Mortlock’s the centre of attraction
Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:34
A switch form outside to inside centre might seem like a small move but it highlighted Stirling Mortlock’s rise as a captain on the international stage.
Mortlock led Australia for the 23rd time against England at Twickenham - leaving only George Gregan (59), John Eales (55) and Nick Farr-Jones (36) ahead of him.
Mortlock feels that he has finally grown into the leadership role after being criticised in his first season as captain in 2006.
"Yeah, I feel a lot more comfortable in the captaincy role than what I have in the past." Mortlock told Fox Sports.
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans believes Mortlock is growing in stature as a captain and his enforced switch to inside centre has aided his development as captain.
"Stirling is thriving with being a little closer to the action," Deans said.
"He's growing as a leader and first and foremost he's a bloke who cares."
Clearly Mortlock and Deans are having a meeting of minds.
"The decision-making was better which meant we had better field position and the English didn't cope with the pressure," Deans said.
"We were creating opportunities that were stressing them."
