News

Robinson's Waratah recovery

May 23 2008

Benn Robinson will pack down at loosehead prop for the Waratahs in their Super 14 semi-final against the Sharks in Sydney on Saturday, but it took a drastic move from Head Coach Ewen McKenzie to get the best out of him.

When McKenzie called him into his Moore Park office two days after the Waratahs loss to the Chiefs to tell him he was dropped, Robinson was forced to lift his game.

Robinson's sacking meant recruit Sekope Kepu would take his place in the side, which was a bitter pill for the prop to swallow. But the move inspired Robinson to fight back.

"Ewen made a challenge," Robinson told RugbyHeaven.

"He said, 'You are at a critical point. You can make a tough decision. You can either work hard and knuckle down again or you can go the other way and get pissed off about it'."

As the Waratahs' campaign progressed and headed for the semi-finals, the front rower knuckled down and worked on his scrummaging technique, ball handling, running game and fitness.

The hard graft, fighting spirit and a few performances for the Junior Waratahs renewed McKenzie's interest in Robinson.

"Benn, you are back in the side," said the call Robinson had been waiting for. The prop was recalled to the starting XV to face, and beat, the Cheetahs at the Sydney Football Stadium in Round seven.

Eight games later and Robinson is hanging on to his prized number one jersey. After including him in his line-up for Saturday's play-off McKenzie said Robinson deserved every praise.

"I wouldn't say without disappointment," McKenzie recalled how Robinson took the news of being dropped from the 22-man squad in that "frank" meeting two days after the loss in Hamilton.

"But he took on the challenge. He has done outstandingly well. I felt 2007 wasn't his best footy.

"In 2006 he played real well [including six Tests]. The challenge was how he could find a way to get that back."

"I probably treated him pretty mean in terms of selection with 'Keps' coming. And we didn't give him his spot back easily."

Robinson didn't find getting it back easy either. But it is no coincidence that now he is playing well and has cemented his place in the side again. He is enjoying his rugby once more. There's also talk of a return to the Wallabies squad.

"It was really tough," said Robinson.

"But it was good for me. Ewen said he wanted to see that fire in me again. It made me look at my game and focus on enjoying my game again. I am loving every game I play now."

So much so that he admits he admits he gives "that wink every now and then" to those he knows in the crowd.

"It is that mental edge for me," he said.

"When I am out there enjoying rugby I play good rugby."

The Waratahs scrum has developed into a force and Robinson is quick to insist that any plaudits for an individual's performance reflect the strengths of those around him.

"We have had plenty of combinations," said hooker Adam Freier.

"It is not just about the front row, either. The back five behind us never get the rap it deserves when the scrum goes well. We have some big humans there.

"The second-rowers don't just stick their heads between two rear ends and push. They have tactics, too, and ways to get it right. The back row also have their job. If they pack right, I'll tell you, every time our scrum goes well."

The Waratahs scrummagers respect the Sharks outfit that demolished the Chiefs last weekend in Durban but they are relishing the opportunity to take them on tomorrow night.

"They will target our scrum," said Freier.

"They always target our set piece. We are not saying we are world-beaters. But we are up for the challenge."