Mortlock to stick to tried and tested - and introduce fun

Stirling Mortlock. Picture / Reuters

SYDNEY - Stirling Mortlock will not be straying too far from the George Gregan book of skippering when he takes the armband for the Wallabies four Test, eight match tour of Europe starting later this month.

But the 29-year-old also wants to leave his mark on the side during his stint as stand-in captain.

"A lot of things that George focuses on as far as having meticulous preparation, leading by example and always bettering yourself, I will try to do those things as well," Mortlock told reporters.

"I'm a guy that absolutely loves playing rugby, I love training and being involved with Test match football, so if I can probably stamp anything on the team it's hopefully enjoying the whole process of training, playing and preparing for Test matches.

"If we can enjoy it, then I think I will have left my stamp on it."

The 29-year-old centre was named captain for the European tour on Tuesday and at once paid tribute to Gregan, who asked to be rested from the tour.

"He has without doubt been one of the greatest leaders I've played under," he said.

- REUTERS