I must admit I was as surprised as anyone when Quade Cooper was announced as vice captain of the Wallabies on Thursday.
I was equally as surprised to see Horwill stripped of the captaincy.
However after a day of afterthought, I am more intrigued than surprised, and starting to think this was a very smart move from Mr. McKenzie.
I have never been a huge fan of Cooper at No. 10, probably because of my affection for the old school distributing, reliable five eighth play rather than the unpredictable, exciting but also hit and miss style utilised by Cooper.
Five eighth selection squabble aside, the most important asset to success for a rugby team is stability, and a knowledge of the coach supporting his players.
Announcing Cooper as vice captain silences all debate on who our starting No. 10 will be (at least for this season) and allows Cooper to play with the confidence and support that his best form requires.
It also opens up the contest of selection in the No. 12 role, a position that is performed admirably by either Christian Lealiifano or Matt Toomua.
Australia has always performed its best with a long term five eighth, as it is such an integral position to our style of play.
We cannot easily adapt to a new No. 10 as New Zealand or South Africa, or rely on our forwards to carry the team if the backs fail to fire.
Of course my assertion could backfire and Cooper now instead of relishing his newfound support in the side, could rest on his laurels and become complacent.
But I do not think this will be the case with the looming shadow of Toomua remaining if Cooper returns to his 2011/2012 form.
The Horwill decision was a difficult one, especially because of how good Horwill has been for us in the past, the respect he commands from his peers and the clear passion he has for the green and gold.
However he isn’t playing like his usual self, slow to the breakdown, and rarely going over the advantage line with ball in hand.
Maybe this is because the burden of captaincy has taken his toll, maybe he has experienced too many losses in too short of a time and he has taken too much responsibility.
All I know is that before Horwill was captain, he was one of the best second rowers in the world, his mongrel, aggression and leadership from the front made him one of the first players selected.
Perhaps without the burden of the captaincy, he will be able to release himself from these pressures and play like his destructive self. It is a tough ask to start in a side a week after being stripped of the captaincy mind you.
McKenzie said he would be making some tough decisions when he was made coach and here he has made one of the toughest decisions of the Australian professional era.
If there is any coach that Horwill would respond to, and respect their decision however it is McKenzie.
Let’s hope this leadership revolution will have a galvanising force on the side, allowing Horwill to play unburdened, and Cooper to revell in his newfound backing by both players and coach.
icky47
Guest
If he is successful tonight, it will be a master stroke, If not it will be a mistake! For me Cooper has been given numerous chances, and has always come up wanting, though it must be given, he has certainly taken his Lumps, and has been behaving in a very dignified, professional manner. Good luck to him. There has always been the argument, Flashy fly half v's Steady first five, with steady usually being the preferred option of the coach and team, whilst dreamy, romantic, unrealistic fans, opt for Flashy, Thus "The Aussie Way". Ewen here has thrown all care to the wind, and is giving "the People" exactly what they want, and it is all up to Quade to deliver. I think it is too soon to do this, and I don't think Quade is up to this as yet. The English call simply, shut Quade and Genia down, and take possession. They then don't need to worry about, Izzy, AAC, Kuridrani, Honey Badger. I think the apparent lack of commitment by Will Genia and James Horwill, is simply they don't agree with the coaches plan.
Gunser
Guest
One last desperate act by Link to force Cooper into leading the team as a 10. Hopefully it works and Coopers talent will finally be realised. He has been disappointing again this season and has gotten into some bad habits that make his game far too predictable. But if he applies his talent then he could still be a match winner. Defensively he has lifted generally but is occasionally still a little lazy around the inside channel. With the ball he needs to help Genia with exits and control field position. In attack he badly needs to get himself to 1st receiver as much as possible rather than hanging back and watching and only coming in once some front foot ball is gained. The predictability of our one off runners from Genia while Cooper hangs back is very damaging to the team. Then when he finally presents for the ball he must straighten the attack far far far more often and commit defenders. His great long passing game is badly negated by the ease that the defenders have in sliding and covering wide. Most breaks created are thus easily swamped by cover defence. Been hoping for some of these things for quite a long time and wish Cooper the best in his new role, hopefully his growth off the field can be matched on it now.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
We kicked JOC out of NZ for eating a burger early in the morning.
Stanley grella
Guest
I don't like it. I keep getting back to the fact that the guy disrespected the jersey. Not only disrespected it but said if selected he would turn it down. I don't want him banned from the team, I don't turn my back on him or write him off. I'm pleased that he seems to be applying himself better on & off the field. I'm just not sure a leader should ever have something like that on his resume. Leadership should be earnt by more than 12 months of positive PR.
Die hard
Roar Rookie
Born on the Gold Coast but grew up mainly in NZ and also South Africa. NZ and SA parents. He is a NZ citizen and travels on the NZ passport.
Dru
Guest
Moore should have been given this chance at Captain as well as to follow through his words of support for QC. We wanted big calls from the coach. We are getting them. Give him enough rope. It's unusual but makes this game all the more interesting.
Billy Bob
Guest
Setting up NZ-centric excuses early for the next Bled loss, Hori? Relax it may not happen till 2017.
Sandy
Guest
Squirrel, open the window, you need some fresh air...or something.
Sandy
Guest
Great stuff, like the attitude. Thanks for that IB.
Sandy
Guest
JOC is a Queenslander
Sprigs
Guest
JOC was born in Southport on the Gold Coast and lived only five years in NZ, leaving there when he was 11 and learning his rugby skills here. So, Mr FH, you can't claim him even though I can't blame you for wanting to.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Great video, thanks for linking.
In Brief
Guest
Here's a very interesting interview from earlier this week with Izzy, Horwill and Cooper. I think the way Cooper talks in the restaurant shows more than enough maturity for the VC role. http://www.sportinglife.com/video/23481/9001367/rugby-meets-nfl
flying hori
Guest
Yes JOC born and bred in NZ, then moved to Aus
Two Eyed Cyclop
Roar Guru
From your comment Qldfan I assume you see Quade as an inspirational leader, I don't. A much improved player both in performance and attitude yes, leader no. And I would expect his teammates to be positive about him. If England put the WBs under severe pressure, and (heaven forbid) something happens to Mowen we will have our answer. And if I am wrong I will fully acknowledge the fact. I admit I was never a fan of Quade, but always maintained that the way to stop the knockers (like me) was to start putting some decent performances on the paddock and cut out the rubbish. Well he has started doing that and has won my grudging respect.
Two Eyed Cyclop
Roar Guru
zmc "There are at least 3 people in the current team (and a lot more when the injured return) I would put ahead of him in the leadership stakes." Spot on, you just mentioned the 3 I had in mind, at a pinch add Genia in there as well.
Squirrel
Guest
once only, good for a laugh
Qldfan
Roar Rookie
At least we haven't had the QC haters poke their noses in here - yet. Cyclops - haven't you read the comments of his team mates recently?
Simoc
Guest
The main game is beating the Poms.
Zac McLean
Roar Pro
cheers bones :)