Rocky Elsom is not daunted by the extra responsibilities that come with his new role as Australia captain.

Elsom's appointment as the Wallabies' 76th Test captain was made official at a packed press conference yesterday.

But the 26-year-old revealed his interview for the position was slightly less formal.

"As is always the case coach Robbie Deans was pretty straight forward and just asked me whether I thought I'd be up to it and whether I'd be interested and I was," Elsom said.

"I'm ecstatic for the opportunity. I guess it's a bit like when you get your first jersey, you're over the moon to get that opportunity but then also there's a lot of responsibility goes with that."

The flanker will be assisted by new vice-captain Berrick Barnes on the upcoming tour of Japan and the British Isles, starting with an historic Bledisloe Cup clash against New Zealand in Tokyo on October 31.

His appointment signals the end of Stirling Mortlock's 28-Test reign in charge of the national team.

"He wasn't excited but he was actually very good," coach Deans said of Mortlock's reaction to the change in leadership.

"He had anticipated it, he suggested that he was going to ask that question of me anyway even if I hadn't have raised it, and he's been great.

"The reality is that Stirling will continue to offer leadership and he'll be of great value and great support to these blokes (Elsom and Barnes)."

Deans added of Elsom's appointment: "It's no secret that it's always been my preference to have a leader up front.

"It's difficult for Stirling from that wide out - not only in terms of communications with his peers but also with the referee.

"That's one advantage we get out of it but also Rocky's got the qualities we're looking for in terms of the way he goes about what he does."

Meanwhile, Barnes was still coming to terms with his new position after edging out fellow playmaker Matt Giteau for the vice-captaincy.

"It's obviously a big honour but there's a lot of responsibility as well," the 23-year-old said.

"I only found out yesterday afternoon so it's going to take a while to sink in obviously, but I won't be changing too much, just keep doing what I try to do."