Alastair Kellock to lead Scotland in Six Nations
Scotland has announced their skipper for the coming Six Nations next month. Alastair Kellock has been selected to perform the duties of a captain once again because of his good reputation as a team leader.
The 29-year-old lock for Glasgow Warriors has captained Scotland through Argentina tour and came back with a successful series of 2-0.
Leadership has never been a lumber for Alastair Kellock because he has been performing the captaincy duties since school level rugby and age grade team at Allan Glen. The task sat just as easy on his responsible shoulders when he Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh
as well.
Andy Robinson admitted that he Kellock’s leadership off and on the field was a key factor to Scotland’s success in Argentina. Since his come back from the knee surgery, the Scottish lock has shown quality in both the way he galvanized and personal displays
for the Warriors side. Especially his performance throughout the last month has been really outclass and pleasing.
Alastair Kellock is a Scottish rugby union player who plays for both Scotland and Glasgow Warriors as Lock. He has given tremendous performances in Magners League on his position of choice. He made his debut for Scotland elite squad in 2004 and played his
first Six Nations Championship in 2008 and is on a rise since then. Kellock made his first start as a lock against France in 2006. He captained his national team to an epic victory against Australia in 2009 November. Considering his rare selection the team,
one can say that he has hardly ever been a routine selection for Scotland. He is also known as The Potato man and the Big Al. Other than Glasgow Warriors, Kellock has played for Edinburgh rugby, as far as senior clubs are concerned.
Andy Robinson has invested his trust in the 29 year old lock and said, “I have spoken about the importance of broadening the influence of leaders throughout the side and Chris Cusiter, Mike Blair and Rory Lawson have all led the side well.”
The delight in bringing Kellock on the front goes back towards why Andy Robinson chose him to take on the captain’s role again for the Six Nations 2011. So, too, does the truth that Alastair Kellock has been evidently successful as a captain, his records
and stats including theatrical win over Australia, when he took over the wheels from Chris Cusiter, because he got injured.
Andy Robinson said, “Al's leadership on and off the field was a key element to our success in Argentina and, since his return from knee surgery, the quality of both his personal displays and the way he has galvanized the Glasgow side, especially over the
last month, has been really pleasing.”
Kellock seems delighted and after this decision and is honored with the trust of his coach, even though he is still fresh after the surgery. He said, “I was delighted to make the squad, especially after being out for almost six months with my knee after
Argentina, and now to be named as captain, is a real highlight, particularly with the competition for places.”
He added, “To get the chance to captain Scotland for the opening Six Nations game is huge.”
Kellock has capped Scotland 27 times and cemented his place in the national team with his skills and super performances in the time of need. The 6ft 8in player has proved that it’s not only the stature that matters; it’s the mind power behind it which controls
the muscle. Taking in view the previous two seasons, he was a mammoth as a player and leader especially in Warriors’ shocking win in Heineken Cup clash against Toulouse. He reprised the same performance recently against Wasps in a home win.
He said, “I honestly believe that the captaincy at Glasgow has helped my game and it’s something I enjoy. I want to carry on doing what I have been doing.”
He explained that so far there have been no specific instructions given regarding his job description as a captain by Robinson, but they will be revealed surely as the next clash gets closer.
Scotland will be playing their opening game on 5th February in Paris for Six Nations. Their previous record holds five wins out of six games and brought them to number 7 in IRB rankings. They also held the number six slot for a while after beating South
Africa in November.
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