Wallabies Head Coach Eddie Jones has made a historic change to the Australian senior squad, as the side will be using a co-captaincy model at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Jones has named openside flanker Michael Hooper and veteran prop James Slipper as co-captains, in what he believes will provide an essential ‘winning edge’, ahead of the trip to France. Australia will trial their new leadership in the 2023 Rugby Championship next month, as they take on Argentina, South Africa and the All Blacks.
Speaking to Australian news outlet Nine.com.au, Jones discussed his new captaincy model at a recent press conference event.
“We want to change the Wallabies,” Jones said.
“The combination of character and style between Hoops and Slips and you don’t get two more experienced players in world rugby. So that’s a big advantage for us, we want to do things differently but better.”
Hooper and Slipper are both test match centurions for the Wallabies, with a staggering 251 collective caps. Jones joked that the duo would ‘flip a coin’ to see who would take control of the reigns first, as Australia take on the Springboks in their Rugby Championship opener on the 8th of July (GMT).
“The two of them together – it’s a powerful force for us. Like it’s a winning edge for us guys, a winning edge for us. With injury there may be a situation where they’re both not on the field and that’s where the leadership group will fill the back end.”
Jones also sparked the media interest through his comments, regarding the need for a versatile flanker-cross-winger in the squad. Upon announcing his squad, Jones listed Melbourne Rebels back-rower Josh Kemeny as a ‘utility player’ for this very reason.
“We want Kemeny to play seven, six and play on the wing,” Jones said.
“He’s quick enough to play on the wing. That’s why he’s down as a utility player.
“We need to develop a team that’s multidimensional because of the fact that with red cards, yellow cards, you need to be able to adapt on the field. So nothing’s not possible and we need to develop that adaptability in the team … we’re creating the structure of the team that will take us to the World Cup and we need a backrower who can play wing.
“I’m serious about this, you know Hoops (Michael Hooper) can probably do it. In his younger days, he was quick, he was faster than most of the wingers and now he’s probably as fast apart from Suli (Vunivalu) when he’s got his cattle prod chasing him. And then Kemeny’s quick enough to be a winger. He’s a tall, rangy guy, good in the air.”
WALLABIES SQUAD
Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Richie Arnold, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Matt Gibbon, Jed Holloway, Michael Hooper, Tom Hooper, Rob Leota, Fraser McReight, Zane Nonggorr, Dave Porecki, Pete Samu, Will Skelton, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Jordan Uelese, Rob Valetini
Backs: Quade Cooper, Lalakai Foketi, Carter Gordon, Reece Hodge, Len Ikitau, Marika Koroibete, Ryan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Izaia Perese, Suliasi Vunivalu, Nic White, Tom Wright
Utilities: Ben Donaldson, Josh Kemeny, Dylan Pietsch