Jones backs captain Gregan
September 11, 2001

Wallaby coach Eddie Jones has backed newly-elected captain George Gregan to make a success of his new role in the team.

The nippy No 9, who takes over from the retired John Eales, was officially unveiled at a press conference on Monday and immediately faced a barrage of questions about his love-hate relationship with referees.

However, Jones, who coached the ACT Brumbies to Super 12 glory in 2001 with Gregan at the helm, backed the scrumhalf to adapt without too many problems. "George has a very focused mind," he said.

"At the Brumbies, his captaincy was very intense and brought the team to a new level of performance. George realises, as Wallaby captain, it is a much larger responsibility. I thought in the last Test his discipline was impeccable, and he knows he has got to carry that into Test matches."

Gregan admitted that he might have to tone down slightly, but added that it was his job to "work with the referee. You've got to be responsible there. Together, yourself, the other captain and the referee have to manage the day, and I'm in a good frame of mind to do that.

"I shouldn't have too many problems with that, and it is something I'll work hard at to make sure I work well with referees."

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