MONTPELLIER (Reuters) - George Gregan's middle name Musarawa is a literal translation of "the chosen one" but the Australian scrumhalf said even he was surprised to be named captain for Saturday's World Cup match against Fiji.

Gregan's days as skipper seemed over when he lost the captaincy to Stirling Mortlock earlier this year and was battling to keep his position in the team.

But he held his spot and his perseverance paid off when a shoulder injury to Mortlock opened the way for Gregan to regain the leadership for the 59th time.

It may only be temporary but it is nonetheless significant as he will equal former England skipper Will Carling's test captaincy record.

It is yet another extraordinary milestone for the 34-year-old Gregan who made his test debut against Italy in 1994 and is now the most capped player in history.

"This was not something I ever wrote down as a goal I wanted to pursue but when you're given the honour and that responsibility you enjoy it," he told reporters yesterday.

As the smallest man in the Australian team, Gregan has had to endure more than his fair share of hard knocks but attributes his longevity to hard work.

Matt Giteau, who will earn his 50th cap against Fiji this weekend and has been tipped as a future test captain, said Gregan was a great role model to the younger players.

"George is probably the most professional player that anyone's played with. He's always the first guy to turn up and the last to leave," Giteau said.