Gregan's first test as captain

Wallabies Skipper Gregan intends to lead by example

BBC Sport Online's Mike Burnett speaks to new Australia captain George Gregan about life in the post-John Eales era.

For George Gregan, it is all about looking forward and not dwelling on the past.

This may be just as well because he has some big boots to fill in his new role as captain of Australia, namely those of lock John Eales, who became a legend as Wallaby captain.

"Everyone knows the quality of person he was, but what stood out for me was his consistent all-over performance on a weekly basis as a player," Gregan said about Eales.

"If you do that, it's very easy to get the players to follow you."

Gregan has learnt a lot from his predecessor, but as Australia begin their European tour with a new coach and a new captain, he knows that things will not be the same again.

It's different this time, with different personnel under different circumstances

George Gregan

"It's the beginning of a new era with new players and a new squad," said the 28-year-old scrum-half.

"One thing that I'd like to continue on from Eales is leading by example, setting a high level of performance, but my personality is different and that'll come through.

"What's very important as leader is your level of performance and your decision-making and being a person that players can get confidence from.

"That's what I'd like to have. That's what is ahead of me and I guess the proof is in the pudding, so we'll see."

Of course, it is a strange time for the Wallabies to arrive in England.

The last time they were here, minus Gregan, England beat them 22-19 with a controversial injury-time try from Dan Luger.

Then the Lions lost their series against Australia in a stormy and controversial tour down under during the summer.

And finally, on Saturday, Ireland stopped favourites England from claiming the Six Nations Grand Slam for the third year running.

Old and new: Gregan with former coach and captain

But Gregan knows that Australia's clash at Twickenham on 10 November will not be easy.

"It's different this time, with different personnel under different circumstances.

"It's always a tough Test at Twickenham. I've played two games there.

"I've drawn one and won one by one point, so I'm under no illusions about how tough it's going to be."

Gregan is also not underestimating their other opponents on the tour, although he is excited about returning to the venue of the World Cup triumph two years ago.

"Cardiff was a wonderful experience for us in 1999.

"We played Wales in the quarter-final and then obviously the finals against France, so I'll be looking forward to getting to the Millennium Stadium and playing well there again.

"But I believe Wales are a strong international team playing at home, so they're dangerous."

Defence into offence

One thing that will be very different on this visit is the tactics.

After a dour Tri-Nations series, new coach Eddie Jones is keen to make the traditionally defensive Wallabies into a more attacking side.

"The challenge that lies ahead is getting our players in a better position to attack," explained Gregan.

"That isn't happening at the moment. The defender is often in a better position than the attacker.

"We'll be putting our noses down and really trying to change that."

Gregan is about to show England, as well as Spain, France and Wales, what the new Wallabies are all about.