Rugby: Oz skipper cries no Moore at right time

Stephen Moore. Photo / Photosport

By Ben Coles

Retiring Wallabies captain Stephen Moore believes it's the right time to quit international rugby.

Moore, 34, had previously hinted that there was enough in the tank to have a go at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

He has shown admirable honesty in now admitting to himself and his team-mates that he will no longer be able to play at his best in two years, acknowledging that by the end of next year Michael Cheika will want his likely Rugby World Cup side set in stone.

"We have a great bunch of developing leaders like Michael [Hooper], Adam [Coleman], Bernard [Foley], Samu [Kerevi], Allan [Alaalatoa]. Succession is a really important part of the leadership of any team and we've been working to that end for a number of years and having those discussions for some time," Moore said. "I look around the group now and I see plenty of faces that weren't even in high school when I made my Wallabies debut, and that is exciting for Australian rugby."

Two years ago the rushed appointment of Moore in June, followed by the returns of Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell, were quick-thinking moves ahead of the Rugby World Cup that all but paid off.

Cheika in this World Cup cycle has time on his side, and a line of hookers ready to take over Moore's mantle.

Tatafu Polota-Nau is no spring chicken at 32 but did get the nod over Moore against Fiji and Scotland in June. Andrew Ready looks a fine prospect, learning off Moore this season at the Reds and primed at the age of 24 to fill the No2 jersey long-term. Tolu Latu should not be ruled out either.

Hooper's ascension to the role of Wallaby captain is more interesting. Remarkably just 25 - despite having been around forever - the Waratahs' dismal season has tested Hooper's leadership, a long way removed from guiding the Sydney franchise to a first Super Rugby title in 2014.

The timing is also close to perfect. Moore stepping aside to support Hooper for the rest of 2017 gives the openside two years to put his own stamp on the team, with Moore initially on his shoulder for any necessary advice.

Rugby in Australia has no shortage of problems, the most urgent being the need for a decision on whether the Force or Rebels should be cut from Super Rugby.

Finding a successor to Moore as Wallabies captain fortunately is not one of them.