Yes. Aside from the 2001 Tri Nations which were John Eales last tests before retirement, Gregan was the captain for the entire time barring a couple of matches he didn't play.
Wallabies 2023
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Yes. Aside from the 2001 Tri Nations which were John Eales last tests before retirement, Gregan was the captain for the entire time barring a couple of matches he didn't play.
Members Section
John Thornett (49)
Nic White named captain
every ref on WR (World Rugby) books
every ref on WR (World Rugby) books
SouthernX
John Thornett (49)
holloway wont be captain.
He’s been playing super rugby for years and finally made his way into setup. That’s what I call “fringe/borderline”
I think there’s a better chance he is on the outside looking in rather then being the leader of the team
qwerty51
Stirling Mortlock (74)
Helps a ton in our favour. Anything the other team is getting away with at the rucks he can let the ref know
- could backfire like Stephen Moore and Nigel Owens.
The Ghost of Raelene
Simon Poidevin (60)
Yes. But, he was under no real pressure for his job between 2001-2004. Whittacker was never going to take the job from him and after that period we really struggled for other options 05 onwards when Gregan was going downhill badly. Looked like a Batter when they lose their eye and its just not working for them. Henjack, Valentine etc weren't going to get it done.
Members Section
John Thornett (49)
I actually dont mind the idea, he is a good leader & sets standards but yeah annoying lol
The Ghost of Raelene
Simon Poidevin (60)
I agree with you but I guess people are looking for a senior figure that is a chance of starting almost every game when fit.
Scott Fardy was 27/28 when he finally got a crack with the Brumbies. Sure he went straight into the Wallabies set up but it just took longer for him to click/right opportunities. Holloway has spoken about this. He said he did the minimum when he was younger and how that has changed etc... Makes me think of Ben Mowen in a lot of ways.
Wallaby Man
Nev Cottrell (35)
Both Holloway (Munster and Japan) and Fardy (Japan) are guys that appeared to benefit from a change of scenery overseas and come back better players. Maybe it was maturity as a player and a coincidence they were better when they came back, perhaps it was a different outlook on the game outside the Australian rugby bubble.
For the record I think White would be a great shout for captain. We don’t have many guarantees to be selected and he’s one of the few. Would also be a good opportunity to get some younger blood in the leadership circle so if it’s post RWC or Lions series someone like Ikitau, McReight, etc. could be an obvious selection to take over
For the record I think White would be a great shout for captain. We don’t have many guarantees to be selected and he’s one of the few. Would also be a good opportunity to get some younger blood in the leadership circle so if it’s post RWC or Lions series someone like Ikitau, McReight, etc. could be an obvious selection to take over
Jones has talked about developing a senior decision making groups
He said that with HIH, yellow cards etc they (England at the time) had to adjust and adapt quickly to changes in what was out there.
I expect a leadership group as even White ain't going to be out there for every minute
He said that with HIH, yellow cards etc they (England at the time) had to adjust and adapt quickly to changes in what was out there.
I expect a leadership group as even White ain't going to be out there for every minute
stillmissit
Peter Johnson (47)
I do, that number of SA's against other Japanese teams could well be the difference.
Any reason why you think he would add to our RWC chances? I cannot see any from his efforts last year.
Slim 293
Stirling Mortlock (74)
stillmissit
Peter Johnson (47)
Halfback is a great position to captain from as you see what is going on in the forwards and to a lesser extent the backs. In the end it is the quality of the person.
Wallaby Man
Nev Cottrell (35)
I’m not convinced he’s our best TH. Good player but AAT v Tupou could go either way depending on Jones preference going forward. If Tupou shows close to his best, it’s not a contest.
Jones with England definitely showed a preference towards explosive front rowers and put a premium on ball carrying. But let’s see what Tupou is like on return from injury first.
The Ghost of Raelene
Simon Poidevin (60)
More players are up to it and locked in the Brumbies team if AAA wasn't available. Slipper, Lonergan, White... One of them can do it and will be in the team.
Except most Japanese teams have international test players (whether current or former) and just because they are South Africans doesn't make them good.
I think Foley's experience and form puts him firmly in the reckoning. I agree that Foley wasn't overly good for the Wallabies last year but likewise no one else was. Cooper was pretty average in his brief appearance before getting injured. Lolesio's form was average all season and ultimately led to him being replaced. Jones hasn't picked him in his first squad.
Gordon is the form Australian 10 but I am far from convinced that Jones will put his faith in a uncapped 10 with a handful of good Super Rugby games under his belt.
Donaldson is in this first squad but I'd definitely pick Foley above him.
Why do you think it is so unlikely that Foley will be picked?
The Ghost of Raelene
Simon Poidevin (60)
This is a great point.
dru
David Wilson (68)
Based on that, I've been thinking White as captain for some time. It's pity that the bloke is such a Pratt on the playing field as his leadership and drive would work really well for captain.