Nick Champion de Crespigny admitted he was surprised to be named Australia captain for Saturday’s Test against Japan in only his third international appearance.
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The 29-year-old will lead the side in Tokyo as Australia kick off a five-Test tour that also pits them against England, Italy, Ireland and France.
Flanker Champion de Crespigny made his Wallabies debut in the first Test against the British and Irish Lions in July.
He said he was expecting his teammates to lend a hand leading the team and vowed to repay coach Joe Schmidt’s faith in him.
“It was a little bit of a surprise but I was very honoured and privileged to be asked by Joe just before the team announcement,” Champion de Crespigny said on Friday.
“The support from the group and the other players has been phenomenal. “It’s a huge honour but I’d also say it’s a squad mentality and a group focus.” Champion de Crespigny said he had spoken to double World Cup-winning Wallabies legend John Eales, who told him to “be myself and trust my instincts”.
Champion de Crespigny will lead an unfamiliar Australia side featuring 13 changes from the team that lost to New Zealand earlier this month.
There is also experience, with four players in the starting line-up having more than 40 caps to their names.
“There’s some leaders within the group like Andrew Kellaway, Jake Gordon, Jeremy Williams, who captains at Western Force,” said Champion de Crespigny.
“We’ll all be leaders in sections of the game on Saturday.” Champion de Crespigny was picked for Australia’s opener against the Lions but was left out of the matchday squad for the following two Tests.
His only other appearance in a Wallabies shirt came as a substitute against South Africa in the Rugby Championship.
Champion de Crespigny said his attitude was “always team first”. “I want to prepare myself to be the best version of myself every week, to prepare the group, and if I’m the best version of myself, hopefully I can get in the 23,” he said.
“But it’s a real squad mentality here and we all support each other and want the best for the group.”
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