Sharpe eyes silverware

Nathan Sharpe leaps high in the lineout

This year's John Eales medallist Nathan Sharpe has said he would gladly trade his prestigious award for the Webb Ellis Cup.

Sharpe was announced as the Wallabies best and fairest as voted for on a 3-2-1 system over the course of the 2007 international season. And while honoured to win the award, the towering lock indicated he would love it if the Wallabies were triumphant at this year's World Cup.

"It's a tremendous honour to be recognised as an individual but I'd trade it in a heartbeat to win some silverware with this team," Sharpe said upon accepting his award on Monday night in Brisbane.

"It's a tremendous feeling in the side at the moment and we're looking forward to approaching the road to France."

"In any industry or sport you love to feel part of the team and (like you're) contributing something and when you win an award like that you certainly do."

Sharpe was named in the Wallabies 30-man squad for the World Cup alongside former John Eales medal winners Chris Latham, David Lyons, Phil Waugh and George Smith, with Jeremy Paul the only previous winner to miss out on selection.

And while Sharpe is looking forward to a well-earned week off after he played six of the Wallabies seven Tests this season, he admitted to being 'tremendously' excited by the prospect of his second World Cup Campaign.

"I think all the guys are very excited to be getting on the road because once you do get on the road it feels like it's a fresh campaign," Sharpe said.

"And when you're heading into the World Cup there's no bigger pinnacle in world rugby, so, you're very excited when you get on that plane."