Elsom sacked as Wallabies skipper
The Australian Rugby Union made a shock move by sacking Rocky Elsom as captain of the Wallabies for the World Cup, announcing James Horwill as the leader of the 30-man squad for next month's showpiece event in New Zealand.
Elsom has received criticism over his form in recent times after the flanker endured a horror run of injuries during the most recent Super Rugby competition. Meanwhile, Horwill guided Queensland to the Super Rugby ***le.
Horwill will become Australia's 77th Test captain when the Wallabies have their final hit out before the World Cup in a Tri-Nations match against the All Blacks in Brisbane. Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said the change in leadership had been made because Horwill was considered the player best equipped to handle the all-round responsibilities associated with captaining the side.
"It is well documented that Rocky came into the Test season off a limited background in terms of preparation, having missed all but 60 minutes of Super Rugby due to injury," Deans said.
"As the incumbent captain, he warranted the opportunity to continue in the role but it has become clear that the additional responsibility has been a distraction that Rocky doesn't need.
"We all felt it was in the best interest, both of Rocky and of the team, to relieve him of the extra duties, with James's recent experience making him the best option to take over in the role."
Elsom is one of eight players who competed at the 2007 World Cup in France, where Australia bowed out in the quarter-finals. The others are centre Adam Ashley-Cooper, fly-half Berrick Barnes, winger Drew Mitchell, hooker Stephen Moore, No. 8 Wycliff Palu and locks Nathan Sharpe and Dan Vickerman.
Players who missed out on selection from the recent South Africa trip are winger Lachie Turner, flanker Matt Hodgson, lock Sitaleki Timani and prop Pekahou Cowan, while Matt Giteau missed out as expected. Returning from injury into the squad are Mitchell, Palu, hooker Tatafu Polota Nau, centre Rob Horne and prop James Slipper.
Wallabies World Cup Squad:
Backs: Kurtley Beale, James O'Connor, Drew Mitchell, Digby Ioane, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Rob Horne, Pat McCabe, Anthony Faingaa, Berrick Barnes, Quade Cooper, Nick Phipps, Luke Burgess, Will Genia.
Forwards: Ben McCalman, Radike Samo, Wycliff Palu, David Pocock, Rocky Elsom, Scott Higginbotham, James Horwill (c), Rob Simmons, Nathan Sharpe, Dan Vickerman, Ben Alexander, Sekope Kepu, James Slipper, Salesi Ma'afu, Stephen Moore, Saia Faingaa, Tatafu Polota-Nau.