Who would be Wallaby captain for RWC if Rocky isn't fit?
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vidiot
John Solomon (38)
I wonder how long Sharpie has left at the top? The concept of a captain that will be running around in 5 years is appealing. Pocock or Genia entice. Pocock appeals as a lead-by-example all-round-good-guy first-player-picked, but I've no idea of his game and ref management are like.
Genia seems good at the latter. Genia as mentioned certainly stands up when he is captain and drags the reds with him, even though they occasionally have him tearing his hair out, at least he gets the message across. The closest contender for 9 will be miles away, literally or figuratively.
I picked Horwill but the proviso of staying on the park and being the best guy in his position is an issue.
Genia seems good at the latter. Genia as mentioned certainly stands up when he is captain and drags the reds with him, even though they occasionally have him tearing his hair out, at least he gets the message across. The closest contender for 9 will be miles away, literally or figuratively.
I picked Horwill but the proviso of staying on the park and being the best guy in his position is an issue.
Ignoto
Peter Sullivan (51)
I don't think how long Sharpie has left should be a factor at all this year. Hell, I doubt Rocky will even be here next year so you can essentially put Rocky in the same boat as Sharpie in a way.
Because we've only got a few test matches prior to the WC I've picked Sharpie because he's captained Australia before, he's lead from the front over the past couple of years and he's done a bang up job at the force.
Big Kev has done a tremendous amount of work, but compared to Sharpie he's leadership isn't as well developed.
However, come the EOYT I'd more than be happy to see Horwill, Genia or Pocock given the captaincy!
Newb
Trevor Allan (34)
yeah my thinking is in line with ignoto. if elsom isn't fit, then i think sharpie would pick up the duties quick enough to be a one and done choice for just the RWC if he's not going to be in the frame much longer. he's seasoned enough to know what he's doing on the big stage. then let one of the younger blokes take up the reins. it's not that i don't trust the other ones, more that for a plug in solution i think he'd be most accustomed for the job.
AngrySeahorse
Peter Sullivan (51)
Totally agree. I cant believe people are talking about the future when the RWC is this year. Sharpie is the go for mine and I like the idea of Genia as VC. Unlike some I actually rate Rocky highly but I think as others have mentioned the captaincy messes with his game. I like Pocock also but I'd hate to see the same effect occur on his game as it has has with Rocky. I found it strange that during the Rugby Club a few weeks ago the guys on the panel brought up the capt situation and not many of them considered Sharpe which I thought was weird, he seems the obvious choice to me.
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TheTruth
Guest
Agree totally - even if Sharpie is coming towards the end of career in OZ he is experienced, well thought of by teammates. Pocock probably long term candidate and should be VC now
RedsHappy
Tony Shaw (54)
Cyclo, I much prefer Sharpe to a returning Elsom, in any event as you say. However - and this is NOT a parochial assessment - I think due consideration should be given to two additional factors in a WC year, namely: Horwill (2011) and Genia (2010) are now accumulating an impressive record in leading S15 teams to varied and demanding victories against top S15 teams and with varied game plans and tactics. No disrespect to Sharpe or the Force here, but such is less the recent case for Sharpe. Consistently working out how to win and doing so - including tight, 'ugly', kicking-driven wins - is a huge attribute in my book for WC relevance. Second, assuming that Genia and Cooper will be RWC 9 and 10, Horwill's complete and 'instinctive communication' familiarity with them (and vice versa) in what will undoubtedly be some crucial, high-pressure situations, could also be invaluable if he were 2011 Wallaby captain.
Personally, I believe that the theory that says pick a Test team solely only on player-by-player positional merit has some limits; it can be better (or at least a sound alternative) to pick and promote 'highly effective player pods' with say 2-3 players in a group that have proven an ability to combine exceptionally well in the most demanding game scenarios.
D
Doc
Guest
Always thought Sharpe should have been skipper after Gregan, that said at moment I'd have to say Kev. Would be an excellent test match skipper (if fit).
Genia would be excellent at S14 level and with the current Reds side, but test rugby is different kettle of fish.
Pocock untried and Mortlock one of the worst referee managers of all time.
Genia would be excellent at S14 level and with the current Reds side, but test rugby is different kettle of fish.
Pocock untried and Mortlock one of the worst referee managers of all time.
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Tank
Guest
Interested in a couple of comments here that suggest Horwill may not be picked in the side or that is spot is not secure. Really? For mine, (fit of course) he is the first lock picked by some ways.
Anyway, in terms of Captain, I think Genia plays better with the captaincy and thus I would like to see him Wallabies skipper and Horwill Reds Skipper. I see this as good for both Reds and Wobs. Hoiles was Brums skipper so can work that way but Horwill would be fine too.
HOWEVER, there is a lot of merit in making Pocock skipper. Firstly, because he seems to be a strong leader of men but one thing that has not been mentioned here, it is a bit harder to Yellow Card the skipper (prime example Richie McCaw) and the openside flank position requires playing on the edge of the rules. There is no way of measuring, but I hazard a guess, if McCaw was not skipper he would have received a lot more YC's.
Also see the Sharpe ready made for this year argument.
So, I see it as a race in 4 and tbh, am glad it is not my decision!! I voted a couple of days ago and honestly can't now remember who I voted for - think it was Genia!
PS Please don't let it be Rocky.
Anyway, in terms of Captain, I think Genia plays better with the captaincy and thus I would like to see him Wallabies skipper and Horwill Reds Skipper. I see this as good for both Reds and Wobs. Hoiles was Brums skipper so can work that way but Horwill would be fine too.
HOWEVER, there is a lot of merit in making Pocock skipper. Firstly, because he seems to be a strong leader of men but one thing that has not been mentioned here, it is a bit harder to Yellow Card the skipper (prime example Richie McCaw) and the openside flank position requires playing on the edge of the rules. There is no way of measuring, but I hazard a guess, if McCaw was not skipper he would have received a lot more YC's.
Also see the Sharpe ready made for this year argument.
So, I see it as a race in 4 and tbh, am glad it is not my decision!! I voted a couple of days ago and honestly can't now remember who I voted for - think it was Genia!
PS Please don't let it be Rocky.
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tallboy
Guest
I think with the RWC looming, Sharpie has got to be the go to guy. Horwill, Genia and Pocock all have legitimate rights to the throne in coming years with Pocock in my opinion the heir apparent but would hate to see the burden of captaincy affect his game this year when he is so important to our WC aspirations. Just let him tear in like he did so effectively last year. Horwill has been fantastic at the Reds but as plenty of you guys have already stated lets just try and keep him fit for the Wallabies first.
Sharpe I believe is the least likely to be affected by additional responsibility. He's such a great leader at the Force I would imagine he will take it in his stride and I believe his form definitely warrants 1st XV inclusion (despite people saying he might lose his spot to Vickerman sight unseen)
Sharpe I believe is the least likely to be affected by additional responsibility. He's such a great leader at the Force I would imagine he will take it in his stride and I believe his form definitely warrants 1st XV inclusion (despite people saying he might lose his spot to Vickerman sight unseen)
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tallboy
Guest
Awesome point Tank re Richie and the Y/C factor. Definitely think it rings true. But also a tribute to McCaws ability to handle ref's as well.
waratahjesus
Greg Davis (50)
sharpe, if elsom isnt fit he is who we need, old head, good under pressure.
i dont think Genia will be counted on to play 80 mintues, i dotn want to get into debate about form, but the fact is, genia will be starting and burgess will be going on with his running game late in matches and im not a fan of changing captains especially in tight matches.
Horwill, good for qld, dont think he will be a long term wallaby captain though, sharpe is the lineout caller and if your going to replace a lock in a match and him and horwill are your starters, horwill comes off (see above)
Pocock is not richie mccaw as much as we want him to be, nor have i seen much of him manage a ref at all, you dont want to through someone in to trying to talk to kaplin about justice in a cup semi final.
Barnes, will be replaced and chaopped changed.
the only other name i would throw out there would be Giteau, i think everyone is underrating the fact he is clearly going to be the inside centre for the wobs and has a heap of experience.
i dont think Genia will be counted on to play 80 mintues, i dotn want to get into debate about form, but the fact is, genia will be starting and burgess will be going on with his running game late in matches and im not a fan of changing captains especially in tight matches.
Horwill, good for qld, dont think he will be a long term wallaby captain though, sharpe is the lineout caller and if your going to replace a lock in a match and him and horwill are your starters, horwill comes off (see above)
Pocock is not richie mccaw as much as we want him to be, nor have i seen much of him manage a ref at all, you dont want to through someone in to trying to talk to kaplin about justice in a cup semi final.
Barnes, will be replaced and chaopped changed.
the only other name i would throw out there would be Giteau, i think everyone is underrating the fact he is clearly going to be the inside centre for the wobs and has a heap of experience.
Horwill - yes. Genia - not yet. Purely in terms of whether they would make a good captain at this time. Both will start, so no problem. Genia more likely to be subbed, which in itself is not a big deal, as there are others who can take over from that list.
I too am surprised if anyone doubts Horwill will be one of the first names inked by Robbie.
I also have no problem with someone being picked just for this year / RWC, such as Sharpe. It's not like the Aus cricket captain job, well, it shouldn't be.
Slim 293
Stirling Mortlock (74)
I totally agree regarding Horwill...
If it did come down to Rocky not being fit for RWC I would have to opt for Sharpe as interim captain...
I still believe that Genia/Pocock are the future...
Ruggo
Mark Ella (57)
After watching Kev rally the Reds troops over the weekend I would have to go with him. Sharpe is a fantastic player and managers his own game well but I'm not convinced about his captaincy. Not saying it is his fault but the sides he leads have a bad habit of buckling under pressure. I might be a little bit bias but there are some good examples that support that Kev or Genia can lift a side they lead. Pocock has the attributes of a good captain but I prefer he be tried before being given the Wallaby Captaincy. He would be my choice for vice Captain.
DPK
Peter Sullivan (51)
Ahhh... what?
Bullrush
Geoff Shaw (53)
He's been good in Super rugby but against the best in the world, he's been average....would be lucky to be in the top 4 or 5 IMO.....maybe he'll play better as captain but for all the talk there's been about him, he really hasn't fired a shot in the big Tests eg. Bledisloe Cup games.....
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