Deans denies rift over Elsom captaincy

Robbie Deans has dismissed suggestions former captain Stirling Mortlock was kept in the dark over the decision to replace him with Rocky Elsom for the upcoming Grand Slam tour of the British Isles, insisting the 32-year-old knew exactly where he stood.

Both the coach and former skipper fronted the media yesterday in a bid to clear up any confusion over the handling of the change in leadership amid increasing speculation of a rift between senior players and the Kiwi-born mentor.