Rocky Elsom steps up

[GAFFA]

So it looks as though Rocky might be out for the rest of the super rugby season...
http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8252642

Can Robbie deans even entertain the idea of taking him to the world cup now with one game under his belt in 6 months...and if so would you leave him as captain?

[GIGS20]

If he even makes the squad it'll be a travesty, Higginbotham is the best 6 in Australia ATM and Rocky won't even get close on three weeks worth of rugby. He looked out of his depth this week against the team fourth last on the ladder......not a good indication from Wallaby Captain material.

Give the nod to Sharpie......he's the real spiritual leader of the wallabies, Pocock is his deputy right now.

Let bam lead them next year and leading into the lions tour!

[Rex Messup]

Another step closer to Bill.
Higgers is the man

[GAFFA]

If he even makes the squad it'll be a travesty, Higginbotham is the best 6 in Australia ATM and Rocky won't even get close on three weeks worth of rugby. He looked out of his depth this week against the team fourth last on the ladder......not a good indication from Wallaby Captain material.
Give the nod to Sharpie......he's the real spiritual leader of the wallabies, Pocock is his deputy right now.
Let bam lead them next year and leading into the lionstour!

This would be my choice and prob the most logical but given that I have a strange feeling that RD and the rugby big wigs will put in will genia...another smack in the face to sharpie.
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[zimeric]

Itll be Genia or Poe will be amazed if they put Elsom back in.. he is not the most popular leader ever now is he?

[GAFFA]

http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8252642

"Tim Horan said Queenslanders Will Genia and James Horwill were better captaincy material"

James Horwill...Are you kidding me!!! Typical Queenslander!

[mudskipper]

I can still see Rocky making the 30 man touring squad. As for captain it’s unlikely... Higginbotham has been very good and is getting better, he'll be there. As for captain it will be interesting, Genia would be my choice. I'd rather leave Pocock to focus on his specialist duties on the field at this RWC, as he’ll be key to the success of the Wallabies. But if Deans backs Pocock that would be fine by me.

[James]

I'd pick someone who is going to stay on the field for 80 minutes. Scrumhalves get subbed at 60-70.

Pocock, Horwill, Sharpe or perhaps Moore would be my call.

[GAFFA]

I'd pick someone who is going to stay on the field for 80 minutes. Scrumhalves get subbed at 60-70.

Pocock, Horwill, Sharpe or perhaps Moore would be my call.

Would deans use Genia the same as McKenzie i think he has played every min of ever game this year hasnt he?

[TOCC]

I'd pick someone who is going to stay on the field for 80 minutes. Scrumhalves get subbed at 60-70.

Pocock, Horwill, Sharpe or perhaps Moore would be my call.

To be honest, id say Sharpe, Horwill and Moore are just as likely to be subbed as Genia..
If you have the likes of Higgers, Elsom, Simmons and possibly even Vickerman on the bench, then why wouldn't you use it.

The only person who mightn't be is Pocock, purely because Deans rarely carries a spare open-side flanker on the bench. Its pretty dam unlikely he will get the captaincy without first captaining the Western Force though.

If a player is captain, then he will remain on the field. Worst case scenario, there is plenty of leadership qualities in the rest of the playing group to take over..

[todd4]

I really am against the idea of blooding a young bloke as Wallaby captain going into the World Cup.

Next year will be a good time for Pocock and Genia. What you need in a RWC is a guy experienced at workin' the ref, someone like a Smit or McCaw. Rocky can be a bit hot-headed at times, I think the closest we have is Sharpie.

[James]

Yeah fair point TOCC. Although I figure that if Palu plays he'd get subbed and if Elsom isn't captain, our 6 might get subbed too. Both Horwill and Sharpe are good for 80 minutes. Sharpe perhaps more so.

[mudskipper]

If we're looking at experience which is a good point in RWC a year and Rocky is out Moore would be the next most experienced who is likely to play with most game time as Sharp will share the lock spot. In a 6 week tournament their will be at lest 3 guys who at sometime will fill the Captains role on the field so Giteau will like get a run at some point also.

So then with experience Moore, Sharp, Giteau... However Moore hasn't captained a S15 team. I haven't seen enough of Horwill to know if he wil be a starter in 2011.

[GAFFA]

Is Vickerman a chance for the RWC? If so would he maybe one of the fill in leaders?

[jono]

we dont want a fill in leader for a world cup. we need someone who is going to play every game. i think sharpe will play in every game, why wouldnt he? he has shown huge consistency over the last 3 years.