Hooker to re- assume Wallabies leadership
ASSIGNED to captain the Wallabies to the World Cup, veteran hooker Stephen Moore says he will lead by example.
Moore, 32, received the nod as captain going into the 2015 international season from coach Michael Cheika yesterday ahead of incumbent skipper Michael Hooper, who was named vice- captain along with Adam Ashley- Cooper.
The appointment comes a year after Moore was originally given the honour by former coach Ewen McKenzie, only for a serious knee injury to strike him just moments into his debut Test as skipper against France in Brisbane.
That injury ruled him out for the rest of 2014 but Moore said he felt refreshed and ready to embrace the role once more, as the Wallabies take their first steps on the road to World Cup in England and Wales in September- November.
“I didn’t get much of a crack at it last year so I’m getting many of the same feelings and emotions that I had last year,” Moore said. “I missed out on all the games last year so for me personally, I feel really fresh mentally.”
Moore was not making any big predictions for the looming Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup contests or for the World Cup, and he indicated that “actions speaking louder than words” style would also mark his captaincy.
“It starts with my performance and I know first and foremost that is the way I like to lead,” said Moore.