Schmidt backs 'scavenger' Champion de Crespigny

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt backed Nick Champion de Crespigny (right) to be the team's "roving scavenger" yesterday after handing him a shock debut in the opening British and Irish Lions Test at Brisbane.

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Brisbane — Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt backed Nick Champion de Crespigny (right) to be the team's "roving scavenger" yesterday after handing him a shock debut in the opening British and Irish Lions Test at Brisbane.

Hard man Champion De Crespigny, who spent three seasons at French side Castres before moving to Western Force this year, gets his chance tomorrow with first-choice blindside flanker Rob Valetini not fully fit.

His elevation is an eye-opener, preferred to Tom Hooper, but Schmidt said he had no doubt about his abilities.

"I keep an eye on the Top 14, having coached there many years ago," said Schmidt.

"Obviously Nick was playing for Castres and they'd been a high-performing team and so when he decided to come back he was immediately on the radar.