Moore to offer Cheika says dropped hooker in World Cup frame

“If we’re seriously thinking that he will go to the World Cup in 2019, he has got to be challenged because that’s going to be the thing that keeps him driving.”

Cheika maintained Moore was still captain of the Wallabies, despite Hooper being named skipper against Fiji.

With fewer than 25 Tests remaining before the World Cup in Japan, many believe Hooper must be given the reins to prepare in all scenarios that could confront the side.

Moore has been below his best for Queensland in Super Rugby and Cheika revealed he’d been thinking of dropping his leader for some time. “I’ve had it in my mind from the start,” Cheika said.

“Moore is going to play a role in this June series.

“I know it’s convenient to say ‘dropped’ and all that because it looks good in the paper but the reality is he is au fait with everything I’ve been doing around the selections.

“You’d have to see what happens later on in the series too with our plan for him and the other hookers.”

Moore faces a tough road if Polota-Nau performs well against Fiji while NSW Waratahs hooker Tolu Latu has had an impressive season.