Elsom pole axed as Wallaby skip

For some reason this comes as no surprise to me. I do not doubt Rocky Elsom’s ability to play the beautiful game, but I applaud Robbie Deans on the brave decision he has made to elect Super Rugby champion and Reds skipper James Horwill as the new Wallaby front man.
I have a feeling Deans has a plan to involve Scott Higginbotham on a slightly more regular basis than he has thus far, but thats another story for another day. We all know Rocky’s association with injury, this has to have definitely played a role in the initial handing over of the baton so to speak.
Australian great, Tim Horan while expecting this change of the guard, thought it would happen sooner than it actually did. The grumblings in Australia are that Rocky Elsom was basically given a “hospital pass” by the powers that be.
I remain a big Rocky Elsom fan but am also of the view that this change was indeed well over due for the continued evolution of the current Wallaby team. This is a squad with immense potential, scary potential in fact.
The appointment of James Horwill is a prerequisite to how the Wallaby top brass view their chances of claiming a 3rd William Webb Ellis title. They believe the current crop of youngsters could be the face of rugby union and could ultimately catapult the game to new heights. James Horwill’s approach to leading is slightly different to that of lone ranger Rocky Elsom. He is more of a team man that incorporates old fashioned values that drive teams to achieving success.
This is a new era for rugby union and the current Australian squad is a symbol of where the game is headed. Big shout out to Robbie Deans for pioneering change for the future success of this wonderfully gifted bunch.

S.M.