Coach Ewen McKenzie has chosen hard-nosed hooker Stephen Moore as the man to lead the Wallabies right through to next year’s Rugby World Cup.

Moore was Monday announced as the side’s new captain for the three-Test series against France, kicking off on Saturday night at Suncorp Stadium.

The 91-Test hooker is the fourth skipper McKenzie has chosen in just 12 games and 10 months as national coach but the revolving door is about to jam shut.

McKenzie confirmed Moore – chosen along with new vice-captains Michael Hooper and Adam Ashley-Cooper – would be a long-term leader so long as he remained on the field.

In doing so, McKenzie severed leadership ties with his old Queensland generals James Horwill and Will Genia who are under pressure to keep their Test starting jerseys.

“The 12 Test matches I’ve had so far has been very much a melting pot for me to understand where the team was and get to know people better,” McKenzie said.

“Consistency is a very important part of what we need to do going forward … so for me it’s important to choose guys who can take us forward.

“This isn’t a one-week appointment, and it can be as long as it needs to be. I haven’t put any limitations on it.

“It can be 10 years as long as we’re getting the outcomes.”

A team standards bearer and the starting hooker at the 2007 and 2011 World Cups, Moore’s performance-oriented approach and consistent strong form was a major factor in McKenzie’s decision.

“It’s a very special moment for me but in the same breath I’m not going to get caught up too much in the romantic side of it,” said 31-year-old Moore.

“We have a Test match on Saturday and we have to go out there and train well this week and make sure our performance is first class.”

McKenzie admitted the more laid back Hooper and Ashley-Cooper were different personalities and would give diversity to his leadership group.

Ashley-Cooper, one of six Wallabies stood down on the Spring Tour for a late night out in Dublin, said he was surprised by his elevation after not being viewed as a contender to replace the France-bound Ben Mowen as captain.

The NSW three-quarter, who also has 91 caps to his credit, said Moore would bring “physicality and passion” to the role.

“He’s a very passionate player and a very passionate leader and that’s something we certainly need among the team to drive this team forward to create a winning culture,” Ashley-Cooper said.