The missing ingredient: a Wallabies captain
Roar Rookie By Short-Blind., 2 May 2010 Short-Blind. is a Roar Rookie
- Tagged:
- Berrick Barnes, David Pocock, Phil Waugh, robbie deans, Rocky Elsom, Rugby Union, wallabies, Will Genia
2,684 readsRelated coverage
Given the form of the Australian Super 14 sides and increased depth, many on this site agree that the Wallabies are shaping up well for a good season this year and have rightly been installed as second favourite for next year’s Rugby World Cup by bookmakers.
Last year Rocky Elsom was awarded the Wallabies captaincy by coach Deans with Berrick Barnes his deputy. The form and leadership performances of both these players during the Super 14 has been sub-optimal and this raises the question of whether they will make the Wallabies run on side – let alone lead the team.
All World Cup winning rugby sides have had smart, inspirational leaders who knew when to step in and take charge. Throw in the difference good leadership made to other outstanding sides where they had the skills to direct the group at key moments or direct a change in tactics when required and it is apparent that at the top level good leadership can make the difference on the day.
As a rule captains are the first players picked and should demand a starting place on form in most teams (Smit aside for SA because he is such a good captain). Deans recently stated that ‘everything is up for grabs’ during this new Wallabies season so let’s quickly assess the Wallaby captaincy options:
Rocky Elsom has been in poor form and appears lost in the Brumbies leadership structure. On his day a very good player but does not impress as the best long term option as he is not guaranteed a place in the team and he did not ‘grab’ the job by the throat last year. Deans can be conservative so will probably give him the first shot.
Berrick Barnes, like Elsom, has been in poor form and not a guaranteed starter. Has a mature head and tactical nous but has not shown me any outstanding leadership potential. No certainty.
Nathan Sharpe will start on form and has been leading the Force quiet well in difficult circumstances this year. Too old to be considered a captain at Wallaby level. Nope.
Phil Waugh is not a certain starter and getting long in the tooth. His is a virtual dictatorship at the ‘Tahs but is often tactically inept and is the driving force behind the ‘Tahs’ one dimensional play over the last few years. No thanks.
Will Genia‘s fine form this year and long-term starting spot with the Wallabies is guaranteed. Has developed his quiet leadership style this year at the Reds but perhaps a little too early for him to lead the country. However he has good long-term potential and perhaps VC would help that. Yes, please.
David Pocock will start with the Wallabies whenever fit and like Genia is young and energetic. Very mature for his age, instructed by his families background, and has philanthropic off-field pursuits in SA. Exudes leadership potential but we haven’t really seen him in a leadership position. Shaping as the best long-term option, potentially. Give him a crack.
The only other candidates I can come up with are Robinson and Horwill. My best option is Pocock leading with Genia as vice captain.
Over to you Roarers – who should Deans choose to lead the Wallabies to a new era of success and hopefully a World Cup victory next year?
Sport, all day long. Does this sound too good to be true? We're searching for a Group Sales Manager to lead our team in Sydney. If you're a sales star who doesn't mind a hit, kick, throw, or cycle, we want to hear from you. Apply now.
Have you seen the new Wallabies jersey? Want one of your own? We're giving away a brand new 2013 Wallabies jersey to one lucky Roarer, click here to go in the running to win.
- Explore:
- Berrick Barnes, David Pocock, Phil Waugh, robbie deans, Rocky Elsom, Rugby Union, wallabies, Will Genia
May 2nd 2010 @ 2:34am
tony the sandgroper said | May 2nd 2010 @ 2:34am | Report comment
SB,
A good summary of the options. I have been a squeaky wheel for years about the importance of a great captain. Eales was the last good one we had. Mortlock had the tactical brain and attention span of a cricket and Gregan was one dimensional. I think we should take radical steps and not be conservative in the captain / vicecaptain roles. Pocock and Genia are head and shoulders above the others. Age isn’t the issue it is nous, rat cunning and credibility with the team that counts.
May 2nd 2010 @ 3:56am
AndyS said | May 2nd 2010 @ 3:56am | Report comment
Interesting that you omitted Giteau from consideration.
Pocock is not totally removed from a leadership position, having been groomed by the Force and currently being their VC. What that means in practice is another question though, especially with a captain that basically plays 80 minutes a week.
May 2nd 2010 @ 7:22am
Short-Blind. said | May 2nd 2010 @ 7:22am | Report comment
Apologies Andy I didn’t realise that Pocock had been VC for the Force this year – I know he has only played the last few games due injury early in the season. Giteau to me is too selfish to be a good leader – he is prone to tantrums and bouts of immaturity particularly when things are not going his way. Could you ever imagine John Eales complaining about the referee publicly like Giteau did last week? The Wallabies need a ‘horse whisperer’ type captain who has the respect of referees and is actually listened to when he speaks (ala Sean Fitzpatrick, Eales or Farr Jones). I agree with Tony above – we have not had a great captain since Eales because Gregan was too in your face aggressive to the referees – who eventually stopped listening to him and in fact penalised him regularly and Mortlock was too far from the action and just did not lead and direct enough. Lets bite the bullet with Pocock and Genia I say…..although Elsom’s form improved a lot last night against the Reds so Deans will give him the first crack.
May 2nd 2010 @ 10:33pm
Mick Gold Coast QLD said | May 2nd 2010 @ 10:33pm | Report comment
“Interesting that you omitted Giteau from consideration”
That doesn’t surprise me in the least. Petulance and over-rated superstar mentality are not real good characteristics for a captain. Mind you, he is very good at getting his own way, as we have seen clearly this past week, but I suspect that little hissy fit might just come against him sooner than his limited intelligence contemplated.
In my book he is no certainty for selection when someone of greater ability develops or emerges, especially a genuine first five. I do hope Deans has the ruthlessness in him to ram this message down the precious little petal’s throat.
May 2nd 2010 @ 7:51am
Rockin Rod said | May 2nd 2010 @ 7:51am | Report comment
Pocock (c) and genia (vc)
Pocock has been Genias captain through the Aussie 20etc so i would keep that format. Pocock is very well respected by all the youngs boys like Cooper,Oconnor,Beale,Horne
May 2nd 2010 @ 9:38am
Hansie said | May 2nd 2010 @ 9:38am | Report comment
This is an interesting article. I’m finding it easy to come up with a list of players who shouldn’t be captain, but coming up with the captain/vice-captain combination is proving difficult. Elsom has been very unimpressive for the Brumbies, but are Pocock and Genia too inexperienced for the job at the moment?
May 2nd 2010 @ 10:09am
Short-Blind. said | May 2nd 2010 @ 10:09am | Report comment
Hansie – agree that these two are relatively inexperienced but given the choice between an experienced player who is a poor leader or an inexperienced player who potentially could be a great leader I would go for the latter. Pocock fits that bill and if given a season this year to grow into the Wallaby captaincy should step up during the RWC and beyond.
May 2nd 2010 @ 11:32am
Hansie said | May 2nd 2010 @ 11:32am | Report comment
The biggest problem for Elsom and Barnes, as you rightly note, is that they may not make the Wallaby line up, and I don’t think either is such a good captain to be picked for leadership alone (which would be a stupid selection policy anyway), so the more I think about it, the more I think that there is merit in the Pocock-Genia combination. Anyway, good article, it definitely got me thinking.
May 2nd 2010 @ 9:50am
SteveDarke said | May 2nd 2010 @ 9:50am | Report comment
“….have rightly been installed as second favourite for next year’s Rugby World Cup by bookmakers.”
Say whaaa…?? Maybe in Australia, but nowhere else my fine friend.
A random survey reveals:
Ladbrokes has NZ, RSA
WilliamHill has NZ, RSA
SkyBet has NZ, RSA
Centrebet has NZ, RSA
SportsBet RSA has NZ, RSA
GreatOdds.com has NZ, then RSA AUS tied
Heck, even Sportsbet.com.au has NZ, RSA!
A couple of good games by the Reds hardly seems reasonable grounds for some wishful thinking!
May 2nd 2010 @ 10:05am
Short-Blind. said | May 2nd 2010 @ 10:05am | Report comment
Agree Steve – the editors inserted the word “rightly” into my article (to wind up people no doubt) – I was just stating what the NZ bookmaker’s posted last week as their odds. I think the Wallabies have to prove a lot this season to deserve that status. SA have to be favourites in my book with NZ second.
May 2nd 2010 @ 1:47pm
Nashi said | May 2nd 2010 @ 1:47pm | Report comment
Lets not forget the draw. SA v NZ is likely in one semi so that has to count against the Boks.
May 3rd 2010 @ 10:35am
el gamba said | May 3rd 2010 @ 10:35am | Report comment
The great quandry is that surely NZ cannot be favourites if they are favourites….
May 5th 2010 @ 10:13pm
Nathan said | May 5th 2010 @ 10:13pm | Report comment
Nice…
May 2nd 2010 @ 11:59am
Worlds Biggest said | May 2nd 2010 @ 11:59am | Report comment
I think short term Dingo will stick with Rocky meaning till after the World Cup. After that happy with Genia or Pocock even though they will be young skippers. Gregan was a good onfield leader.
May 2nd 2010 @ 12:10pm
Burgs said | May 2nd 2010 @ 12:10pm | Report comment
Totally agree with the Pocock-Genia partnership as the leadership combination for many years to come.
Pocock has absolutely no doubt the potential to equal the great Nobody in leadership, universal respect and ability.
He has a character beyond his years to go with his hard as nails playing style.
How many players would have created the following with a childhood mate as a bit of a hobby?
http://www.eightytwentyvision.org
I still clearly remember at Subiaco following our first home victory watching on amongst the euphoric celebrations as Pocock was the first by about twenty seconds to turn from the heaving mid field Force huddle to go and shake hands with Tana and his shattered men and humbly curb what as an eighteen year old could easily have been youthful delight at the result.
Humble in victory, gracious in defeat.
Genia also is shaping as a very good leader however, more in the “backroom” manner of an ideal deputy. His handling of the Reds has been commendable however, until this week he hasn’t really been tested during a match as to how to respond in a “crisis” on field. To be honest, in my opinion, he was a little disappointing in his Captaincy against a well lead Brumbies and stuck with leading by example rather than handling the situation either via the Ref or the other players.
The only question being (for others, I am sold) is if it is too soon for Pocock & Genia to step up.
If that is deemed to be the case then I dismiss the argument of Sharpey being “too old” as he is arguably in the form of his life and is the clear first pick Lock and leader in Super 14 and has done the job well in the past.
For me this counts for a lot as (as with Test Caps) I don’t believe the Captaincy is something you hand out lightly or “try” someone at. To lead your country is a great honour that needs to be respected.
Both Elsom and Smith before him have struck me as reluctant leaders who have done a serviceable job but just lack that “it” required. I am actually a little doubtful if Elsom would have been a “first selected” last year if he wasn’t already the Captain and Smith is now obviously out of the equation.
Waugh has had a resurgent year for sure however, he is certainly far from “first selected” with Pocock in front of him. He would be a good option as a “Bench VC” if he is deemed to be going to be a permanent #19 selection for the next two seasons and would be valuable as part of the leadership group if that is the case.
Of the others mentioned, both Giteau and Barnes are genuinely going to have to prove themselves each week at the selection table this week, certainly Barnes more than Giteau, and Giteau has already “prove himself” as to his moral fibre several times in the last couple of years, not least of which his handling of the Waratahs v Brumbies v Walsh fallout. I would currently prefer to see “The Del” Sailor Captain before the petulant Giteau (and yes I know he is retired and most recently a mungo…).
Horwill (if/when fit) does make for a great “firebrand” style Super 14 Captain however, I am unsure how that would convert to Test leadership, perhaps best left to running the lineout post Sharpe. He also seems to spend considerable time getting blood transfusions each match, a badge of honour but not much leadership capacity if off in the Blood Bin.
I am unaware of Robinson having a leadership background but, as a “first selected” may be a roughy if a one year option was to be taken.
As for anyone else, I just can’t see any other option ticking both the “first selected” and leadership boxes.
So for me,
Option A) Captain David Pocock, Vice Captain Will Genia.
Option B) ’10-’11: Captain Nathan Sharpe, Vice Captains David Pocock & Will Genia. Post RWC Option A.
May 2nd 2010 @ 12:40pm
Frank O'Keeffe said | May 2nd 2010 @ 12:40pm | Report comment
David Pocock was Australia’s best player in Europe last year. I get angry when you consider Deans left him out of the game against Scotland. But I’m not sure he’s totally cemented himself in the side, mainly because he hasn’t made an impact against South Africa or New Zealand like he did against Ireland last year or against Wales in the first half he played last year. If George Smith didn’t retire, I’d still prefer Pocock to be in the side at his expense, but still there wasn’t a whole lot between the two when Smith retired. I remember a few years ago Pocock outplayed McCaw in a Super 14 game at Perth. If he can do that at Test level then he’s cemented his spot for sure. I agree he seems like a very kind grounded bloke.
I’d prefer Genia to be the captain one day. He’s young and is still learning a few things about captaincy. I think given a few years he’ll be a brilliant captain. Just a few little things, like not taking the three points against the Bulls two weeks ago, were little mistakes he won’t make as his ‘feel’ for the game improves. He also seems very grounded and has a maturity about his game exceptional for his age.
Right now I think Elsom and Barnes are the best picks.
May 2nd 2010 @ 2:43pm
BennO said | May 2nd 2010 @ 2:43pm | Report comment
It’s interesting that Pocock and Genia both grew up in developing countries. I imagine that gives them a certain maturity. From the calmness I have seen them display on the field, Genia in particular being a reds fan, I reckon they must understand that when it comes down to it, they’re just playing a game for a living. There are far greater things to worry about in the world and they would be distinctly aware of them.
May 2nd 2010 @ 4:25pm
Richard said | May 2nd 2010 @ 4:25pm | Report comment
Ingredients to a smart captain include an indepth understanding of the game, head & shoulders above the rest in skills, maturity, display coolness under pressure, have the respect of players & coaches, play consistently week in week out, be a certain starter in the wallabies team, must have a large following in Australia as well as overseas, play 80 minutes football and have experience in a team environment. At this time Australia needs an inspirational leader, a person who can lead & dictate on the field because points gained on it matters. Genia is in the best position, playing the best rugby, has met all of the above ingredients and been the current Reds captain. He is too good to be given a VC role. That role can be given to the players mentioned but not Genia! Just look at his records as a captain, how he leads his red troops. No wonder Eddie Jones is pushing for Genia to be captain ahead of Elsom. The great Gregan has seen the potential in Genia and sees him as a captain. It will be a grave mistake to by-pass Genia. Genia is the shinning jewel in Australia and is only player who is capable of single-handedly carry the name of Australian rugby to the world. So forget this unfruitful discussion of C and VC or whatever and make Genia captain now for the good of wallabies and australia or we the All Blacks will run you all over the park, with your inefficient captains in the likes of the ones seen in the recent past..
May 4th 2010 @ 12:25am
Dublin Dave said | May 4th 2010 @ 12:25am | Report comment
” Ingredients to a smart captain include
A)an indepth understanding of the game,
B) head & shoulders above the rest in skills,
C)maturity,
D) display coolness under pressure,
E) have the respect of players & coaches,
F) play consistently week in week out,
G) be a certain starter in the wallabies team,
H) must have a large following in Australia as well as overseas,
I) play 80 minutes football and
J) have experience in a team environment”
Excuse me for bulleting your points Richard but I would only agree with a few of them. Points A, C D and E are the vital ingredients for a great captain. Particularly if they produce an essential result that you might have mentioned: the ability to make vital decisions at crucial times. That is what sets the great captains apart from the otherwise great players.
If you have that ability, you can get away without necessarily having B or even F. Point G should be a self-fulfilling prophecy: ie if you are a great captain, you should be a certain starter, even if you are not necessarily the best player in your position.
I am not going to join the debate on who should be Australia’s captain because I don’t get to see the S14 competition and am not fit to judge. But I do think a great captain can make the difference between a good team and a great team.
I think the missing ingredient from the Irish team of recent years that has kept them from achieving greatness, by world standards–they are the best Irish team ever–has been the lack of a truly great captain. Brian O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell are both great great players but neither of them seem to have that ability to recognise the course a game is taking, particularly if it isn’t going to pre-match plan, and to change things accordingly.
In the 2007 world cup, O’Driscoll was reduced to moaning after the match that the dastardly Argentinians had not played tactically in the best interests of the Irish team!!
No shit, Brian?
On the Lions tour last year, with O’Connell as captain, there was a moment during the first test which showed the difference between a great player and a great captain. Having been thumped in the first half, the Lions had come right back into it in the second and were only one score behind with less than 10 minutes remaining. They were doing all the pressurising and the Boks were rattled.
As the Lions kicked for a lineout deep into the Boks 22, the Boks in desperation brought back skipper John Smit on to the field after he had been replaced. (The replacement/blood bin laws are a mystery to me, especially how the Boks operate them) As the Lions forwards made their way over to the lineout O’Connell could be seen saying…nothing. Surely that was the time for a captain in his position to rally his troops, to let everyone know exactly what they were going to do, who was responsible for what and what the priorities would be. That’s what Smit was doing, it’s what John Eales would have done, or Martin Johnson, or Sean Fitzpatrick or Andy Dalton or any of the greats.
Don’t get me wrong. I worship O’Connell. He leads by example and as far as I am concerned, Superman wears underpants bearing his ginger likeness but as a captain…there have been better. Including many who were nowhere near his status as a player. A classic example would have been Le Petit General Jacques Fouroux, who led France to only their second Grand Slam in 1977. They had several better Scrum Halves than he but no better captains. It worked.
As for your point H: are you serious?? Do you really give a rat’s ass what we overseas think of your players? If you do, then as a Leinster fan I can tell you that that Rocky Elsom is an over rated handbag. So don’t pick him.
Especially against us.
May 2nd 2010 @ 5:27pm
Short-Blind. said | May 2nd 2010 @ 5:27pm | Report comment
Thats a great point BennO – agree entirely. You are a product of your experience and world view and no doubt these two have seen more than the inside of a coffee shop in Manuka or Surry Hills.
May 2nd 2010 @ 3:19pm
Swear said | May 2nd 2010 @ 3:19pm | Report comment
Yeah I like some of the names you choose here Short-Blind.
I like your article. You state correctly, “All World Cup winning rugby sides have had smart, inspirational leaders” this is true.
This is where Robbie Deans instantly earns credit for mine. He said, ‘everything is up for grabs’. By saying this Deans advertises the captaincy and every other place to whoever wants it. His clarity and honesty to the Australian stock of players that only the best will make RWC 2011 is sure to separate the men from the boys.
Why do I give a shit? Because I want Australia to win the WC… ‘ken oath. And with Deans at the helm I feel comfortable… for now. At least by putting this out there to the players he encourages the best of the best to step forward to claim their position. This increases our choices somewhat when the time comes to finally list our RWC 2011 Wallabies squad and our Captain.
But for now, let the players chase after Deans’ carrots.
So for the time being I will not put forward a name for the top job…. I’ll just watch these blokes slog it out for the right to represent Australia… lucky bastards…
May 2nd 2010 @ 10:27pm
Short-Blind. said | May 2nd 2010 @ 10:27pm | Report comment
Swear, I like minimal talk, hard man leadership like that offered by Buck Shelford (hope your old enough), Martin Johnston and to some extent Richie McCaw etc. Damn look at the list of great leaders that have held the Webb Ellis Trophy aloft Kirkpatrick, Farr Jones, Piennar, Eales, Johnston, Smit, ………. fill in the blank. You have got to have the cattle in your team to win a RWC but great leaders frequently get the team over the line during critical moments of big matches. Pocock in time has the potential to be up there with this lot. cheers.
May 2nd 2010 @ 4:11pm
Chris said | May 2nd 2010 @ 4:11pm | Report comment
Who are the absolutely iron clad guarantees of being in the 15?
Alexander, Robinson, Pocock, Genia and Ashley-Cooper.
The you have those who will certainly be in the 22 at very least:
Moore, TPN, Elsom, Cooper, Giteau, Barnes and O’Connor.
I’d certainly gravitate towards a pure c) and vc) (None of this “leadership group” stuff).
I’d retain Elsom for now – with a view to establishing Genia as captain by the begginging of next year. Given the position of 7 is so technically demanding I’d let Pocock focus on that alone for now. Last year he was basically a 40 minute player (and to be honest I though the Pocock/Smith arrangment could have been lethal come WC time) so jumping straight into captaincy might be too far.
May 2nd 2010 @ 4:21pm
bennalong said | May 2nd 2010 @ 4:21pm | Report comment
Good Par Burgs,
I see Dean Mumm as a future leader , partly because Deans gave him the role in the mid week touring team and he performed well. He’s grossly underrated in the Roar but time is on his side
Having said that Pocock is the other Deans selectee and has that quiet confidence that commands respect regardless of age. He’s a warrior with a sharp mind and huge heart (oh, I checked out the website Burgs)
Berrick Barnes will be a Wallaby and therefore will be up there in the backs
I think Sharpe would fill the bill insofar as he is the form lock this season – his best ever IMO. So despite mentioning him last I think he would make a great Captain to take us to the world cup, with Pocock in waiting. We need an old head and Sharpey may be the only one!
I’d make Barnes Vice Captain.
Barnes is a tactical player who will offer stability outside Cooper. It’s that stability that makes him a leader and my impression is Cooper missed him against the Brumbies. They can win the WC for us outside Will Genia.
I left out Genia who should be allowed to go about his business of making himself the World’s best halfback. He’s confident but not ready to be the boss except at the back of the ruck.