Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has appointed Wallabies flanker Dave Dennis to lead the team during the Super Rugby season.
Dennis, 27, said he was "extremely honoured and proud to be asked."
"I was born and bred in NSW and I'm a proud New South Welshman. Being asked to lead such a good group of boys means a lot to me," he said.
"I'm a bit surprised but extremely proud."
Dennis made his Waratahs' debut as a 21-year-old against the Crusaders in 2007 and has since pulled on the sky blue jersey on 47 occasions.
He made his Wallabies debut last year against Scotland and now has 15 Test caps to his name.
Having long deliberated on the decision, Cheika said he was confident he had made the right one.
"I've been considering it for quite a while," he said
"Leadership here is a very important factor so I wanted to take my time and see who I thought would be the best person to embody the values that we are holding ourselves accountable for on a day to day basis.
"The way the team reacted to the announcement, I think I've made the right decision.
"I guy like Dave from western Sydney, he's come through Sydney club rugby and earned his stripes. He's perhaps not the flashiest but he's earned the right to captain his state. He's a guy that everyone can relate to."
Comments
georgesmith says...
The new Waratahs coach has lost the Super Rugby title even before round one. With a below average performer like D. Dennis as captain, the Tahs, sadly, have no chance. Of course, players improve, I hope D. Dennis can improve by 200 per cent and prove me wrong. God! Waratahs don't have credible leadership material. How about B. Robinson or M.Hooper.
Posted 06:14 07th February 2013
homergriffin says...
Ramage, that gave me a good laugh.
Posted 22:50 06th February 2013
Ramage says...
Surely not! D. Dennis has been appointed as Waratahs captain. So somebody else, besides that Kiwi no hoper and imported coach, believes this guy has something to offer. Oh well no doubt we shall see the full wrath of our friend and colleague the said georgesmith descend without mercy on this player. After all we heard adnauseum how useless he was all of last year. Now N. Sharpe has retired and D. Dennis has won this accolade surely the vitriolic attacks will be directed at him despite the fact his coach has seen and recognised him. Isnt it interesting this is now the second player those who know something about rugby have recognised first N Sharpe now D. Dennis. Just goes to show what a poor judge of playiing ability georgesmith has. Lets hope he wakes up and spares us his viscious attacks on good Australian players this season. Take note georgesmith you have been found wanting in your utterances.
Posted 09:26 06th February 2013