 Gregan insists he is unfazed by criticism of his recent displays |
George Gregan says he intends to shrug off recent criticisms of his Australia performances and captain the Wallabies through to the 2007 World Cup. The scrum-half has come increasingly under fire over his performances in recent years, with many calling for him to make way for a younger player.
But, having already earned 118 caps and despite the fact he will be 34 at the finals in France, he wants to play on.
"It's special and I intend to be a part of it," he told the Sunday Telegraph.
"I've been healthy this year, I love competing and I believe my form is going in the right direction, so I want to be (at the World Cup)."
Gregan's lacklustre displays last season coincided with Australia's poorest form in almost four decades, when they lost eight out of their nine Tests.
 |  You have to learn the skill of winning tight Test matches |
However, he is confident they can bounce back under new coach John Connolly.
"There is a positive feel within the group.
"John places a massive emphasis on set pieces and the technical side of things and if you look at the teams he has coached, they've always had a big emphasis on a strong set piece.
"He'll bring that to the Australian team, along with a tougher, hungrier attitude.
"You have to learn the skill of winning tight test matches. We were in a position to win in those tests last year, but we weren't good enough to close them out."
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