Australian Rugby
Elsom replaces Mortlock as Wallabies captain
Scrum.com
October 9, 2009
Australia captain Rocky Elsom is presented to the media alongside coach Robbie Deans and ARU chief John O'Neill, ARU headquarters, Sydney, Australia, October 9, 2009
Rocky Elsom will lead Australia for the first time against the All Blacks in Japan © Getty Images
Enlarge

Rocky Elsom has replaced Stirling Mortlock as Wallabies skipper and Berrick Barnes has been installed as vice-captain in a major leadership shake-up for coach Robbie Deans' 35-man Tour squad.

Veteran flanker and Waratahs skipper Phil Waugh has missed out due to injury while prop Al Baxter has been omitted. Seven uncapped players have been included after a gruelling training camp in Sydney.

While Western Force flanker Matt Hodgson and Waratahs utility back Kurtley Beale had been involved within the Wallabies set-up earlier in the year, the tour will represent the first Wallabies' involvements for five others.

These are Queensland Reds halfback Richard Kingi, Waratahs midfield back Rob Horne, Brumbies blindside flanker Mitchell Chapman, Waratahs lock Dave Dennis and Brumbies prop Salesi Ma'afu.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans felt that the time was right to adjust the leadership of the team.

"Stirling has done a good job as Australian skipper, both before I became involved, and over the last 16 months. He also understands that this initiative has no meaning in terms of his playing future. He has indicated a desire to continue not only to play but also to lead and we respect that," Deans said.

"Although George [Smith] did a sound job taking over once Stirling [Mortlock] was injured this season, we feel the role has never really sat naturally with him. Captaincy requires a big commitment both on and away from the field and we believe George is better served not being saddled with the additional responsibility. He still has the opportunity to contribute leadership within the group."

Deans said Elsom appealed as the best option for the position, both due to his certainty in terms of selection, and ability to lead from the front. "Rocky has the respect of his team-mates because of his approach and the total commitment he brings to the game," Deans said.

Veteran flanker Waugh joins Nathan Sharpe and youngster Nick Cummins as unavailable for selection due to injury.

Deans said prop Baxter was left out in preference for younger players in the fringe spots, who he will take the opportunity to blood in the two mid-week trials built into the tour schedule.

"This tour provides us with a development opportunity, through our two midweek games. That is why we have opted to introduce some younger players, as opposed to taking along players whose capabilities we are already aware of."

Deans hailed the value of the training camp in Sydney which would stand any potential replacement call-ups in good stead. "If (injury) happens, we have some other blokes who have been exposed to the methodology within the camp that we can call on if required."

Australia: Ben Alexander (Brumbies), Adam Ashley-Cooper (Brumbies), Berrick Barnes (Waratahs), Kurtley Beale (Waratahs), Richard Brown (Western Force), Luke Burgess (Waratahs), Mitchell Chapman (Brumbies), Mark Chisholm (Brumbies), Quade Cooper (Reds), Pekahou Cowan (Western Force), Ryan Cross (Western Force), Dave Dennis (Waratahs), Matt Dunning (Western Force), Rocky Elsom (Brumbies, capt), Will Genia (Reds), Matt Giteau (Brumbies), Matt Hodgson (Western Force), Rob Horne (Waratahs), James Horwill (Reds), Peter Hynes (Reds), Digby Ioane (Reds), Sekope Kepu (Waratahs), Richard Kingi (Reds), Salesi Ma'afu (Brumbies), Drew Mitchell (Waratahs), Stephen Moore (Brumbies), Stirling Mortlock (Brumbies), Dean Mumm (Waratahs), James O'Connor (Western Force), Wycliff Palu (Waratahs), David Pocock (Western Force), Tatafu Polota-Nau (Waratahs), Benn Robinson (Waratahs), George Smith (Brumbies), Lachie Turner (Waratahs)

© Scrum.com

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.