Wynne Gray: Umaga has X-factor for captaincy

Call me old-fashioned, call me what you like. But I remain unconvinced about the co-captain concept in rugby, and even less convinced by the leadership theory espoused by former New Zealand Rugby Board director Kevin Roberts.

He argues that it does not matter who captains the All Blacks at the World Cup; he believes too much emphasis is put on the cult of captaincy.

Leadership was not enough, there had to be inspiration as well, he claimed. My argument would be that inspiration is a byproduct of quality direction.

I accept a captain cannot do it all. Sir Wilson Whineray called on mates such as Colin Meads and Kel Tremain, Andy Dalton leaned on Dave Loveridge, Sean Fitzpatrick teamed up with Zinzan Brooke.

However, someone has to be at the helm, someone has to galvanise the side, someone has to organise the inspiration.

In times of crisis, players cannot be looking in several directions. They should gravitate towards a leader.

Look at the World Cup-winning leaders since the initial tournament in 1987 - David Kirk, Nick Farr-Jones, Francois Pienaar, John Eales. Not a dud among them. They were men who commanded respect, who stimulated their troops to great deeds.

Examine the potential leaders who might raise the Webb Ellis Cup above their heads after the World Cup final in Sydney on November 22 - Reuben Thorne, George Gregan, Martin Johnson, Fabien Galthie, Corne Krige.

Everyone will have different ideas, but some seem more charismatic and more likely to define leadership.

Charisma does not always equate to compelling captaincy, but it helps. My concern as the Super 12 heads into its second half is about finding an All Black captain. Contenders are not thick on the ground.

The Super 12 skippers are Xavier Rush, Jono Gibbes, Tana Umaga, Thorne and Taine Randell, while former test skippers Anton Oliver and Justin Marshall lurk in the ranks.

From the safety of the grandstand, or the incognisance of the couch, Umaga strikes the strongest leadership claims. He is driving his side by personal example, deeds and direction.

The Hurricanes head man is all spark and action, he inspires.

Umaga has a presence, he is a certain selection, he is a leader in form.

The challenges of a World Cup season will be so great that the All Blacks cannot afford to "carry" someone just for their captaincy. That tactic came unstuck when Todd Blackadder was picked, although he did reignite some of the dysfunctional All Black forces.

At this stage of the Super 12 a raft of exciting players are demanding test selection. Picking a skipper might be the tricky part.