Mortlock to maintain captaincy
23 Jul 2007
Stirling Mortlock is the favourite to lead the Wallabies in France when the World Cup squad is announced later today.
George Gregan was expected to resume his role as the skipper of Australia after returning to form. It was undecided at the beginning of the year whether he was the first-choice scrumhalf, and so Mortlock was handed the job.
Gregan is likely to start all the big games at the World Cup but Mortlock’s form and leadership this year must surely see him maintaining the captaincy. The Wallabies weren’t given much of a chance at the beginning of the Vodacom Tri-Nations, but it came down to Saturday’s game in Auckland to decide who won the trophy and the Bledisloe Cup. This campaign will have given them plenty of confidence and a change in leadership may cause unnecessary unrest.
Mortlock diplomatically stated this would not be the case. He believes he can handle the responsibility, but the core of senior players will make the captain’s job infinitely easier.
“I have been really honoured to be the captain … co-captain with Phil Waugh,” he told rugbyheaven. “On the end of season tour, I learned a lot about being captain of the Wallabies. I feel I have found my feet somewhat and am always looking for ways to improve, but we have really solid leadership group in this team now.
“There are about five or seven guys who have a huge dramatic impact on how the team performs on and off the field. All those guys have contributed a huge amount to my leadership as well.”
13 Comments
23 Jul 2007, 09:54 am
As someone who does not have a great liking of most Aussies, I must just say that this man is an awesome rugby player.
Great all round abilities, some of our Bokke would do well to have a good look at this guy, and try to emulate him.
23 Jul 2007, 10:01 am
He has the best name in World rugby, this guy has.
He could have been a character in Lord of the Rings.
“Twas in the days when Mortlock ruled over all middle earth, from Mordor to New South Wales”
23 Jul 2007, 10:02 am
Agreed, probably one of the best 13′s in world rugby at the mo’.
Beyween him, O’Driscoll and our own Mossie.
23 Jul 2007, 10:04 am
I wonder how many World Cup choking induced suicides there are gonna be in NZ after the WC?
23 Jul 2007, 10:18 am
#3 Agree Skim, he is pretty good.
But i do think Gregan should lead the side. He has done it before and his experience as player ans captain is invaluable.
23 Jul 2007, 11:05 am
I have a feeling the Wallabies have shown their best and it is all down hill from here.
They started well in the tri-nations against the Boks.
Beat an exhausted all black team.
Sturggles against a Bok b team
Got hammered by the all blacks.
They will struggle to beat Ireland in their group pool games and could possibley finish secind in their group
23 Jul 2007, 11:13 am
I’d rather be choking you, if we do Fern – meet you down on Paekok beach!
23 Jul 2007, 11:16 am
I think Mortlock is (along with Macaw) the best captain in world rugby today.
I was very impressed with his attitude against NZ on the weekend- he looked absolutely detirmined, as if he was prepared to win the game single handed if the rest of his team couldn’t do it!!
23 Jul 2007, 13:20 pm
#4
nil (none)
23 Jul 2007, 13:48 pm
Ricane #8,
Yes I was impressed as well. I thought he was the MOM.
He will be a handfull at the WC and can turn game with his busting, straight runs up the middle.
23 Jul 2007, 14:10 pm
ricane
He wasn’t determined, he was pissed off.
23 Jul 2007, 14:11 pm
#6 – The Aussie aren’t in the same pool as Ireland, we are in with Wales and I don’t fancy our chances there.
Hopefully Knuckles will get our forwards back on track (again) after finally playing like forwards in the early 3N games players in the T5 wanted to play as backs again rather than smash into the rucks.
23 Jul 2007, 14:55 pm
Aussie D, wish Connolly would play Hugh M at 6 then Elsom..really rate him. A 2.00m flanker who has speed of a centre and the ferocity to match in the tight.
Have your say
You must be logged in to post a comment.