'You need a centrepiece': Tim Horan's captain's call as Wallabies cast wide net
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Ex-Test selector Tim Horan hopes the Wallabies will pick and stick with their skipper after a report claimed Jake Gordon was poised to become the ninth captain of Australia in the last three years.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt did not confirm or deny the AAP report when asked this week but spoke glowingly of Waratahs captain Gordon's attributes ahead of the British and Irish Lions tour, which kicks off in Perth on June 28.
Queensland No.8 Harry Wilson led Australia at the back end of last year after Schmidt's first captaincy pick, Liam Wright, was injured.
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Australia's Harry Wilson lifts the Ella-Mobbs Trophy following a late victory. Getty
Michael Hooper, James Slipper, Allan Alaalatoa, Tate McDermott, Will Skelton and Dave Porecki all led the Wallabies at different times of Eddie Jones' turbulent 2023 reign.
"I was a selector with Eddie Jones (in his first Wallabies tenure), don't forget, so that's why I didn't get a say," Horan quipped on Stan Sport's Inside Line, before being pressed on who he would pick.
"Someone like a Fraser McReight, who's going to be there for the next four or five years with a Wallabies jersey on," Horan said.
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Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight and Jake Gordon of the Wallabies sing the national anthem. Getty
"He's someone you'd look to. But Harry Wilson's done a great job, Tate McDermott's going to be with the Wallabies for a long period of time, so I just think you need a centrepiece, a person that kids can go 'I know he's the Wallabies captain.'
"You know who the captain is of the Australian cricket team... I still think that the captain of the Wallabies needs to be there for a 12-24 month period leading into the Rugby World Cup (in 2027). Who's that going to be?
"So that kids can identify - I know it's John Eales, I know it's Michael Hooper."
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Ex-Wallabies lock Justin Harrison predicted the leadership load would continue to be shared around.
Schmidt will name his first squad after the ACT Brumbies finish their season.
The Brumbies play against the Chiefs on Saturday in the second Super Rugby Pacific semi-final.
"I think it's a long way from settled," Harrison said.
"I think there'll be multiple captains named. We've seen some teams have captains, vice-captains named off the bench as well. I think there's going to be multiple people called on to lead this team through, not just when to kick for touch and when to take points and heads or tails...
"I loved Harry Wilson's quote when he signed his extension. It was one of the best things I've read from an Australian rugby player. 'I cannot expect other people to commit to this environment and stay here and reject offers if I don't do the same thing. I never thought about going overseas and here you go.' That's outstanding. You can get behind that."
Meanwhile, former Hurricanes winger Salesi Rayasi has been named in Fiji's squad to play Australia next month.
The prolific 28-year-old finisher spent six seasons for the Hurricanes and now plays for Vannes in France's Top 14.
He played for the New Zealand sevens team before switching nations to play for Fiji, following his father Felipe who played 13 Tests for Fiji in the 1990s.
Salesi Rayasi of the Hurricanes scores a try at Sky Stadium. Getty
Australia's Test against Fiji in Newcastle on July 6 will be the Wallabies' only warm-up for their series against the Lions.
"Both Australia and Scotland are established tier one sides and we know the level we need to rise to," said Fiji coach Mick Byrne, the former AFL player and Wallabies assistant.
"This squad reflects the depth and strength of Fiji rugby and we will give a performance that will make all Fijians proud."
Mick Byrne during his time as skills coach of Australia. Getty
The Fiji squad includes 13 players who played for the Drua in Super Rugby this season and 10 players based in France.
"We've focused on combinations that give us both tactical adaptability and the trademark Fijian spirit," Byrne said.
"We want to win but more importantly, we want to win playing our brand of rugby."
- with AP
Fiji squad
Forwards: Eroni Mawi, Luke Tagi, Haereiti Hetet, Mesake Doge, Peni Ravai, Tevita Ikanivere, Samuel Mativesi, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua, Setareki Turagacoke, Viliame Mata, Elia Canakaivata, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Albert Tuisue, Etonia Waqa, Motikai Murray
Backs: Simione Kuruvoli, Philip Baselala, Sam Wye, Caleb Muntz, Isaia Armstrong-Ravula, Vilimoni Botitu, Josua Tuisova, Iosefo Masikau Baleiwairiki, Sireli Maqala, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Ponipate Loganimasi, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Salesi Rayasi
