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'Ready to go': Michael Hooper could make return against Scotland

(Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Michael Hooper could be set for a surprise return in Australia’s spring tour-opening Test against Scotland after making an impressive comeback to the Wallabies fold.

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After withdrawing from Australia’s Rugby Championship opener in August due to mental-health concerns, the Wallabies’ most-capped captain returned to full training this week.

Initially expected to be eased back into action after being named in the 36-man touring squad on Sunday, insiders say the tireless flanker is “ready to go” and will be considered for a return at Murrayfield on October 29 (October 30 AEDT).

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“He’s moving in the right direction,” Wallabies skipper James Slipper said before Dave Rennie’s squad flew out of Sydney on Wednesday.

“He wouldn’t put himself up for selection if he didn’t feel like he was ready to contribute and perform.”

Even if Hooper is not picked to face the Scots, or comes off the bench, Slipper said the 121-Test stalwart and record four-times John Eales medallist is already making his mark back in Wallabies camp and had helped re-energise the squad.

“Hoops has been a big part of our team for the best part of a decade, if not more, so just to have his experience around the team – naturally that will lift the boys a fair bit,” Slipper told reporters.

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“He’s definitely been missed. That sort of experience being taken out of the team, it was tough. It was a bit of a shock to most of the players and that’s what makes it so great to see him back.”

While he described Hooper’s hiatus as a “breath of fresh air” for the 30-year-old, Slipper does not believe it is worth burdening the champion No.7 with the leadership just yet.

“As a good mate of his, I’m just happy that he’s back and healthy. That’s the main thing,” Slipper said.

“Secondary to that is the captaincy. It’s probably in everyone’s best interests that Hoops just concentrates on himself.

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“We want him enjoying himself and being happy. So I was happy to take the leadership role for the rest of the year and whatever happens in the future, that can happen.”

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B
BeamMeUp 3 hours ago
The Springboks have something you don't have

A few comments. Firstly, I am a Bok fan and it's been a golden period for us. I hope my fellow Bok fans appreciate this time and know that it cannot last forever, so soak it all in!


The other thing to mention (and this is targeted at Welsh, English and even Aussie supporters who might be feeling somewhat dejected) is that it's easy to forget that just before Rassie Erasmus took over in 2018, the Boks were ranked 7th in the world and I had given up hope we'd ever be world beaters again.


Sport is a fickle thing and Rassie and his team have managed to get right whatever little things it takes to make a mediocre team great. I initially worried his methods might be short-lived (how many times can you raise a person's commitment by talking about his family and his love of his country as a motivator), but he seems to have found a way. After winning in 2019 on what was a very simple game plan, he has taken things up ever year - amazing work which has to be applauded! (Dankie Rassie! Ons wardeer wat jy vir die ondersteuners en die land doen!) (Google translate if you don't understand Afrikaans! 😁)


I don't think people outside South Africa fully comprehend the enormity of the impact seeing black and white, English, Afrikaans and Xhosa and all the other hues playing together does for the country's sense of unity. It's pure joy and happiness.


This autumn tour has been a bit frustrating in that the Boks have won, but never all that convincingly. On the one hand, I'd like to have seen more decisive victories, BUT what Rassie has done is expose a huge number of players to test rugby, whilst also diversifying the way the Boks play (Tony Brown's influence).


This change of both style and personnel has resulted in a lack of cohesion at times and we've lost some of the control, whereas had we been playing our more traditional style, that wouldn't happen. This is partially attributable to the fact that you cannot play Tony Brown's expansive game whilst also having 3 players available at every contact point to clear the defence off the ball. I have enjoyed seeing the Boks play a more exciting, less attritional game, which is a boring, albeit effective spectacle. So, I am happy to be patient, because the end justifies the means (and I trust Rassie!). Hopefully all these players we are blooding will give us incredible options for substitutions come next year's Rugby Championship and of course, the big prize in 2027.


Last point! The game of rugby has never been as exciting as it is now. Any of Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, France, Argentina, Scotland, England & Australia can beat one another. South Africa may be ranked #1, but I wouldn't bet my house in them beating France or New Zealand, and we saw Argentina beating both South Africa and New Zealand this year! That's wonderful for the game and makes the victories we do get all the sweeter. Each win is 100% earned. Long may it last!


Sorry for the long post! 🏉🌍

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