"Horhay" is Your Man of the Match - again!
August 27, 2008 - 4:13pm
Story by: ARU
Qantas Wallabies flanker George “Horhay” Smith is clearly establishing himself as the Men of Gold’s fans’ favourite as he took out his third Fans’ Man of the Match award in a row, for his outstanding performance in the Wallabies historic 27-15 victory over the Springboks in Durban.
George terrorised the Boks at the breakdown, in a heated battle with South African flanker Schalk Burger, turning over numerous balls the Wallabies’ way and terminating many promising Springbok raids.
It was another non-stop 80-minute performance from the Brumbies backrower who is fast approaching 100 Tests for the Men of Gold and on Saturday broke the world record for the most Tests as a loose forward.
Unlike Samson, who lost his power when his hair was shorn, the un-dreadlocked Smith just seems to be getting better and better and at just 28 still has a few years left on the clock.
Smith has taken out consecutive Fans’ Man of the Match Awards for the Wallabies victory over the Boks in Perth, the loss to the All Blacks in Auckland and the magnificent win in Durban.
Winger Peter Hynes has two Fans’ Man of the Match awards, for the first two Bundaberg Rum Rugby Series Tests of the year against Ireland in Melbourne and France in Sydney, while flyhalf Matt Giteau (France in Brisbane) and lock James Horwill (All Blacks in Sydney) have one each.
Smith won this week’s award comfortably with an impressive 64.9% of the 2253 votes cast. Captain Courageous Stirling Mortlock, after a whole hearted effort including a stunning solo try, was second with 17.5% followed by Matt Giteau with 11.0%.
Rounding out the Top 5 were winger Lote Tuqiri with 3.6% and No.8 Wycliff Palu (3.0%).
Our new poll is up and running – Should Rocky Elsom have been suspended after the Test in Durban ? – so lodge your vote now.
