Australia have named Nathan Sharpe as their captain for their forthcoming Rugby Championship match against Argentina.
Sharpe, who retires at the end of the tournament, will be winning his 109th Test cap in his side’s first Championship match against the South Americans.
Speaking after the announcement, the giant lock said:Â “To have the privilege of leading Australia in the first ever test to be played on the Gold Coast is an experience I will always treasure.”
After a poor start to the tournament, the Wallabies got their first win of the campaign last weekend as they beat South Africa 26-19, and Sharpe is looking to build upon that as they strive to retain their crown.
“It’s important we keep our focus as a team, build on what we achieved last weekend in Perth, and add to that momentum.â€
Sharpe is the most experienced player in the Australian squad, and recognized the threat that the Pumas are to Australia, after strong performances against New Zealand and South Africa:
“No one else in the squad has played Argentina before but I have and they will be tough, incredibly passionate and uncompromising. You only have to look at what they have achieved to date in their tournament matches to see what a threat they will be.”
Sharpe is Robbie Deans 4th skipper of the year as the Wallabies have been struck by the ‘captain’s curse’, as previous captain’s James Horwill, David Pocock and now Will Genia have all been hit with long term injuries.
Deans will be praying that his latest general can survive a little longer.
