New Wallaby Captain

[Spook]

Looks as though Mortlock is gone. Smith does not like to be a captain and doesn't like talking to refs. I believe the captain of the Wallabies should be a forward given the problems start in the forwards.

My prerequisites for captain:

• A forward - rules out 9 to 15
• Best in the position - rules out Waugh
• Hates losing - rules out most of the Wallabies
• Will be around in 2011 - rules of a few of older dogs
• Has won something of note - rules out all Wallabies except Smith/Gits/Elsom
• Tells it like it is
• Is not dellusional
• Has the capacity to put the fear of god into his team mates

Please step forward:

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/rugby/a-new-leader-to-stop-wallaby-rot/story-e6frey4i-1225777206274

Elsom was captain when Smith left the field.

 

[Biffo]

All the signs are there, for the discerning, that Rocky has already been selected for the gig. The need for a new captain is very obvious, finding an alternative to Rocky is far less so.

I would welcome his appointment.

Biffo
President
TYS Rocky Fan Club

 

[barbarian]

Good call. Really don't think Smith is up to it, and it seems Morty will be gone sooner rather than later. Rocky is the only option really, his playing style lends itself to captaincy as well. Here's hoping he stays injury free for the next ten years.

 

[Spook]

All the signs are there, for the discerning, that Rocky has already been selected for the gig. The need for a new captain is very obvious, finding an alternative to Rocky is far less so.

I would welcome his appointment.

Biffo
President
TYS Rocky Fan Club

Welcome back from your sojoun President

 

[jason]

Completely agree. Voted for Rocky in that poll a while back - absolute no brainer.

For anyone that thinks Barnes is the way to go, compare the body language in this pic:

Pretty obvious choice I'd say.

 

[Inconceivable]

Can't agree more, and the body language in that photo just makes it more evident.

I suspect Robbie has had this in the back of his mind for a while. Once the guys have a break and get back into camp I imagine we'll see a joint press conference with Deans anointing Rocky as just the McCaw he needs to lead the team into 2011. Smith should be happy to concentrate on his personal game.

We do seem to be missing some brains on the pitch, so my only question (aside from a worry about injuries) would be: is he smart enough? (Are any of them smart enough?) If we want to win trophies we need our leaders to be Gregan-smart or Larkham-smart, on top of all the other qualities (relentless focus, desire, discipline, etc.). To be fair, Rocky does seem pretty shrewd, and was the only player I saw post-match who clearly put their finger on why we lost: our lack of ability to adapt to Kiwi breakdown tactics.

 

[fatprop]

Elsom? maybe if he is fit. Playing on one leg like he is at the moment, nup.

 

[Scarfman]

We do seem to be missing some brains on the pitch, so my only question (aside from a worry about injuries) would be: is he smart enough? (Are any of them smart enough?) If we want to win trophies we need our leaders to be Gregan-smart or Larkham-smart, on top of all the other qualities (relentless focus, desire, discipline, etc.). To be fair, Rocky does seem pretty shrewd, and was the only player I saw post-match who clearly put their finger on why we lost: our lack of ability to adapt to Kiwi breakdown tactics.

G'day rhyso,

My sentiments exactly. Horwill is almost too thick to be captain. Barnes seems smart and must still be in the running. I hear TPN's no slouch in the grey matter.

But as long as Elsom can string a whole sentence together, for example, "they're consistently coming in from the wrong side at the breakdown, sir", then he can have the job.

 

[TheRiddler]

I go back to an earlier posting where Elsom was suggested as the captain. At the time, I stated that as well as being 'qualified' for such an exulted position, you also had to want it and desire it. I have seen nothing from Rocky to suggest this is the case with him - when he was offered the Tah's captaincy a couple of years back, he turned it down.

 

[cyclopath]

I go back to an earlier posting where Elsom was suggested as the captain. At the time, I stated that as well as being 'qualified' for such an exulted position, you also had to want it and desire it. I have seen nothing from Rocky to suggest this is the case with him - when he was offered the Tah's captaincy a couple of years back, he turned it down.

But there's been a fair bit of water under the bridge for Rocky since then. He was relatively young a couple of years back, now he's been OS, come back and is older and wiser. I'd be happy to see him in the job if he gets and remains fit.

 

[Gagger]

Good post. I can see this notion gaining momentum.

The NH jaunt has made a big difference to Rocky's credentials:

1) The independent thinking mixed with cahones: thought outside the box, backed himself and even managed to screw John O'Neil (that's good going)

2) Has come back a legend in everyone's eyes - most importantly that includes the players

He's also a big lump no-one fucks with. That was Martin Johnson's key attribute and it worked OK (as a captain anyway)

 

[liquor box]

Benn Robinson for me

The only concern I have is his parents ability to spell the word Ben properly.

He offers a long term approach as a 25 year old and has been impressive already, and without too much experience.

 

[Scarfman]

Benn is our best player, bright future, etc. But is he a leader? Might as well have Smith if you're happy for the guy to lead by example only.