Rugby:Former Leinster hero Rocky Elsom has replaced Stirling Mortlock as the new Australia captain after coach Robbie Deans today named a 35-man squad ahead of the Wallabies' season-ending Grand Slam tour.
Doubts had grown over Mortlock's captaincy role ever since the the 80-cap veteran sustained a serious knee injury during a Tri-Nations test against South Africa in August. He was still named in the tour squad.
"Stirling has done a good job as Australian skipper, both before I became involved, and over the last 16 months," said Deans. "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."
Mortlock this week said he had travelled to Japan while recovering from his injury for talks with local club Kyuden Vortex and would decide on his long-term future before the end of the year.
Elsom signed a two-year deal with the Australian Rugby Union in June after returning from a highly successful season in Ireland, where he was lauded for his key role in Leinster's road to the Heineken Cup.
The 26-year-old had been tipped as the front-runner to lead the Wallabies to the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.
Elsom was chosen due to his certainty in terms of selection, and ability to lead from the front according to the coach.
"Rocky has the respect of his team-mates because of his approach and the total commitment he brings to the game," added Deans.
Outhalf Berrick Barnes was named as vice-captain of the squad, which includes seven uncapped players, but lock Nathan Sharpe and flanker Phil Waugh were omitted due to injury.
The tour, including matches against England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, kicks off in November after the Wallabies' final Bledisloe Cup test against the All Blacks in Tokyo on October 31st.
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