George Smith is happy with Australia's captaincy re-shuffle, despite exclusion

[travelling_gerry]

By Adrian Warren
October 15, 2009 Recent Wallabies leader George Smith says he is happy with Australia's new captaincy structure, despite being another not to figure in the revamped set-up.

The 105-Test stalwart captained Australia in their last four Tri-Nations Tests while regular skipper Stirling Mortlock was injured.

Coach Robbie Deans unveiled a new leadership group last Friday when the squad for the upcoming tour of Japan, the UK and Ireland was announced.

Mortlock was replaced as captain by flanker Rocky Elsom while inside back Berrick Barnes was selected as vice captain.

A diplomatic Smith had no qualms about being left out of the senior leadership positions.

"As leaders, you support your captain. In Rocky and Berrick we have fine leaders there," Smith said.

"In terms of my role and the senior players within the team, it's to make sure that we support them in their decisions and make sure that we lead as well in our own way."

Asked if he would like to captain Australia again, Smith said: "I just don't want to get into hypotheticals, but I'm very happy with the way the captain set-up is now".

It was suggested in some quarters the 29-year-old backrower didn't enjoy all the responsibilities attached to the captaincy.

Asked if that was the case, Smith said: "I guess you can read into it whatever you want, but I definitely enjoyed the time that I was captain of the team.

"We've got two new captains at the moment, it's more about supporting them and making sure they feel at ease at their job."

The only player in the squad to have toured with the Wallabies every year in the current decade, Smith is excited to finally have the opportunity to tackle a grand slam of the four Home Unions.

However, he refused to look any further ahead than the first fixture of the seven-match tour, against New Zealand in Tokyo on October 31.

"I don't think we can look too far ahead. Our first game is against the Kiwis and we haven't had too much success against them this year, it would be pointless looking further then the All Blacks in Tokyo," Smith said.

Australia have lost their last six matches against the All Blacks, but Smith felt the Wallabies were due a victory over their greatest adversaries.

"In the way the boys prepare for matches, I think we deserve a win against the Kiwis," Smith said.

"It doesn't come easy, it's making sure that you are working through the game sustaining the pressure on a team of their calibre."

Smith, who has been part of only seven Australian wins in 23 Tests against New Zealand, said there were a number of key things the Wallabies needed to do to score a drought-breaking victory.

"I think our discipline was a lot better towards the latter part of the Tri-Nations and that was a pleasing thing," Smith said.

"But I guess constantly being good at out set piece and making sure we take the opportunities that we have."

AAP

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...016959,00.html

[Burgs]

We may fall just short in Tokyo , but I am building in confidence for the rest of the matches.

[James]

We may fall just short in Tokyo , but I am building in confidence for the rest of the matches.

I don't know. I'm quietly confident. I mean we can't exactly play any worse than we have been playing and New Zealand certainly won't have the same drive they had in the last game we played them in. It'll sure as hell be tight (3 points or less either way) but I reckon Australia will have it.