With Matt Toomua and Christian Lealiifano both ruled out through injury, Jake White has looked to the Brumbies attack coach to ease his flyhalf worries. It kind of makes sense given that he knows all the calls, but it does highlight the alarming lack of depth in Australian rugby. Something which Wallabies coach Robbie Deans will be well aware of.
The Reds were down to their 7th fly half, Sam Lane, at one point this season after a luckless run of injuries, so there resultant struggles were undertsandable. The Brumbies have only lost two of their ranks though. Are they really saying that there is no one else capable of pulling on the 10 shirt in Canberra club rugby? Larkham may be a class act, but he last played in 2010...and that was for the Ricoh Black Rams in Japan.
Genius or Madness?
We've all seen how Ma'a Nonu has struggled since his return from the same club...and that was only a few months ago! The intensity level is just not the same. Surely Larkham's match fitness will just not be up to scratch, even if he does know the Brumbie playbook inside out? Its a dangerous call by Jake White and one that could leave him with a fair bit of egg on his face. If it goes well though, it will be considered a masterstroke, such is the fine line between genius and madness.
There is precedent in rugby if anyone is wondering. Many will remember multiple returns from illness by Jonah Lomu, but he was never formally retired. England's world cup winning fullback Josh Lewsey did return for Wasps following retirement a few years ago though, after they had suffered a horror run of injuries. He did an admirable job too.The speed of the game in England is not quite comparable with the Super 15 though.
Legendary Sporting comebacks from Retirement
In general, there have been some unbelievable sporting comebacks from retirement in the past. Take George Foreman. The American boxer who effectively retired from the ring in order to preach as a born-again Christian, only to return 10 years later and ultimately regain the Heavyweight world title at the age of 45; a full 20 years after retirement!
Then you have Kim Clijsters who retired to start a family, and returned to win not one but two grand slams in tennis, a physically gruelling sport in terms of stamina. Quite an achievement.
More recently Paul Scholes returned after half a season watching his Man Utd colleagues on the tv, to play an instrumental part in their turn of form in the English Premier League this year. Whether he leads them to yet another domestic title will be seen later today.
How do you think 'Bernie' will do next week? Brumbies fans will be waiting with bated breath.
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