Elsom new Wallabies captain

Inspirational flanker Rocky Elsom is the new Wallabies captain after being named today to lead Australia on their five-Test spring tour of Japan, the UK and Ireland.

Midfield general Berrick Barnes was named vice-captain of the 35-man squad which features seven uncapped players including Australian sevens halfback Richard Kingi.

Elsom replaces powerhouse centre Stirling Mortlock as skipper of the squad which leaves on October 24 for Tests against New Zealand in Tokyo, followed by clashes with England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

But there was no room for veteran forwards Phil Waugh and Al Baxter.

The Wallabies will be attempting to emulate the famous 1984 side which completed an undefeated grand slam tour of the four British home unions.

While Western Force flanker Matt Hodgson and NSW Waratahs utility back Kurtley Beale have experienced life within the Wallabies set-up during the domestic Tests earlier in the year, the tour will represent the first involvements for five others.

They are NSW midfielder Rob Horne, Brumbies blindside flanker Mitchell Chapman, Waratahs lock Dave Dennis and ACT Brumbies prop Salesi Maafu.

Elsom, 26, has played 44 Tests for his country, having debuted against Samoa in 2005.

He returned to Australia earlier this year in time to play four times during the Tri Nations, after a successful off-season in Ireland where he helped the Dublin-based Leinster club annex their maiden European Cup title.

He now becomes Australia’s 76th Test captain.

Mortlock was the incumbent captain when Deans took over last year.

“Stirling has done a good job as Australian skipper, both before I became involved, and over the last 16 months,” Deans said.

“He also understands that this initiative has no meaning in terms of his playing future.

“He has indicated a desire to continue not only to play but also to lead and we respect that.”

For Deans, leadership has never been about title, but more about actions.

Deans has also historically shown a preference for the captain to be in the forward pack.

“Although George (Smith) did a sound job taking over once Stirling was injured this season, we feel the role has never really sat naturally with him,” Deans said.

“Captaincy requires a big commitment both on and away from the field and we believe George is better served not being saddled with the additional responsibility.

“He still has the opportunity to contribute leadership within the group.”

Deans said Elsom appealed as the best option for the position, both due to his certainty in terms of selection, and ability to lead from the front.

“Rocky has the respect of his team-mates because of his approach and the total commitment he brings to the game,” he said.

Full Wallabies Spring Tour squad

Backs -James O’Connor, Lachie Turner, Drew Mitchell, Peter Hynes, Digby Ioane, Rob Horne, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Stirling Mortlock, Ryan Cross, Berrick Barnes (vice-capt), Kurtley Beale, Quade Cooper, Matt Giteau, Will Genia, Luke Burgess, Richard Kingi.

Forwards – Richard Brown, Wycliff Palu, David Pocock, George Smith, Rocky Elsom (capt), Matt Hodgson, David Dennis, Mitchell Chapman, Dean Mumm, Mark Chisholm, James Horwill, Benn Robinson, Ben Alexander, Pek Cowan, Sekope Kepu, Salesi Ma’afu, Matt Dunning, Stephen Moore, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Damien Fitzpatrick.