Jake targets larkham as Brumbies flyhalf

Ex Supersport

ACT Brumbies coach Jake White is reportedly trying to lure former Australia flyhalf Stephen Larkham out of retirement to cover for the injury-ravaged Super Rugby squad.

White told the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper that 102-test veteran Larkham was a "real option" to fill the gap created when Christian Lealiifano broke his ankle last weekend, compounding the club's problems at No 10 after Matt Toomua was earlier sidelined following a knee reconstruction.

Larkham, a backline coach at the Brumbies, has not played at any level since early last year and will turn 38 this month.

"He runs all of our plays, he knows our plays - we would be crazy not to ask him, and it is a real option I could have Stephen Larkham running around for three games," White was quoted as saying. "I would never force him to play, but when two flyhalves go down you have to think outside the box. (Please not ewindpomp - this is a bit like Alistair getting the Canadian)

"If we think he can add value to us then we will pursue it ... If he says to me he would play, then of course we will go with that."

Larkham had a distinguished test career for Australia after starting as a fullback and moving to flyhalf. He helped Australia win the 1999 World Cup and was involved in the run to the final in 2003. He quit international rugby after Australia's surprising quarterfinal exit at the 2007 World Cup.

He played 116 Super Rugby matches for the Brumbies between 1996-2007, including championship-winning seasons in 2001 and '04.

Larkham's age and tender knees may rule him out, so the Brumbies are reportedly targeting a number of senior playmakers including former Wallabies utility Matt Giteau, who left the Brumbies after last season to play in France, and former Australia rugby league international Craig Gower

There is no doubting Larhams fine rugby brain but 38 is pushing it. Heck folk here are writing of Fourie du Preez and Jean at around 30!!

However Jake should go for Giteau.

"I would never force him to play, but when two flyhalves go down you have to think outside the box. (Please not ewindpomp - this is a bit like Alistair getting the Canadian)

You say that it is a bit like Allister? Larkham is from Canada.........................?

Then you also say:

"There is no doubting Larhams fine rugby brain but 38 is pushing it. Heck folk here are writing of Fourie du Preez and Jean at around 30!!"

Exactly. Just shows you how lame the idea is that a player who turns 30 is suddenly over the hill.

Windpomp I have neve thought du Preez's age was the real question - its more about his form and how good he is compared to wha tis currently available.

Fourie is an honourable man and I think he knows, as Smit should have know re Bissie, that Hougard has overtaken him. But that said he is welcome to return and compete for the 9 jersey and win it on merit if he can .

No windpomp Larkham is not from Canada! But getting a player from Canada is thinking outside the box (like jake is doing) - when last did we have a player from Canada playing in the Super comp?

My pal windpomp takes time some mornings to get up and running! hahahahhaha