Wallabies’ Nick Phipps terms his selection in Australian 30-man RWC squad as surprise - Rugby
Australian professional Rugby Union player and Wallabies international scrum half, Nick Phipps, confirms that he was not expecting to be named in the Wallabies final 30-man 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC) squad. He added, “It's pretty humbling and really exciting. I never really thought I would be in this squad.”
Phipps made the comments on Thursday, August 19. Earlier in the week, Wallabies, head coach, Robbie Deans announced his final 30-man squad, in which players like Matt Giteau failed to capture a spot.
Phipps admitted that he and his family were surprised by his inclusion in the Wallabies RWC squad. He said, “Mum keeps walking around with a smile on her face and dad just keeps shaking my hand.”
The 22-year-old Phipps started his professional senior Rugby Union club career, with Melbourne Rebels during the 2011 Super Rugby competition. He made his debut for Rebels against the Waratahs. He has made 16 appearances for the Rebels and has a Super Rugby try to his name.
The talented youngster announced himself on the national rugby circuit following his impressive performance for Sydney University Colts’ team. His performance for the Colts earned him a selection in the Australian Sevens side for the 2009 International Rugby Board’s (IRB) Sevens World Series.
Later Phipps also represented the Sevens side during the 2010 Common Wealth games. In July 2010, Phipps signed his first professional deal with the Melbourne Rebels.
His exceptional performance for the Australian Sevens side, earned him a selection in Robbie Deans’ Wallabies side for their 2010 European Tour. He played his first match for the Wallabies against the Leicester Tigers from the bench. He made his international debut for Australia against Samoa in 2011. He has made two international appearances for Wallabies so far.
Recalling last year’s European tour, Deans said, “Phippsy' came with us to Europe at the end of last year, he's a young player but he had a full Super load, and we were keen to take a specialist half-back away again.
Deans has praised the talent and skills of Phipps and termed his selection as part of the contingency plan. He added, “With half-back being such a key role, we didn't want, off the back of injury, to have our game compromised.”
Phipps is aware of the fact that he faces a tough challenge from the likes of Will Genia and Luke Burgess, in order to make to the Wallabies match day’s squad. He termed the duo Genia and Burgess as “the two top half backs”. He added that he will make of the opportunity provided to train and practice with these greats, to further develop his game.
He added, “I'm going to put some pressure on them as well, and then if an opportunity arises, I'll take it.”
Wallabies will host the All Blacks, which will be their last international match, before the start of the mega event in New Zealand, in September.
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