Elsom hopes to avoid Rocky horror show

THE last time Rocky Elsom played at Murrayfield, his name was chanted throughout the game and some of the crowd even donned ‘Rocky’ costumes.

But the Australia captain was today bracing himself for a hostile reception at the stadium in tomorrow’s autumn international against Scotland.

Elsom was the hero of Leinster’s Heineken Cup final triumph at Murrayfield back in May, winning the man-of-the-match award after an awesome performance against Leicester.

The Irish province took over the terraces that day and the 26-year-old flanker was the main object of their affection.

And while he was reluctant to be painted as the villain of the piece tomorrow, he knows he is unlikely to witness a repeat of those scenes.

“I don’t think anyone will be wearing their costumes,” he said. “It’ll be a different environment; that was very much a home crowd for us and we know that they can make a lot of noise here. But we’ve had that the whole tour.”

The Heineken Cup final was not the first success Elsom enjoyed at Murrayfield before leaving Leinster this summer.

He also ran Edinburgh ragged in the pool stages earlier in the season.

The Brumbies star was at a loss to explain why he seemed to perform so well in the Scottish capital but acknowledged his victories there made him look forward to returning.

“It makes you feel nice about coming here,” said the softly-spoken forward. But I guess it does make a lot of sound; it’s not always for you but it does add to the event.”

Elsom, who has led Australia to a win over England and a draw in Ireland on their current European tour, added: “I think all the guys like playing here.

“We’ve been lucky that we’ve played at Twickenham and Croke Park but this is definitely one of the better ones.”

Scotland have not beaten Australia for 27 years, losing the last 16 meetings between the sides.

Elsom has no desire to be the first Wallabies captain to taste defeat against them since 1982.

“We don’t want to be the team that loses full stop, to anyone,” he said. I guess you’ve got to make that happen; it doesn’t just fall for you. I think that’s what it’ll be about. They’re pretty keen to get a win; so are we.”