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Elsom given Tahs' captaincy
April 19, 2007
ROCKY Elsom will captain the New South Wales Waratahs for the first time with Adam Freier relegated to the bench for the Super 14 match against the Highlanders on Saturday night.
Tatafu Polota-Nau gets his second start of the season as hooker replacing Freier, who has led the struggling side since Phil Waugh was injured in the third round.
Coach Ewen McKenzie said Elsom, 24, had shown outstanding leadership all season and deserved to wear the captain's armband for the Aussie Stadium match.
"Rocky's been a standout all year and while he hasn't had a c next to his name he's certainly been one to lead the team around the park," McKenzie said.
"Adam will also play an important role later in the match when clear heads and leadership are most important."
Lote Tuqiri is promoted to vice-captain for a match when he'll become NSW's most capped Super rugby winger, passing Scott Staniforth's record of 54 matches.
Sam Harris comes in at inside centre for the injured Morgan Turinui while prop Matt Dunning has his first start for 2007 with Benn Robinson moving to the bench.
Dean Mumm is back in the starting line-up for Ben Hand, who is in doubt from a back injury at training with Tim Davidson on the bench if Hand is ruled out.
Scrum half Josh Holmes makes his first Super 14 starting appearance with Super 14 rookie Nathan Sievert on the bench for the injured Josh Valentine.
AAP
NSW v Highlanders:
- Matt Dunning,
- Tatafu Polota-Nau,
- Al Baxter,
- Dean Mumm,
- Will Caldwell,
- Rocky Elsom (c),
- Beau Robinson,
- David Lyons,
- Josh Holmes,
- Sam Norton-Knight,
- Lote Tuqiri (vc),
- Sam Harris,
- Ben Jacobs,
- Lachlan Turner,
- Peter Hewat.
- Adam Freir,
- Benn Robinson,
- Ben Hand/Tim Davidson,
- Wycliff Palu,
- Nathan Sievert,
- Kurtley Beale,
- Daniel Halanaghu
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Originally Posted by Burgs
