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'Big roar' from the Wallabies after they name stand-in captain
James Slipper will replace the injured Michael Hooper as Wallabies captain against Wales this weekend in Cardiff with the promotion of the veteran prop a popular choice among the players. The Wallabies gave a “big roar” after it was announced Slipper would step in for Hooper, who suffered a mid-foot sprain against England to miss their final tour Test.
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Hooper’s absence is a hammer blow for their hopes of salvaging some tour pride as they look to avoid a first winless spring tour of Europe since 1976 after losses to Scotland and England.
While the champion flanker will remain with the team, Slipper will lead the team for just the second time with his only previous experience during his 113-Test career coming against the USA in 2015. Playmaker James O’Connor said while the loss of Hooper would be keenly felt at Principality Stadium, the 32-year-old Slipper would bring a steady presence.
“It’s obviously devastating losing our captain but the boys are pretty excited and there was a big roar when we heard that James was captain,” said O’Connor from Cardiff on Tuesday. “He’s been there and done that and everyone can rely on him – he is a very steady presence on the field.”
Like O’Connor, Slipper has his own redemption story, bouncing back from a recreational drugs ban in 2018 to become Mr Dependable. Against England, he was a rock for the scrum after switching from his usual loosehead to cover at tighthead due to an injury crisis with Taniela Tupou and Allan Alaalatoa both out after head knocks.
While he’s already cemented his status as a legend of Australian rugby, it’s time Michael Hooper was immortalised on an international level after a season deserving of such prestige. #Wallabies https://t.co/T7Ng5VxfNw
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 16, 2021
“That’s just credit to the hard work he puts in and just how much he loves the game – he leaves it all out there,” O’Connor said of Slipper. “He hadn’t played tighthead prop since 2012 so we asked a lot of him and he delivered big time. He has been on his own journey but he is someone you get around. He is very authentic, a great bloke and we are excited for him to lead us out for our last game this year.”
Teammate Rob Valetini also acknowledged it would be tough going against Wales without their talismanic leader. “Obviously Michael is a massive loss,” Valetini said. “He is our captain but he is probably the biggest workhorse in our team. He never stops and that is something that the team will miss.”
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With the team named Thursday, Pete Samu is set to replace Hooper or former Melbourne Rebels flanker Colby Fainga’a could be a shock selection to make his Test debut after being drafted into the squad from the French club Lyon. Fainga’a’s older twin brothers Anthony and Saia both played for the Wallabies. Valetini said the Wallabies were intent on finishing the year on a high and recognised they needed to improve their discipline and errors to overcome the Welsh after giving away 18 penalties against England.
He called their multiple offside and high-tackle penalties “pretty dumb”. “We let ourselves down with our discipline. It’s hard to win a Test match when you give away 18 penalties,” Valetini said. “It’s a new week this week and we want to end the tour on a high so we will prepare well and hopefully go out with a bang on Saturday.”
Announcement promised by World Rugby regarding former player care…https://t.co/GRfDB7Wnoq
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 16, 2021
Comments on RugbyPass
After missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
10 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
10 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
10 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
10 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
10 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
14 Go to comments