Hooker Stephen Moore has been chosen to lead the Wallabies to the 2015 Rugby World Cup in 2015, getting the nod over his fill in Michael Hooper and Brumbies’ teammate David Pocock.
Moore lasted just one minute as Wallabies’ captain in 2014, injuring his ACL in the first Test of the season against France and not playing in the gold jersey for the rest of the year.
He will be hoping for better fortunes in this important season, as the Wallabies play a shortened Rugby Championship and then head over the England for the Rugby World Cup.
A veteran of 92 Tests, Moore is one of the only Wallabies who commands selection in his position available in the squad.
Michael Hooper and Adam Ashley-Cooper have been named as the team’s vice-captains.
Michael Cheika said Moore was the right man to lead Australia to the World Cup.
“Having spoken to the two vice-captains prior to Stephen, both of them couldn’t have made a higher endorsement of Stephen to the lead them personally, this playing group and our country.
“Leadership is going to be a massive part of this journey, and both Adam and Michael will have a big part to play in supporting Stephen.
“Stephen is not only a player who leads by example on the field, but he is a man who exemplifies the qualities of a Wallabies captain and it is a testament to his character that he has been able to overcome a setback and put himself in a position to lead his country again.
“He has a tremendous amount of respect not only from within this playing group, but across the board in our organisation and universally within the game.”
Moore became the Wallabies’ 81st Test captain when he led the team out last year, and said he was humbled at the opportunity to lead Australia again.
“It’s an honour every time you get to wear the Wallabies jumper, and to be captain is extra special, but ultimately it’s what you do with it that is most important.
“It was extremely humbling to have the opportunity last year but it went very quickly, so to be given another chance to represent this group that has so many leaders is a privilege, and something I hold dearly.
“Australian Rugby is lucky to have many good leaders in this team who lead by actions and we have already spent some quality time together, defining our identity, what we are about and what we stand for.
“I’m really excited about what we can achieve in the next four months. It is a very special opportunity for all of us, and it starts in Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium on July 18 against the Springboks”
redbull
Guest
That is pretty close to my preference to see, though with some minor alteration to the front three and back three.
Glenn
Guest
Could work well but Id change Beale for Toomua or LLF.
niwdEyaJ
Roar Guru
They weren't jumping on cars, pulling out signposts and moonlighting with Johnny, Jack and Jim on tour while they were at the Brumbies....
Loosey
Guest
I think being called a fag*ots about a dozen times got under his skin haha Yeah things are said and done in very game but some things stick. Hopefully they'll get over it after two weeks of hammering each other.
Mcchcronicles
Guest
I think pocock should play the entire match with hodgson or gill on the bench in case something happens! Hooper is the most overrated player along with Palu....
Glenn
Guest
...and now you objectively know how incompetent your sarcasm was.
HiKa
Roar Rookie
;) Scrum issues on 2014 EOYT were not the fault of starting front row, rather more to do with non-pushing flankers and locks, and non-scrumming replacement front rowers. Short of further injuries, WBs scrum this year should be OKish, verging on non-terrible.
Ralph
Guest
Everyone under pressure to delivery results goes with their known quantities, it is not particular to rugby coaches.
Suzy Poison
Guest
So make that three Tahs players. The thought of Gits outside of Cooper terrifies me as a Bok supporter. These guys will rip us a apart. The Boks know the Wallabies backs are more skillful and will have to take the Wallabies on in the forwards. Oh well at least we know Cheika is going to select Hooper. The idea of a Vice Captain on the bench is rubbish.
Suzy Poison
Guest
Apologies, getting loose heads and tight heads mixed up.
Ken
Guest
I couldn`t get Jacques Potgieter in because he is SETH EFRICKEN i think .. .. Maybe The " HORNSTAR " to 13 Nayavoro to 11 ?? and Tevita out would be a better balanced backline..
Joe
Roar Rookie
I like that team. Should start in the RC though except for Speight who is on suspension on compassionate leave so maybe Horne in his place.
Ken
Guest
Glenn, MAAAAATE... As the UN ZUDDERS would say " I WAS TAKING THE PUSS BREW "
Dave
Guest
Exactly right niwdEyaJ
Joe
Roar Rookie
All the best to Moore as captain. I personally would have gone with Pocock and started him as well. He seems to me to be a more inspirational leader which I can't say for Moore based on his performances this year. That said he was out with injury a lot and probably wasn't playing at his peak. I guess I'll just have to trust that Chieka would have a better understanding of the squad and who they'd be more willing to follow into battle. Looking forward to the final makeup of the team and the starting lineup for the first test.
Birdy
Guest
I don't think Suzy's team is missing a tighthead prop anymore than the Wallaby team on the last EOYT - boom, tish. I'll get my coat!!
HiKa
Roar Rookie
That's a good team except you are missing a tighthead prop. Mackenzie was contemplating getting Sio to switch from LHP to THP but it hasn't happened. Choices available are Kepu (NSW), Holmes (QLD) and an assortment of others that probably aren't up to it (with Alo-Emile out injured, Ma'afu overseas).
Browny
Roar Rookie
Sio is a loosehead and will wear 1 or 17, possibly depending on Slipper's fitness. It's Kepu and Holmes fighting for the #3. Reports are that Giteau has been training outside Quade...
Suzy Poison
Guest
Well I know nothing about Michael Cheika...all I see is his record. He has two wins, one against a Barbarians side and one against Wales. Then he has coached three losses in row, France, Ireland and England. The Barbarians game does not count as an official test, so his coaching win ratio is just 25%. He became the first coach to lose three out four tests on the European tour since 2005 and Australia has dropped to sixth in the world rankings. So based on that, should we have blind faith in his coaching and selection abilities? No I don’t think so. His choice of vice captaincy is so left field that most as asking if it’s okay for a Vice Captains to be selected on the bench? Here is Wallaby 15, as a Bok fan, I don’t want to play, but luckily I know won’t be selected, because of Cheika’s misplaced loyalty to his Tahs buddies, including Hooper and AAC. Note I only have two Waratahs players in my starting team. I am a South African with no allegiance to any Australia state. 1. Slipper 2. Moore 3. Sio 4. Skelton 5. Simmons 6. Fardy 7. Pocock 8. Higgers 9. Genia 10. Cooper 11. Speight 12. Matt Giteau 13. Kuridrani 14. Drew Mitchell 15. Izzy
HiKa
Roar Rookie
Good player to have around - hooker who can also pack against quality opposition at tighthead.