Hooper: Wallabies won't be sucked in by England baiting

Australia captain Michael Hooper insists the Wallabies will keep cool heads in the face of any further provocation from England in Saturday’s second Test in Brisbane.

Lock Darcy Swain was sent off for head butting in the first half of the 30-28 victory in the series opener when a running feud with Jonny Hill instigated by the tourists’ lock reached boiling point.

Swain was shoved in the face with both hands by Hill in an attack that went unpunished by the referee before having his hair pulled.

Bryan Habana, Jonny Hill’s hair pulling and South Africa’s revenge | RugbyPass Offload | Ep 41

Bryan Habana, Jonny Hill’s hair pulling and South Africa’s revenge | RugbyPass Offload | Ep 41

The 10 cap rookie’s red card resulted in a two-week ban and he expressed his sense of grievance at Tuesday’s disciplinary hearing, stating: “I have never been treated in the way Hill treated me in a professional game before and it hurt, surprised and angered me.”

Australia felt Swain was the target of a pre-meditated plan and head coach Dave Rennie has spoken to his players – and the officials – over what might be coming at Suncorp Stadium.

“We’ve got to focus on what we can control. We’ve got plenty of roles that are on the field in transitions and everything like that so we can’t be getting sucked into that (niggle),” Hooper said.

“It’s part of the game and being smart around how you come out on top of that is important. It’s always a factor and dealing with it in the right ways is going to be a challenge but a good one.”

Australia are strengthened by the return of explosive prop Taniela Tupou from a calf injury, setting up a potentially thrilling battle with England’s Ellis Genge.

Since Tupou made his debut in 2017, the Wallabies’ win rate climbs from 29 to 42 per cent when he is in the team.

“We know what he can deliver as a player, and in terms of personality he’s great,” Hooper said.

“He’s really excited to be playing rugby and lacing up this week. He’s obviously a vibrant personality, so that brings in an instant energy

“And then, on the field, he can do some really great things and has done at this stadium before as well.”