Wallabies could follow Brumbies
September 3, 2001

Wallaby coach Eddie Jones said on Sunday that the Australians would in all probability follow the leadership structure of the ACT Brumbies in future.

Speaking after the world champions successfully defended their Tri-Nations title against the All Blacks in Sydney, the former Brumbies coach said lock John Eales' retirement has left a huge gap in the Australian side.

Eales retired after a victorious end to his 85th Test - his 55th as captain - meaning the Wallabies will be looking for a new captain ahead of their end-of-season tour to Europe. Scrumhalf George Gregan is favourite to take over, but Jones hinted he might not be the only one.

"At the Brumbies we had three vice-captains because we needed people to be in charge of different areas, just like in a hotel where you might have a director of room service, a director of marketing and a director of public relations," he was quoted in the Sun Herald.

"We haven't made a final decision yet, but when we do it will be made to meet the demands of the team and the demands of modern rugby, as well as traditionalism," he added.

He admitted that Gregan was a candidate, but added that he had also been impressed by Matt Burke and Daniel Herbert's leadership qualities. "Matthew has impressed me as a leader. He's a very good professional player and very serious about the game."

"I didn't know much about Daniel Herbert previously, but I have been impressed by him," he added. "David Giffin and Owen Finegan are good leaders of teams and Toutai Kefu could develop into a leader."

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