Nathan Sharpe will look to spoil Victor Matfield's day in Pretoria this afternoon
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Dropped from the Wallabies by Robbie Deans two years ago, Nathan Sharpe has worked hard to get back to the stage where he aims to ruin Victor Matfield's 100th cap, according to Greg Growden at Rugby Heaven.
"Everyone needs a jolt now and then. Nathan Sharpe received his two years ago, and it transformed his international career.
"On Saturday night, the Wallabies' most experienced player will attempt to dampen the celebrations surrounding his opponent - Springboks second-rower Victor Matfield - who, on his home territory of Loftus Versfeld, will be running out for his 100th Test. Sharpe's aim is not only to undermine Matfield and the rest of the Springboks, but to provide the leadership required to make the Wallabies a viable Tri Nations and World Cup force again.
"That Sharpe is in a position to exert his influence on such a high-profile match is noteworthy given that, not so long ago, he was on the outer. Shortly after Robbie Deans took over as Wallabies coach in 2008, Sharpe was a casualty of cruising along for a little too long. He was cut from the Tri Nations squad, and he took it hard. A regular gig had been snatched away from him, and that devastated Sharpe for a time. However, to his credit, the 32-year-old took the hint, worked on his overall game and attitude, and within a few weeks was back in the squad - highly motivated. Since then, he has been a standout. This season, he might not have appreciated it at the time, but Sharpe believes the 2008 demotion was the stimulation he needed to revive his career."
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