'More of the same tomorrow': Wallabies captain Michael Hooper responds to claims of 'dirty' tactics on Richie Mo'unga
The Wallabies will miss seeing their fans in the Eden Park stands but the “love” they are feeling from home will inspire them in the second Bledisloe Cup test.
Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper skilfully side-stepped questions around Australia’s inability to beat the All Blacks at Eden Park for 34 years but could not help noting the impact COVID-19 restrictions will have on the event.
Normally, amid a sea of black the Aussies would see pockets of green and gold.
This year, with Australians unable to travel across the Tasman, the Wallabies will be relying on a small contingent of New Zealand-based fans.
Hooper was impressed with the way supporters responded to the team’s encouraging performance in last week’s 16-16 draw in Wellington and felt that support would be invaluable on Sunday in Auckland.
“We’ve been so appreciative of all the support we’ve had through the past couple of weeks,” Hooper said.
“From the belief inside RA (Rugby Australia) and all the way through the fans and public. We’re feeling it. Even though we’ll be quite outnumbered in the stadium … we’re feeling the love and looking forward to some more footy.”
The fact the Wallabies are playing at Eden Park is another privilege, Hooper said.
Auckland only came out of COVID-19 restrictions 10 days ago and until then there had been a chance this test could have been moved south to Dunedin.
“We feel great about the opportunity it presents us. It wasn’t a certainty even two weeks ago that we’d be here playing this game and I’m thankful we are,” Hooper said.
“It’s pretty special to play any test. The Kiwis have been the benchmark for so long, they’re an outstanding team and we get the challenge to play them at their home.”
Rieko Ioane may not get an immediate chance to make amends for his blunder in the first Bledisloe Cup test, with his status in doubt for the clash against Australia at Eden Park tomorrow. #BledisloeCup #NZLvAUS #AllBlacks https://t.co/k2FoUx7ZMJ
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) October 17, 2020
Hooper played down talk of increased niggle following the questions raised during the week about apparent targeting of All Blacks first five Richie Mo’unga.
“That’s part of most test matches, it’s just that it’s been brought to attention,” Australia’s captain said.
“It’s pretty constant in these fixtures and we’re thinking it’ll be more of the same tomorrow.”
While happy with the Wallabies’ performance in Wellington, Hooper noted the importance of controlling the breakdown, particularly on attack.
The Wallabies were penalised numerous times when taking the ball into the tackle, diluting their winning chances.
“We were disappointed we couldn’t get the win there last week. We turned over a bit of ball at the breakdown, particularly when we were attacking in their zone,” he said.
“We want to hold on to the ball, recycle and get it to the players who can make some serious dents, some serious plays.”
The injection of Ned Hanigan at blindside flanker is likely to help.
“Ned is very vocal on the field and has good breakdown presence and a good work-rate,” Hooper said.
He also noted that both sides went into the first Test unsure what a pair of new coaches , a new All Blacks skipper and a bunch of fresh faces would bring.
“Now we have an idea of what to expect,” Hooper said. “We’re cool and pretty calm, but I’d like the game to come around pretty quick.”
Comments on RugbyPass
“But with an exceptional pass accuracy rating “ Which apart from Roigard is not a feature of any of the other 9s in NZ. Kind of basic for a Black 9 dont.you. think? Yet we keep seeing FC and TJ being rated ahead of him? Weird if it’s seen as vital to get our backline beating in your face defences.
1 Go to commentsThanks BeeMc! Looks like many teams need extra time to settle from the quadrennial northern migration. I think generally the quality of the Rugby has held up. Fiji has been fantastic and fun to watch
13 Go to commentsLets compare apples with apples. Lyon sent weak team the week before, but nobody raised an eyebrow. Give the South African teams a few years to build their depth, then you will be moaning that the teams are too strong.
41 Go to commentsDid footballs agents also perform the scout role at some time? I’m surprised more high profile players haven’t taken up the occupation, great way to remain in the game and use all that experience without really requiring a lot of specific expertise?
1 Go to commentsSuper rugby is struggling but that has little to do with sabbaticals. 1. Too many teams from Aust and NZ - should be 3 and 4 respectively, add in 2 from Japan, 1 possibly 2 from Argentina. 2. Inconsistent and poor refereeing, admittedly not restricted to Super rugby. Only one team was reffed at the breakdown in Reds v H’Landers match. Scrum penalty awarded in Canes v Drua when No 8 had the ball in the open with little defence nearby - ideal opportunity to play advantage. Coming back to Reds match - same scrum situation but ref played advantage - Landers made 10 yards and were penalised at the breakdown when the ref should have returned to scrum penalty. 3. Marketing is weak and losing ground to AFL and NRL. Playing 2 days compared with 4. 4. Scheduling is unattractive to family attendance. Have any franchises heard of Sundays 2pm?
11 Go to commentsAbsolutely..all they need is a chance in yhe playoffs and I bet all the other teams will be nervous…THEY KNOW HOW TO WIN IM THE PLAYOFFS..
2 Go to commentsI really hope he comes back and helps out with some coaching.
1 Go to commentsI think we are all just hoping that the Olympic 7s doesn’t suffer the same sad fate as the last RWC with the officials ruining the spectacle.
1 Go to commentsPersonally, I’ve lost the will to even be bothered about the RFU, the structure, the participants. It’s all a sham. I now simply enjoy getting a group of friends together to go and watch a few games a year in different locations (including Europe, the championship, etc). I feel extremely sorry for the real fans of these clubs who are constantly ignored by the RFU and other administrators. I feel especially sorry for the fans of clubs in the Championship who have had considerable central funding stripped away and are then expected to just take whatever the RFU put to them. Its all a sham, especially if the failed clubs are allowed to return.
9 Go to commentsI’m guessing Carl Hayman would have preferred to have stayed in NZ with benefit of hindsight. Up north there is the expectation to play twice as many games with far less ‘player management’ protocols that Paul is now criticising. Less playing through concussions means longer, healthier, careers. Carter used as the eg here by Paul, his sabbatical allowed him to play until age 37. OK its not an exact science but there is far more expectations on players who sign for Top 14 or Engl Prem clubs to get value for the huge salaries. NZR get alot wrong but keeping their best players in NZ rugby is not one of them. SA clubs are virtually devoid of their top players now, no thanks. They cant threaten the big teams in the Champions Cup, the squads have little depth. Cant see Canes/Chiefs struggling. Super has been great this year, fantastic high skill matches. Drua a fantastic addition and Jaguares will add another quality team eventually. Aus teams performing strongly and no doubt will benefit with the incentive of a Lions tour and a home RWC. Let Jordie enjoy his time with Leinster, it will allow the opportunity for another player to emerge at Canes in his absence.
11 Go to commentsLove that man, his way to despise angry little men is so funny ! 😂
4 Go to comments“South African franchises would be powerhouses if we had all our overseas based players back in situ. We would have the same unbeatable aura the Toulouses, Leinsters or Saracens of this world have had over the last decade or so.” Proof that Jake white does not understand the economics of the game in SA. Players earning abroad are not going to simply come back and represent the bulls. But they might if they have a springbok contract.
22 Go to commentsA lot of fans just joined in for the fun of it! We all admire O'Gara and what he has done for La Rochelle
4 Go to commentsThe RFU will find a way to mess this up as usual. My bet is there will be no promotion into the the Premiership, only relegation into National League One. Hopefully they won’t parachute failed clubs into the league at the expense of clubs who have battled for promotion.
9 Go to commentsWell that’s the contracts for RG and Jordie bought and paid for. Now, what are the chances we can persuade Antoine to hop over with all the extra dosh we’ll have from living at the Aviva & Croke next season…??? 🤑🤑🤑
35 Go to commentsWow, that’s incredible. Great for rugby.
35 Go to commentsYou probably read that parling is going to coach the wallaby lineout but if not before now you have.
17 Go to commentsIf someone like Leo Cullen was in O’Gara’s place I don’t hear Boo-ing. It’s not just that La Rochelle has hurt Leinster and O’Gara is their Irish boss. It’s the needle that he brings and the pantomime activity before the game around pretending that Munster were supporting LaRochelle just because O’Gara is from Cork. That’s dividing Irish provinces just to get an advantage for his French Team. He can F*ck right off with that. BOOOOO! (but not while someone is lying injured)
4 Go to commentsDid the highlanders party too hard before the game? They were the pits.
1 Go to commentsWhat a player! Not long until he’s in the England side, surely?
5 Go to comments