Rugby:Australia captain Rocky Elsom looks forward to a return to Dublin for next weekend's clash with Ireland at Croke Park so soon after inspiring Leinster to Heineken Cup glory last season.
Elsom was voted European player of the year last season during his sabbatical at Leinster before returning Down Under in June to resume his international career.
Now the Australia captain will lead the Wallabies to GAA Headquarters and the second leg of a potential Grand Slam on a high after yesterday’s 18-9 victory over England at Twickenham.
And Elsom is looking forward to locking horns with his former Leinster team-mates Brian O’Driscoll, Jamie Heaslip and Rob Kearney.
“It is funny how it works out,” smiled Elsom, who has replaced Stirling Mortlock as Wallabies captain. “I am really looking forward to going back to Ireland. I made a lot of good friends there.
“I had a great time at Leinster. I can’t think how I could possibly have had a better time!
“But what made it an easy decision to leave was that I thought I would regret not going back to Australia because of international rugby.
“Because I would be missing that aspect of the game, I thought it would take away from the experience of staying in Ireland.
“I do regret leaving pretty soon after the Heineken Cup final - I would have liked to stay around for a bit longer!”
Elsom was a close observer of Ireland’s Grand Slam triumph last season in what was a memorable season for O’Driscoll, Kearney and other who completed the Six Nations and Heineken Cup double.
Elsom suggested Ireland could well prove a tougher nut to crack than England were yesterday.
England led for almost an hour but Australia dominated the second half at Twickenham and should have been out of sight by the time Adam Ashley-Cooper sealed the victory, adding to Will Genia’s first-half try 10 minutes from time.
“England played well in patches there and we obviously outlasted them,” said Elsom.
“Ireland had a great Six Nations. They have a good style and have a lot of players playing well. I can only imagine they will be very difficult.
“They don’t really look to have too many weaknesses. It is going to be a big match.”
