Western Force players will totally understand if stand-in skipper Sam Wykes goes a bit quiet during games this Super Rugby season.
With regular captain Matt Hodgson set to miss the first two months of the season because of a torn hamstring, Wykes will take over the leadership duties.
The 26-year-old is no stranger to the role after captaining the Force during some trial games and the Perth Spirit in the National Rugby Championship.
But keeping the chatter up on the field probably isn't Wykes' greatest strength.
"I spew quite a bit during the game, so I won't be doing much talking," Wykes said with a laugh.
"It's definitely an honour to be able to lead the boys out there.
"But at the same time, Hodgy's definitely still our captain, so I'll be drawing on him every chance I get.
"I learnt a lot from the times I've captained the Force before in some touring matches.
"But it's a bit different coming into a Super season. I can't let the occasion affect the way I play."
Wykes will take a hands-off approach in the way the team plays, starting with Sunday's season-opener against the defending champion Waratahs in Sydney.
"I'm pretty calm in terms of trying to keep the mood right. I let the guys do what they need to do," Wykes said.
"Our nines and tens are going to drive the team. If they want to kick for goal, they can do that. If they want to take the scrum or lineout, they will make those calls as well."
The Force have never won a round-one fixture, and they'll face a tough task to break that hoodoo against a Waratahs outfit laden with Test stars.
In contrast, the Force will be missing both Hodgson and winger Nick Cummins, who is unavailable for the early rounds while he completes his playing duties with Japanese outfit Red Sparks.
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