what's going to happen.
"I thought that was pretty consistent with the character the team has shown this year."
Sharpe entered the national scene at senior level too late to take part in the 2001 series against the British & Irish Lions, and he is bowing out six months before the combined team from the four home unions heads Down Under again.
"The thing I'll probably miss most is being in the team environment, having a collective goal in a pressure-cooker situation each weekend," he said, close to tears.
"As much as you love it, you hate it. There are big highs and low lows. That'll be the most challenging thing for me."
Sharpe ends his Wallaby career with eight international tries to his name - and one missed conversion.
"It was the first - and I'd say it was the last," he said.
Comments
bokke_steph says...
A great player who brought so much to the game and never gave less than 110%. We wish him the best for the future.
Posted 03:40 05th December 2012
jonesy2 says...
rugby will not be the same with out sharpie. what a great man on and off the field. no more respected figure in the game.
Posted 14:17 04th December 2012
7redcards says...
@georgesmith - You are a vile little troll, did you get hard spouting that rubbish about a bloke that has made the sacrifices NS has to represent his country? Shame on you.
Posted 13:35 04th December 2012
sonsofsamoa says...
I really wish sharpie would go overseas and enjoy a really good retirement fund.. he thoroughly deserves it.. They don't breed em like you anymore, bloody legend!!..
Posted 13:20 04th December 2012
Ramage says...
Isnt it great the respect that is shown for Sharpe as a mighty test player not just from real Australians but from all over the world. yes you are a legend and thanks for all those memories over many years. The great wishes of suport and good health in the many posts on here show the way fans hold you in great respect. A great totara has gone from the game thank you N Sharpe thank you your unselfish actions are to be applauded.
Posted 11:56 04th December 2012
firepower says...
@georgesmith you're a loser. thanks
Posted 19:41 03rd December 2012
Jediboy says...
All the best to NS. It's been a great career.
Posted 08:29 03rd December 2012
ManWarrior says...
Well done! Respect!
Posted 08:07 03rd December 2012
KiwiLad says...
Should have been a nominee for IRBs player of the year. He was the Rock around Which the Dingo built his team during a very difficult season.
Posted 04:25 03rd December 2012
Felly says...
Great player!!
Posted 00:22 03rd December 2012
tha_mai says...
cuw3100 says...only 8 tries in 116 matches
what do you expect; try scoring is not the #1 objective of a test lock.
Note Victor Matfield has similar figures, 7 from 110, so ok you can name your super try-scoring lock with 100+ tests?
Go on . . .
Posted 00:13 03rd December 2012
Eejbm says...
Thanks Sharpie! I can finally forgive you for leaving The Reds. All the best for whatever you choose to do.
Posted 23:47 02nd December 2012
paulynz says...
Absolute legend of the game.
All the best in your retirement from New Zealand.
Posted 21:37 02nd December 2012
banjo says...
Total respect for to one of the true all time global greats of the game. Epitomises the spirit of Rugby.
Posted 20:43 02nd December 2012
georgesmith says...
Ya, ya, ya. Enough of the emotional crap. Now get lost over-rated grandpa N.Sharpe and give some younger players a chance because you don't have the legs or the tank for Test level or even Super Rugby. Stop being selfish and making thing about yourself and your Test caps. Truth may hurt but Wallabies are a much better outfit without you. Wallabies didn't need you rather you needed Wallabies for your Test caps. Annyways.. best of luck for the future. I hope you never return to the Wallabies fold ever again.
Posted 20:41 02nd December 2012
ArmchairGeneral says...
I wonder... it's been a gruelling season but after a rest might he make himself available just for the Lions?? No disrespect if he changes his mind for three more tests...?? Even if he just helps with squad activity and bench at best.
Posted 18:05 02nd December 2012
ArmchairGeneral says...
Cuw3100: he's not a winger you daft plonker.
Posted 18:01 02nd December 2012
Wallaroo says...
What a stalwart Sharpe has been, his physical presence and presence of mind will be sorely missed.
Posted 13:25 02nd December 2012
Uglea says...
Cuw3001, might be better ways to say farewell to Sharpie. To play for that long is a feat in its self rather than scoring tries. Would suggest a stat worth knowing is what is his line out take as a percentage of the games he has played.
I know when he came to Perth, he showed pride, values and manners opting to be the player rep for a senior club whose travel time was longest amongst all the players (young family and normal every person challenges).
Big respect Sharpie, good luck With the future.
Posted 12:13 02nd December 2012
blue_n_green says...
Love ya sharpie . Hope you stay involved in the game somewhere .
Posted 09:48 02nd December 2012