Flanker Dave Dennis named as NSW Waratahs captain for 2013

FLANKER Dave Dennis has been named as NSW Waratahs captain for the 2013 season.

Dave Dennis

FLANKER Dave Dennis has been named as NSW Waratahs captain for the 2013 season.

The 27 year old's appointment was announced by recently appointed head coach Michael Cheika at today's 2013 season launch.

Both men believe a fresh start can energise a side that won only four matches last term.

"Change was needed," said Dennis, speaking shortly after his captaincy was confirmed. "You saw last year it wasn't good enough across the board, from management down through to the players.

"It was clear that something was wrong and the culture was a big factor."

Cheika, who won the Heineken Cup with Irish giants Leinster in 2009, believes Dennis can set the tone for the rest of a talented squad that includes Dennis' fellow Wallabies Berrick Barnes and Adam Ashley-Cooper, as well as former NRL and AFL star Israel Folau.

"He's a guy that everyone can relate to," Cheika said of Dennis. "He's been in nearly every situation that all our players are seeing. They've been club players, or they've been state players who are aspiring to be international.

"He's been an international player, so he can talk on that level with all the players and understand."

Cheika also praised Dennis for his exceptional work-rate, a key component of the club's 2013 strategy.

He said he'd considered four or five names for the job but the admiration and respect shown to the new skipper by his team mates had made his mind up. Dennis is determined to prove him right.

"I'm well aware I'm not the best player in the squad," Dennis said. "But it's about how you represent the values of the team.

"I've got to make changes with the way I go about things and I've got to do the best I can to represent what the team's about."

'TAHS KEY FIXTURES

February 23: First Super Rugby fixture in Brisbane against the Reds.

March 1: First home game at Allianz stadium against the Rebels.

June 15: Waratahs take on the touring British and Irish Lions at Allianz stadium.