Smith stays positive

Flanker remains composed ahead of Grand Slam tour

By Rachel Griffiths   Last updated: 21st October 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Smith stays positive

Smith: Awaiting team selection

You can't be complacent in the way that you do things and I guess all spots are up for grabs

George Smith
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Veteran Australia flanker George Smith insists he is untroubled by speculation that his starting spot on the Wallabies' crucial upcoming autumn tour is under threat.

It has been rumoured that the openside flanker will be benched in favour of David Pocock for the Bledisloe Cup Test against New Zealand in Toyko after he trained with Australia's 'second string' this week.

The 30-year-old, who has also been relieved of his vice-captain post, believes his recent setbacks serve as reminders not to take his position for granted.

"I definitely don't feel complacent in the way I prepare and I think that's the way everyone approaches it," said Smith.

"You can't be complacent in the way that you do things and I guess all spots are up for grabs.

"I guess the message is to make sure you're working at your own game and continue doing that.

"It's good to have healthy rivalry in the team and as Dave looks to me for advice, I look to him in different areas as well so it's making sure you're bouncing off each other and helping each other for the betterment of the team."

Decision

Smith is refusing to rule-out retaining his starting spot for the Tokyo clash until the team is decided.

"You saw the make-up of the teams yesterday but the team isn't selected until next week so we'll wait until then," he added.

"I don't want to get into hypotheticals, we'll wait until the team is announced."

Smith, who is a two-time John Eales medallist, insists that if he is dropped from the starting line-up he won't waste time complaining about it.

"I'm always upbeat, I'm always a happy fellow around camp," said Smith.

"You definitely won't see me moping around if I wasn't selected.

"I think it shows the character of the person when you do work hard to get back in the team if you are not selected.

"My focus is to improve as a player and make sure I contribute to the team."

Although most of the outside focus is on the Wallabies' Grand Slam tour of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, Smith claims the squad are currently putting their concentration into the dead rubber All Blacks clash.

"We can't look too far in terms of Test matches and the Kiwis are our focus at

the moment," added Smith.

"(As for) the Grand Slam, we'll worry about that after."