Deans: Elsom is strong leader

Australia coach Robbie Deans believes Rocky Elsom is developing into a highly effective Wallaby captain.

Elsom leads the Grand Slam tour of Europe after replacing Stirling Mortlock as skipper last month, but needs little introduction in the northern hemisphere.

The 26-year-old was the star performer in last season’s Heineken Cup, helping Leinster claim their first European crown with two man of the match performances in the knockout stages.

Leinster’s loss was the Wallabies’ gain when he returned Down Under this summer to re-sign with the Australian Rugby Union.

“Rocky is an influential character. He’s a strong man with a strong mind and is a good bloke to have alongside you,” said Deans.

“His team-mates feed off that. He doesn’t like to give ground and has the ability to inspire till the end.

“The captaincy is a new experience for him but he’s taken to it pretty well.

“He hasn’t tried to be something he’s not, he’s just kept doing what he does.

“We don’t want him to call all the shots because he has a C beside his name.”

Elsom will spearhead Australia’s defence of the Cook Cup against England at Twickenham on Saturday.

It is the first of the Wallabies’ four clashes against home nations opposition this month and Deans believes Martin Johnson’s side will be the hardest of the lot.

“Saturday is the toughest game because it’s England at Twickenham – that’s the way it is,” he said.

“We’ll have to earn everything we get. We’ve prepared to win the match and that’s what we’re aspiring to do.

“England will expect to win and we have an opportunity to chase that result, but we’re presuming nothing.

“I wasn’t aware that we’re favourites and frankly it doesn’t interest me.

“There’s no balance to be struck between rebuilding and winning – we want to do well on Saturday.”