You are in > manchester.com  > News > Mortlock to captain Wallabies

Rugby Union

Mortlock to captain Wallabies

23/07/2007

Centre Stirling Mortlock has been named as Australia captain for the upcoming rugby World Cup in France.

The Wallabies have named their 30-man squad three weeks ahead of the August 14th deadline, which includes veterans George Gregan – who shares the vice-captaincy with Phil Waugh – Stephen Larkham and Chris Latham.

ACT Brumbies star Mortlock took on the Test armband for the recent Tri-Nations tournament against World Cup favourites New Zealand and southern hemisphere rivals South Africa.

And coach John Connolly said Mortlock's impressive on-field leadership skills throughout the 2007 season had been a major factor in the decision to keep the captaincy with him.

"Stirling embraced the captaincy role during the Tri-Nations and really led from the front with his performances on the field," Connolly remarked.

"He's a player that the other players enjoy playing with and his leadership has grown immensely during the season."

Connolly also admitted that he felt some sympathy with the players who missed out on selection, but that the whole committee involved with picking the squad was "very comfortable" with the squad.

"We're certain they will acquit themselves well in France," he added.

Full Australia squad for rugby World Cup 2007:

Stirling Mortlock (captain), Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Alistair Baxter, Mark Chisholm, Sam Cordingley, Matt Dunning, Rocky Elsom, Adam Freier, Mark Gerrard, Matt Giteau, George Gregan (vice-captain), Sean Hardman, Stephen Hoiles, Greg Holmes, Julian Huxley, Stephen Larkham, Chris Latham, David Lyons, Hugh McMeniman, Drew Mitchell, Stephen Moore, Wycliff Palu, Nathan Sharpe, Guy Shepherdson, George Smith, Scott Staniforth, Lote Tuqiri, Dan Vickerman, Phil Waugh (vice-captain).

© Adfero Ltd