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There does not seem to be an agreed list of attributes one can find on Wikipedia (for instance), but there have been many opinions provided over the years by many people from many different backgrounds as to what makes a good team captain.
And a good rugby captain, in particular.
Almost all will include somewhere in the list of attributes something about communication skills. But, as anyone who has done any work in this area will tell you, there are a range of ‘communication skills’ – body language, tone, volume, listening/observation, etc.
So having good communication skills doesn’t mean (or just mean) the captain must be a good talker. Borrowing from an excellent article by Peter Tann titled, “Rugby coaching tips to get a captain leading more effectively”, the captain needs to “manage on-field communication between all the players, as well as maintaining effective communication both with players and between players and the rugby coaching staff off the pitch.”
Other attributes variously cited by others I have found include being:
– An automatic selection, clearly the best in the country in a position,
– A consistent 80-minute performer,
– Physically durable, not prone to injury,
– Mentally strong,
– Emotionally disciplined,
– Self confident,
– Experienced and knowledgeable regarding the players, the game, the rules, etc.
– In a close-to-the-action position on the field (rules out fullbacks and wingers?).
– Known and respected.
Sounds easy!
I recommend the Peter Tann article mentioned above if you’d like some insights from former captains and some further links. But to the point of this article: Which of the eligible Australian players best fits the bill? Who will lead Australia to the Rugby World Cup 2011?
There are, of course, at least a few candidates:
Rocky Elsom
The incumbent captain. For mine is weaker in the key attribute most agree on and that’s communications skills. Tim Horan stated earlier this year that “the captaincy burdens Rocky too much” and that “the only way we’ll see the best from Rocky Elsom is when he doesn’t have the (c) next to his name”.
I agree with this.
I also think that given he has only played part of one game all season, it’s debatable to claim he isn’t injury prone, that he’s a consistent 80-minute performer. And possibly even that he is an automatic starter.
Furthermore we have seen Rocky lose it with referees and become petulant at times.
David Pocock
It’s difficult for me to articulate why I believe Will Genia is a better option than David Pocock. Perhaps it’s because Pocock does play so close to the edge of the rules (like any good openside) which does at times creates a tension between him and referees that can hamper good communication. That’s been an issue for the great Richie McCaw at times too.
I also think David doesn’t quite have the swagger and self-confidence of Genia (yet) and finally, although many including the aforementioned McCaw have done so before, I question whether the leader of the team should be a guy whose head is buried in rucks for much of the game.
James Horwill
Horwill leads from the front, is a certain starter and is hugely respected. He has matured emotionally dramatically since we first saw him as a fiery young lock a few years back but still does at times allow flashes of anger to colour his interchanges with referees.
Will Genia
I touched on this in a comment I made in an article the other day on The Roar but for mine Will Genia is the man who ticks most of the boxes at the moment. In terms of his communication skills, in interviews he provides considered, articulate responses – he is stern without being grumpy and aloof. At the same time approachable whilst not being too ‘blokey’ or a ‘joker’. More importantly, like Gregan, his body language on the field is always positive.
Of the candidates I’ve listed Will Genia is the only one that has played almost every minute of every Reds game this season. And, rather than showing signs of mental and physical wear, he seems to looking fitter and getting better each week.
Genia is emotionally disciplined. I have never seen him rage at an official or a team mate. Yet one can see the fire in his eyes.
As a scrum half, he is in a prime position to gauge the lay of the land mid-game and direct the troops accordingly.
He is a consistent, physically and mentally strong and clearly self confident. The courage he shows to get as far off the ground as he does for high balls is always a highlight for me.
Finally, whilst young, Will Genia is clearly well known and respected throughout world rugby – not just in Australia – and, whether through Ewans guidance or otherwise, seems to show a keen grasp of the nuances of the game.
The positive thing for Australian rugby is that it’s looking like all of the above candidates will be playing for the Wallabies.
So regardless of who has the (c) or the (vc) next to their names, I’m confident the team will have some good leaders out on the field. Perhaps the real question is: can they work together?
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.