Wynne Gray: Moore the man, even if he's easy to forget

The memory is nowhere near as sharp as it was.

When you're asked to remember specific incidents or identify people in the expanding world of rugby, there can be glitches - like my embarrassing silence yesterday when asked the identity of the Wallaby captain.

The answer didn't come quickly. Michael Hooper and Will Genia flashed through my mind before the distinctive face of Stephen Moore re-appeared.

Rival captain Richie McCaw is the most decorated leader in rugby as he heads into his 148th and final international at Twickenham.

Even with all that experience gathered since his first test against Ireland at Lansdowne Rd in 2001, McCaw will carry some anxiety to the match.

Every All Black wants to be on edge because they lack intensity without that apprehension. It is one of rugby's laws of preparation. When the time is right McCaw will deliver some short instructions then ask his men to follow his example.

That's the advantage of more than 100 tests as skipper while none of his troops would dare risk his wrath or that of the coaching crew.

Moore, you suspect, will bring a similar style to his men. His economy of language in television interviews at this World Cup is probably a reflection of his team instructions. To the point, brusque, no mucking around, roll-up your sleeves, get on with it sort of chat which front-rowers revel in.

There's no point in delivering 75 words when 23 will do - maybe one for each member of the Wallaby squad.

Close friends say the 32-year-old has a very dry wit which takes some understanding.

Moore is also vastly experienced and has played more than 100 tests.

He talks about the privilege of playing every one of those internationals and transmitting that sense of pride and honour to his teammates.

"The next test is always the big one," he says.

The next one certainly is. The World Cup final and a chance for the All Blacks or Wallabies to stay unbeaten at this tournament and be the first nation to win the Webb Ellis Cup for the third time.

Moore would also join one clique the Wallabies would celebrate - where the only members are Nick Farr-Jones and John Eales.