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It is the Western Force’s first ever change of guard, with the announcement that David Pocock will replace Nathan Sharpe as captain for 2012.
Many would be surprised, with inaugural captain Sharpe still one of the top second rowers in Australia, and with a year left at the Force.
The question has to be asked, why the change now?
Perhaps it is inspired by the success seen within the Australian cricket team, with Nathan taking a similar role to that of Ricky Ponting in being a mentor to our younger captain for the long term future.
Nathan has a limited number of years left at the top of professional rugby, and stepped down as captain so that he could enjoying being a player away from the demands of the captaincy. Let’s hope that he relishes the freedom and plays as well as Punter has in recents Tests.
The Force has always had a strong leadership group supporting the captain and the coach, and this will still be there to help steer the team with David as the face of the group.
With the decreasing average age of professional players, a younger captain will possibly be able to relate more strongly to the youthful playing group. You only have to look at the talent coming into the Wallabies to see that young men are hitting their straps at a younger age than in the past. Players such as Kurtley Beale, Quade Cooper, James O’Connor, and James Horwill are all established on the international stage after excelling at Super Rugby.
David himself debuted as a professional sportsman at 17 years old.
So at 23, he already has five full years of top level rugby for the Force under his belt. The majority of the Force squad are in their mid 20s, so David is going to be able to relate to the issues and pressures facing these young men.
Hopefully this connection will encourage David’s peers to adopt his professionalism and strive to play to their potential as their rugby careers progress.
With the captain of each team the only person on the field who can converse with the referee, it is a role best held by a pivotal position such as openside flanker. Phil Waugh, Richie McCaw, and Sam Warburton have successfully shown in the past that being the man in the mix as captain can work to your advantage.
The relationship between captain and referee is a highly influential one that can contribute to the outcome and style of games played. David has the opportunity to learn from his contemporaries and master the art of referee interaction. If he can master this responsibility, then the Force will be best positioned to let their playing determine results. Hopefully David will be the next great referee whisperer.
Nathan has led from the front on and off the field since the inception of the Force, and has been pivotal in creating the culture that exists within the club. With any new captain comes a new style of leadership that will influence every member of the team. David is not stepping into Nathan’s size 13 shoes. He is walking into the role in his size 11s, with leadership full of his own personality, life experiences and strengths.
I hope that David’s captaincy builds upon the strong foundation laid by Nathan and helps the Force playing group to realise their potential on and off the field. I hope that David’s dedication to the game and training, and the reverence he has for the opportunities that his career have offered, will remind those of us around him what a privilege it is to do our job.
I have no doubt that David will be a great captain, for he has all the skills and attributes to do the job. Combined with the support of Nathan and the rest of the team, it is an exciting time to be at the Force.
It is definitely going to be different running down the tunnel without Sharpie leading us, but I’m sure that David will take up the challenge and lead by example. All the boys will gladly go into battle with him and for him.
The Roar welcomes Matt Hodgson to the site. Matt is a current Wallaby, inaugural Western Force Player and contributor to The Roar. Matt is focused on rugby but excited by the next phase of his career in Sports Management, Training and professional endeavours. Check out www.matthodgson.com.au for the latest.
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.