Talk of rift in Wallabies camp dismissed

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13-10-09, 15:02
travelling_gerry

Talk of rift in Wallabies camp dismissed

October 13, 2009 - 11:45AM

Flyhalf Matt Giteau and former captain Stirling Mortlock insist there is no rift within the Wallabies squad over new leadership appointments.

Giteau and Mortlock presented a united front for the media as the Wallabies re-entered camp in Coogee on Tuesday, pledging their full support for coach Robbie Deans' vision with new skipper Rocky Elsom at the helm.

Reports of player disenchantment and tension within the 35-man squad ahead of their Spring Tour were off the mark, Giteau said.

"No tension, I'm obviously excited to be picked in the squad and looking forward to the tour coming up," Giteau said.

Deans overlooked his key playmaker for the vice-captaincy - instead opting for the in-form Berrick Barnes, who is tipped to usurp Giteau at No.10 and push him out into the centres.

Giteau admitted he was disappointed he missed out on a new leadership role.
"I think if you talk to any players within the squad at some point they would like some form of leadership role at some point in time, so from that point of view (I'm) disappointed but fully supportive of the guys that obviously the coach and (ARU boss) John O'Neill have appointed," he said.

Mortlock said he was feeling very confident in his fitness and was looking forward to forcing his way back into the starting XV, after sitting out the unsuccessful Tri Nations campaign with a knee injury.

He also pledged his support of Elsom as his successor as captain.
"Rocky already knows that I'm there for him in any capacity that he wishes," Mortlock said.

"It's a change, my role within the team will change somewhat but I'll be still offering and try to give as much as I can to the group.

"... that's the important thing, that every single guy in this squad is contributing as much as we can, to make sure this is a very positive and productive trip."
© 2009 AAP

http://news.rugbyheaven.com.au/break...1013-gut5.html
13-10-09, 15:12
jargan83

Gotta make the committee happy ;)
13-10-09, 15:14
GIGS20

Quote:

Originally Posted by travelling_gerry

Giteau admitted he was disappointed he missed out on a new leadership role.
"I think if you talk to any players within the squad at some point they would like some form of leadership role at some point in time, so from that point of view (I'm) disappointed but fully supportive of the guys that obviously the coach and (ARU boss) John O'Neill have appointed," he said.

I guess one reason he might have missed the role is that Deans is looking for people who will lead without a title........not making any comment on the two picked, but this statement seems at odds with that view

Quote:

Originally Posted by travelling_gerry

"It's a change, my role within the team will change somewhat but I'll be still offering and try to give as much as I can to the group.

This is more what I would have expected.
13-10-09, 15:58
Burgs

Hand out the daisy chains...
13-10-09, 17:24
welshrugbyfan

Bloody homos. Someones got a case of hurt feelings.

Only forwards should be the captain. What do backs know about rugby anyway.

Number 8 or the flankers are good, they break of the scrum easier to tell the ref he's being a numb nuts and spoiling the game.
13-10-09, 18:21
James

Quote:

Originally Posted by welshrugbyfan

Bloody homos. Someones got a case of hurt feelings.

Only forwards should be the captain. What do backs know about rugby anyway.

Number 8 or the flankers are good, they break of the scrum easier to tell the ref he's being a numb nuts and spoiling the game.

I don't know John Smit did pretty well out of 3. I mean he played like shit but he milked a few penalties and for the dozen odd penalties he received he didn't see yellow.
13-10-09, 18:35
Burgs

Maybe that's why he kept collapsing scrums, he was trying to talk to the Ref like a #8...
13-10-09, 19:40
James

I must admit I reckon the 8 is the best person to have as captain and I would like to see Rocky moved there aswell. I want to see Deans run a backrow of Mumm, Smith and Elsom. It sures up the line-up a bit and between Chisholm and Mumm they do get around the field pretty well. Elsom runs the ball really well and would be really good off the back of the scrum. Plus if we play Pocock and Palu off the bench you've got two players to come on and make an impact.