Hooper on track for Bledisloe Cup opener
SYDNEY: Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper says he is confident of being fit to play the opening Bledisloe Cup clash against the All Blacks after coming through his full first training session since tearing a hamstring.
Hooper picked up the injury in the final Test against Ireland in June and was unable to play for the NSW Waratahs during their recent Super Rugby finals run.
But he completed a full day’s training on Monday with the Test squad and said he was aiming to be ready for the Aug 18 clash with New Zealand in Sydney. “Hiccups aside, with a week of training, I should be in a good position next week,” he said.
“It’s the first real footy I have played in over six weeks but I am comfortable in how the injury has progressed in getting here and I have had great rehab.
“I am putting myself in the best position to get myself right for the first game.”
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika named
an initial squad for the match on Sunday, with Hooper in it.
Also included was Test veteran Tatafu Polota-Nau, who was rested for the Ireland series, and England-based back Matt Toomua, who recently confirmed a move to the Melbourne Rebels.
Meanwhile, Siya Kolisi retains the captaincy, three star forwards return after injuries and three uncapped players are included in the South African squad for the Rugby Championship. Flanker Kolisi became the first black Test skipper of the Springboks two months ago and led them to a 2-1 home series victory over England.
Although 2017 captains Warren Whiteley and Eben Etzebeth are back after lengthy injuries, coach Rassie Erasmus kept faith with the leadership of the Western Stormers loose forward. The recalls of lock Etzebeth, No.8 Whiteley and hooker Malcolm Marx should greatly strengthen the pack.