Elsom in line for the leading role

[Burgs]

You never know, it may just be the thing to stop his fine collection of yellow cards! Didn't work for De Wet Barry though...

Elsom in line for the leading role!

Rupert Guinness in Kimberley
Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Rocky Elsom is a strong contender to take over the Waratahs captaincy from breakaway Phil Waugh, whose injured left ankle will sideline him for at least the remainder of the Super 14 season.

Coach Ewen McKenzie said he had still to decide on Waugh's successor, but indicated his preference for a forward. And if that was the case, it would make sense to anoint a player who is likely to be chosen for every round.

Elsom, who has leadership experience and can play at No.6, No.7 or No.8 as well as in the second row, seems to fit the bill.

McKenzie would not name candidates, but said: "We will review all that. We have a number of the guys in the leadership group. It depends on the team [selection]. We have other guys who have done the job. Sometimes it is easier [to have a captain who plays] up front, a bit closer to the play."

Another headache for McKenzie is finding a replacement for Waugh in the pack. But the solution might be Wallaby David Lyons, who is set to return from an injury that sidelined him for the Waratahs' three-game South African leg. Lyons, who got shin splints after an arthroscopy last year, is set to play 20 minutes for NSW Academy against Victoria this weekend.

NSW have a bye this weekend. But a strong showing by Lyons could make him available for the round-five clash against the Force in Sydney on Friday week.

If that is the case, McKenzie has several options for the remaining back-row positions, with the likes of Elsom, Wycliff Palu, Tim Davidson, Dean Mumm and Beau Robinson all in good form.

McKenzie indicated he would want a ball scavenger to fill the No.7 slot. He touted Robinson's qualities and performances that have included two trial games and the last four minutes against the Sharks in round two, as well as three appearances for NSW last year.

"In this competition you need players with hands on the ball at the breakdown," the coach said. "Beau has never let us down. He has played six games for NSW and has been outstanding in all of them. I don't have a problem there."

[Sagerian]

You never know, it may just be the thing to stop his fine collection of yellow cards! Didn't work for De Wet Barry though...

Or Troy Flavell hehe

[Burgs]

You reckon he could do the job Sage?
Doesn't say much for old fearless Trestle, their senior statesman at the moment, or even Freier who I think has led the "A" XV before?
Not much in the backs either although I see Two-Dads listed as a VC?
For me I would be hanging out for the return of Lyons.

[Sagerian]

I think the general concensus is to let Tresle think he's got some power without actually giving him any.

Elsom should do ok, should be interesting to listen to him chat to the ref the first time we cop a hands in the ruck penalty though. I'd prefer Two-Dads but Link seems to prefer a forward to captain.

[Burgs]

I guess it will make it easier for the Refs, won't have to call two players out each time...

Shame that they aren't going to get the chance to exploit Turinui's "fantastic Rugby brain"!

You have any sort of an injury list over at GTT as to how long the injured players are out for?
Both Waugh and Vickerman are around five months aren't they?

[Sagerian]

Haha yeah, very surprising.


From what I remember, Dunning and Kanaar are still 4 weeks away, Vicks is due back in April or May I think. Waugh gone for 3 months at the present minute.

[The Lone Hydrangea]

[QUOTE=Sagerian]I think the general concensus is to let Tresle think he's got some power without actually giving him any.

That is gold Sage!

[prop53]

should be very interesting does that make Rocky No 8

[Burgs]

There's talk of #6 Palu, #7 Elsom, #8 Lyons if Lyons is fit prop53.
If Lyons doesn't make it then I would think it would be #6 Elsom, #7 Robinson, #8 Palu.

[Sagerian]

Robinson will likely get the start with Lyons on the bench. Although they've got plenty of time to tinker with lineups.