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Ken Catchpole (46)
I think Barabarian's post earlier paraphrasing the Dave Dennis story gives some perspective that muddies the waters of that particular decision. Having a feel for the game and recognising the effect a particular game changing decision may have is something that good captains will have.Full time professional players with at least 4 full time coaches will have these scenarios plotted before the season starts.
Captaincy would then require simple maths - are we 16 or less behind? If so, take the 3. If not, go for a try.
Is our line out winning all its ball? if yes, kick for the corner. If not, quickly run a rehearsed tap move.
It's easy from behind the keyboard!
I doubt many players would question Dave Dennis when he made a captain's call on something. He was a very good captain (imo) and appeared to be well respected. Horwill was another one who had a lot of respect as a captain (although Richard Graham didn't seem to think so - probably because RG was intellectually challenged).
Despite how their decisions panned out, they were rarely criticised too heavily for them because they earned their respect.
Despite being given the role, Hooper isn't a captain and never will be.