Mortlock turns up the heat
Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:40
Turning up the heat: Wallaby captain Stirling Mortlock
Australian skipper Stirling Mortlock promised that there would be no let-up from the two-time world champions when they take on France at the Stade de France this Saturday.
The Wallabies are coming off a two-match winning streak on their northern hemisphere tour - 30-20 against Italy and a 28-14 victory over England - but Mortlock said that while they have played well, there was still work to be done.
"Playing the French is extremely tough," said Mortlock, who is one of the few survivors from the last Australian team to beat France at home back in 2000.
"They are very proud of their rugby history, and they have so much flair with backs that can score tries.
"But hopefully we can build on what we have done on this tour. Our mindset is pretty positive.
"However there is a lot more improvement to come and we've still got a way to go. The mindset is always to enjoy the game, both individually and collectively."
Mortlock, who will be winning his 75th cap since making his debut in 2000, said that he was becoming more used to captaining his country, but didn't feel that was down to the fact that Australian greats George Gregan and Stephen Larkham had retired.
"Those guys were unbelievable over so many years," commented the 31-year-old centre.
"But from my perspective I have settled into the role a bit more and I am finding it a really enjoyable experience," he added.
Mortlock, who suffered World Cup heartbreak against England last year when he missed with a late penalty which would have seen them edge the match, said that the fact there were several younger players coming through was all for the better.
"It makes it a better environment to be around," he said.
"The young guys want to put their hands up, but at the end of the day only 22 players can pull on that jersey every week.
"The young players are expressing themselves and making progress which can only be a good thing in terms of the competition for places and the morale of the squad."
Mortlock said that the arrival of New Zealand coach Robbie Deans - who replaced John Connolly after the World Cup though many in his homeland wished that he had replaced Graham Henry - had been a really good thing for the Wallabies.
"He [Deans] is our first foreign coach and has brought different ideas and is extremely positive," said Mortlock.
However, Mortlock said that to infer that Deans had brought the same spirit as he had infused in his successful tenure as Crusaders coach was wrong.
"There are no Crusaders in this team mate, we are all Aussies and we are there to show the traditional Aussie spirit. We are proud of our history and tradition."
Mortlock did concede, however, that while normally he runs out on the pitch not fearing any of his opponents, there was one exception to the rule.
"Sebastien Chabal is the only guy I fear. He's playing? Then I am really scared!" chuckled Mortlock.
AFP
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