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Australia will miss Larkham, says Dallaglio
Australia will miss Larkham, says Dallaglio
Wednesday October 03, 2007
Australia will miss the mercurial talents of Stephen Larkham at outside-half against England in this weekend's World Cup quarter-final, according to English forward Lawrence Dallaglio.
But the former England captain was quick to heap praise on the injured Larkham's 21-year-old understudy Berrick Barnes, who has played with aplomb since stepping into the veteran's boots.
"I'm sure the Australians would prefer it if Stephen Larkham was fit," said Dallaglio here on Tuesday.
"He's been an inspirational player and a very important part in their development and success over the last 10 years. So he will be missed.
"But certainly Barnes has done a fantastic job and has come straight in and fitted into that spot.
"But they're defintely without a world-class player, no doubt about it."
The 33-year-old Larkham played in Australia's first pool game against Japan, but then underwent minor surgery on his knee.
An infection was detected after that surgery and the injury-jinxed playmaker, capped 102 times, was forced back into hospital, a move that has seen him miss the Wallabies' last three pool games.
Larkham is expected to take up a contract with an European club at the end of the World Cup.
AFP
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