The two contenders to replace Phil Waugh are intent on bringing their own qualities to the position rather than trying to ape the legendary NSW Waratahs openside flanker.
Pat McCutcheon and Chris Alcock, both of whom have won 13 NSW caps, are the men vying to take over the No.7 jersey dominated by long-serving skipper Waugh for more than a decade until his retirement at the end of last year.
“There’s always going to be a little bit of competition there, but me and Chris get along quite well and I’m really looking forward to the challenge,” McCutcheon told AAP.
Although he tallied a franchise record 136 caps, Waugh’s vice-like grip on the openside position was loosened by injury last season, when Alcock made three starts and McCutcheon five.
Neither South African-born Alcock or former Australian sevens captain and Commonwealth Games representative McCutcheon have any intention of being a Waugh clone, as they battle for the starting spot.
“We’ve got two different styles of rugby and neither of us play like Phil Waugh and neither of us are going to try and take that,” Alcock told AAP.
“It’s going to come down to what we can bring to the table that is different and what the Waratahs need to help them win the games.
“If you look at it as trying to take his position it would be very daunting, but I am not trying to take Phil Waugh’s position.
“I’m not trying to play the same style of rugby as him.
“I want to play my style of rugby and do what’s best for the team.
“If I try and think ‘geez what would have Phil done?’, I will find myself behind the game, behind the eight-ball.”
McCutcheon said renowned leader Waugh had qualities that couldn’t be replaced and he was determined to focus on his own game.
“I think you can’t focus too much on the way that Waughy played his role, because every player is different in their own right and brings a different aspect to the game,” McCutcheon said.
“There was something about Phil Waugh that whatever he did everybody bought into it straight away and you can’t coach that, you can’t teach that, you can’t tell people to do that.”
Alcock stressed he would be just as hungry as last year, which he started on an Academy contract before regaining a spot on the senior list.
“Financially I’m obviously in a better position, but personally I’ve come in with the same drive and I want to be in that matchday 22,” Alcock said.
“I think I’m still in the same position, I’m still fighting for the position.”
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