Joe Schmidt gives blunt verdict on Harry Wilson’s captaincy credentials for Wallabies
Wallabies captain Harry Wilson and head coach Joe Schmidt.
After naming Harry Wilson as a surprise choice as captain for the Wallabies, head coach Joe Schmidt is backing the number eight to lead by example when they face Argentina on Saturday.
After a year in the Test wilderness, Wilson’s fortunes have changed for the better after Schmidt entrusted him with the captaincy and, in doing so, he will become the Wallabies’ 90th Test captain.
Backed to succeed as captain
Despite being ignored by former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones during the 2023 season, Schmidt has recalled the Reds back-row and believes he is the right fit for the leadership role.
The 24-year-old is Australia’s fourth skipper this year – after Liam Wright, James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa – but Schmidt feels his elevation to the captaincy is richly deserved.
“Harry’s been really good for us and I think he’s led himself really well,” Schmidt told reporters.
“He has a natural propensity to express himself well, but with very few words, and I don’t think that we want to be doing too much talking, it’s about the actions that he’s going to deliver and lead from the front effectively.
‘A lot of confidence around Harry’
“We’re pretty happy with the selection amongst the coaching group and even talking to some of the players about who would be best to step up, there was a lot of confidence around Harry.”
Rookie front-row echoed Isaac Kailea his coach’s sentiments and said Wilson‘s style of play rubs off on his team-mates, who will follow his example when they head into battle.
“He plays with such passion and it’s pretty infectious as a younger player,” said the 24-year-old loosehead.
“You see a guy with so much want to play as well as he can, you just want to play for him as well.”
