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George Smith named Aviva Premiership Rugby Player of the Month for February
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The back-rower enjoyed an incredible month helping Wasps to four back-to-back victory’s
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“You have to be truly world-class to achieve these heights at 35,” says Austin Healey
George Smith has been named Premiership player of the month after a “sensational” month of February.
The back-rower enjoyed an incredible month helping Wasps to an unbeaten four weeks which included a 100-point haul in victories over Saracens and Harlequins and moving into the top three of Aviva Premiership Rugby.
Winners in the 2015-16 season
October – Nick Evans (Harlequins)
November – Nathan Hughes (Wasps)
December – Maro Itoje (Saracens)
January – Thomas Waldrom (Exeter Chiefs)
February – George Smith (Wasps)
Praising Smith’s role in this run, BT Sport analyst Austin Healey said: “We’ve all been there; you get to 35 and your brain tells your body to do something and it says no. This makes this season’s performances of our Aviva Premiership Rugby Player of the Month all the more remarkable.
“You have to be truly world-class to achieve these heights at 35. Some things never go with age. Your ability to read situations, make the right decision, commit to a breakdown, not commit to a breakdown and generally feel a game.”
Smith was involved in a three-way battle for this month’s title beating Newcastle Falcons’ Andy Goode and his Wasps team mate Dan Robson into the runners-up spots.
Healey added: “Age aside, George’s performances for Wasps have been nothing short of sensational this year. I genuinely believe Wasps would not have got more quality had they signed Richie McCaw.
“George is high on tackles, high on breakdowns and high on all the stats, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. It’s George Smith’s reading of the game and his link play that could just carry Wasps to a major trophy this season. I wish I was 35 all over again!”