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Why Eddie Jones might not start Michael Hooper against Springboks
Test veteran Michael Hooper may not be called on by coach Eddie Jones to start in the No. 7 jersey against the Springboks next month according to another former Wallabies captain.
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Former Australian skipper James Horwill expects Eddie Jones to select a “big jumping seven” to face the reigning world champions in Pretoria.
Horwill also believes that selectors will name Stade Toulousain lock Richie Arnold for his debut in Wallaby gold, as Australia look to combat the physicality of the South African team.
Arnold, who is the twin brother of Wallaby Rory Arnold, has been sensational for the French powerhouse in both domestic and European competitions this season.
The 32-year-old started all seven matches in the Champions Cup and also played a key role in Toulouse’s road to Top 14 glory.
Toulouse beat European champions La Rochelle in a thrilling final last week, which saw Arnold line up against another potential Wallabies lock in Will Skelton.
“Richie – we need to see what he can do at Test level,” Horwill said on Stan Sport’s Rugby Heaven.
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“He’s obviously been playing really well for Toulouse. He was excellent against Will Skelton’s La Rochelle on the weekend and he’s been great, you talk to anyone over there, he’s been a big part of their success. But does that transfer to Test rugby?
“We all know it’s different, particularly the northern hemisphere rugby, is different to what is going to go on in the Rugby Championship.
“I think Eddie’s got to find out and he’s only got about four games to do it. I’m expecting those two to get selected, Will and Richie, against South Africa.”
When Michael Hooper eventually decides to hang up the boots, the former Wallabies captain will go down in history as one of the greatest opensides in the history of Australian rugby.
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Hooper has faced relentless criticism throughout his storied career, but has overcome every test with flying colours.
Some rugby fans believe the Test centurion is too small for international rugby, and while Hooper has proved that opinion wrong time and time again, coach Eddie Jones may look in another direction next month.
“I think Eddie might go a big jumping seven as well,” Horwill added.
“He’ll go that South Africa, French method of two backrowers on the side that are genuine jumping options. Your Pete Samu’s, Tom Hooper’s a smokey that you could throw in there.
“Maybe Lukhan (Salakaia-Loto) comes into that mix as well. He’s been playing a lot of six for Northampton, he’s a big body… I probably would, just purely for the physicality that he brings to the game against South Africa.”
The Wallabies will officially kick start their era under coach Eddie Jones in Pretoria next month when they take on defending Rugby World Cup champions South Africa.
Australia will then return home to take on Los Pumas in Sydney, before facing the All Blacks in the first of two Bledisloe Cup Tests.
Comments on RugbyPass
Shows how much attitude matters. Last week the Brumbies got done, this week they dominated the tournament leaders, who were likely thinking they could cruise to victory.
4 Go to commentsA Turtle has more pace and leg drive than Owen Franks, so it’s a good thing he only had to run 90 metres for that try.
2 Go to commentsOh Tamati Tua was in the vastly over-rated Leon MacDonalds Blues system? Well, no wonder he was wasted, much like Emoni Narawa and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens under MacDonald. now look at them. Good thing Tua isn’t eligible, the Aussies latch on to any player who isn’t tied down.
4 Go to commentsMark Telea is a lot of things, but a defensive juggernaut has never been one of them. There will be far bigger tests in that regard for the youngster.
10 Go to commentsLove and respect to Fiji but not a chance outside of 7s
4 Go to commentsGood summation Ned. Agree the Canes were out-muscled for once (except at the scrum!) by a focused Brumbies outfit. Tua deserves consideration for higher honors after the way he humbled Jordie and the Canes defense. Thankfully, his lack of eligibility for Oz keeps him from Joe’s plans. While I also agree the injuries affected the Canes performance, some players seemed to lack focus and intensity for this match. Perhaps after the Blues demolished the Brumbies, they thought it was going to be easy? A good reminder that any slip up in preparation can have a big affect on the result. Brumbies deserved that win.
4 Go to commentsKarl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
5 Go to commentsBrilliant article! Harry of 8/9
2 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
1 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
5 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to commentsIt is pretty clear that by almost any measure that NZ are a more successful rugby nation than South Africa. Quite aside from the distasteful events during the last RWC final. NZ lead SA in all significant measurements.
45 Go to comments