Australian skipper Rocky Elsom makes his return to control the reigns of Wallabies
Rocky Elsom, the Australian skipper has returned to the Australian squad along with four other new players to inaugurate the latest season of rugby against Samoa on Sunday, at ANZ Stadium in Sydney.
This was revealed by Robbie Deans, the coach of Wallabies, during the announcement for 2011’s listings, on Wednesday, July 13.
Amongst the latest recruits are: Nick Phipps, the halfback of Melbourne Rebels; Sitaleki Timani, the lock of NSW Waratahs; James Hanson, the hooker and Beau Robinson, the flanker, both from Queensland Reds.
With the front-rower Benn Robinson, diagnosed with a damaged anterior cruciate ligament, one spot is left vacant to be filled up for the prop position. During the training on Tuesday, July 12, the detailed arthroscopic examination revealed the urgency of
the surgical procedure. With such latest proceedings, Robinson will be ruled out from both the Tri- Nations and Rugby World Cup 2011.
Robinson was heading for his 43rd cap in Sydney, with him falling out from the squad on account of knee injury expressed the loss for the team.
“It’s disappointing news for Benn, disappointing news for the rest of the squad, and for Australian rugby as a whole.”
Elsom was injured severely during the November 2010 Australian tournament during their match against France, which kept him away from regular rugby since then.
Pat McCabe is scheduled to have a test match as he has received rave reviews for his commendable performance with Brumbies. He had been under scrutiny by Deans for the inside-centre position with Matt Giteau and Adam Ashley-Cooper on his either sides. McCabe’s
performance during Super Rugby season which recently wound up is the fulcrum of attention in the world of rugby.
However, Giteau will be filing up for the flanker’s position and Ashley – Cooper will grab his Outside-centre spot with Wallies.
The Australian squad includes; James O’Connor, Mark Gerrard, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Pat McCabe, Matt Giteau, Digby Ioane, Nick Phipps, Rocky Elsom, Matt Hodgson, Nathan Sharpe, Ben Alexander, Sitaleki Timani, Sekope Kepu and Stephen Moore.
However, amongst the reserves of the squad are, Dan Vickerman, James Hanson, Beau Robinson, Scott Higginbotham, Will Genia and Kurtley Beale.
Dan Vickerman has returned to serve Wallabies, after spending almost 3 years away from international rugby to pursue a degree at University of Cambridge, in Land Economy.
Dean stated about the line-up of Wallabies against Pacific Islanders, “Given the high most of those blokes had last weekend, it's my experience that it does take a little while to come down from that.”
He further added while complimenting on the selected bunch, “They've refocused quickly on the task at hand representing their country, which is why we've included a good group of those players in the match-day 22.They'll get their opportunity.”
With Australian skipper, Elsom back to lead the squad Wallabies are all set to soldier into the opening battle against Pacific Islanders in Sydney, despite some unexpected turn of events for Australia.
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