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Stirling Mortlock - Source: Reuters -
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Inspirational flanker Rocky Elsom is the new Wallabies captain
after being named on Friday to lead Australia on their five-Test
spring tour of Japan, the UK and Ireland.
Midfield general Berrick Barnes was named vice-captain of the
35-man squad which features seven uncapped players including
Australian sevens halfback Richard Kingi.
Elsom replaces powerhouse centre Stirling Mortlock as skipper of
the squad which leaves on October 24 for Tests against New Zealand
in Tokyo, followed by clashes with England, Ireland, Scotland and
Wales.
But there was no room for veteran forwards Phil Waugh and Al
Baxter.
The Wallabies will be attempting to emulate the famous 1984 side
which completed an undefeated grand slam tour of the four British
home unions.
While Western Force flanker Matt Hodgson and NSW Waratahs utility
back Kurtley Beale have experienced life within the Wallabies
set-up during the domestic Tests earlier in the year, the tour will
represent the first involvements for five others.
They are NSW midfielder Rob Horne, Brumbies blindside flanker
Mitchell Chapman, Waratahs lock Dave Dennis and ACT Brumbies prop
Salesi Maafu.
Elsom, 26, has played 44 Tests for his country, having debuted
against Samoa in 2005.
He returned to Australia earlier this year in time to play four
times during the Tri Nations, after a successful off-season in
Ireland where he helped the Dublin-based Leinster club annex their
maiden European Cup title.
He now becomes Australia's 76th Test captain.
Mortlock was the incumbent captain when Deans took over last
year.
"Stirling has done a good job as Australian skipper, both before I
became involved, and over the last 16 months," Deans
said.
"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."
For Deans, leadership has never been about title, but more about
actions.
Deans has also historically shown a preference for the captain to
be in the forward pack.
"Although George (Smith) did a sound job taking over once Stirling
was injured this season, we feel the role has never really sat
naturally with him," Deans said.
"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," he said.
Full squad
Backs: James O'Connor, Lachie Turner, Drew
Mitchell, Peter Hynes, Digby Ioane, Rob Horne, Adam Ashley-Cooper,
Stirling Mortlock, Ryan Cross, Berrick Barnes (vice-capt), Kurtley
Beale, Quade Cooper, Matt Giteau, Will Genia, Luke Burgess, Richard
Kingi.
Forwards: Richard Brown, Wycliff Palu, David
Pocock, George Smith, Rocky Elsom (capt), Matt Hodgson, David
Dennis, Mitchell Chapman, Dean Mumm, Mark Chisholm, James Horwill,
Benn Robinson, Ben Alexander, Pek Cowan, Sekope Kepu, Salesi
Ma'afu, Matt Dunning, Stephen Moore, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Damien
Fitzpatrick.
