Matt Dunning wants a crack at The Beard

Like many people, I was surprised that there weren't any deaths in the Wallaby front-row after the weekend's test in SA. In the last couple of years the Australian scrum has had all the power of an anti-smacking bill. Many have pointed to the use of the "crouch, touch/pause, engage" rule as being far too confusing for Australian players, meaning they don't get a decent hit on.

But against the Springboks this past weekend they weren't half bad, and certainly weren't destroyed like they have been several times in the recent past.

After claiming that it was his best game in the Wallaby jersey ever, Matt Dunning has now said he wants to take on The Beard.

"If I get picked in the game in Melbourne he will be the next challenge and he is world class, he's the best, so we'll be able to see how good I am after that."

It is of course admirable for young Matt to want to test himself against the best. That's what international sport is about, and nothing brings out a players best like playing for their national team against the best prop on the planet.

Hayman's Beard wishes Matt well, but also holds grave fear for his life. He should spend the next two weeks praying that Carl hasn't grown The Full Beard by the time they meet. If The Beard should go off during a scrum, there's no telling what damage could be done to a young player with questionable ability. Safety first people, safety first.