Wallabies first-five Matt Giteau says new skipper Rocky Elsom has his full support. Photo / Getty Images
SYDNEY - First five-eighths Matt Giteau and former captain Stirling Mortlock insist there is no rift within the Wallabies squad over new leadership appointments.
Giteau and Mortlock presented a united front for the media as the Wallabies re-entered camp in Coogee today, pledging their full support for coach Robbie
Deans' vision with new skipper Rocky Elsom at the helm.
Reports of player disenchantment and tension within the 35-man squad ahead of their Spring Tour were off the mark, Giteau said.
"No tension, I'm obviously excited to be picked in the squad and looking forward to the tour coming up," Giteau said.
Deans overlooked his key playmaker for the vice-captaincy - instead opting for the in-form Berrick Barnes, who is tipped to usurp Giteau at No 10 and push him out into the centres.
Giteau admitted he was disappointed he missed out on a new leadership role.
"I think if you talk to any players within the squad at some point they would like some form of leadership role at some point in time, so from that point of view (I'm) disappointed but fully supportive of the guys that obviously the coach and (ARU boss) John O'Neill have appointed," he said.
Mortlock said he was feeling very confident in his fitness and was looking forward to forcing his way back into the starting XV, after sitting out the unsuccessful Tri-Nations campaign with a knee injury.
He also pledged his support of Elsom as his successor as captain.
"Rocky already knows that I'm there for him in any capacity that he wishes," Mortlock said.
"It's a change, my role within the team will change somewhat but I'll be still offering and try to give as much as I can to the group.
"... that's the important thing, that every single guy in this squad is contributing as much as we can, to make sure this is a very positive and productive trip."
- AAP
