Phil Waugh says need for consistent Wallabies skipper through to World Cup might count against Michael Hooper’s captaincy dreams

DAVID Pocock may be sidelined for the rest of the year but, in a curious twist, he could block Michael Hooper’s bid for the Wallabies captaincy in 2014.

100 SPORT STARS .. CARDIFF, WALES - NOVEMBER 30: Wallabies player Michael Hooper in action during the International match between Wales and Australia Wallabies at Millennium Stadium on November 30, 2013 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

DAVID Pocock may be sidelined for the rest of the year but, in a curious twist, the injured backrower could block Michael Hooper’s bid for the Wallabies captaincy in 2014.

That’s the view of former Wallabies flanker Phil Waugh, who believes the need for a long-term captain — and the return of Pocock in a World Cup year — could count against Hooper in his bid to lead his country this year.

“(Hooper’s) performances have been great over the past 24 months,” Waugh told Fox Sports News.

“I don’t believe age is a factor, the factor is going to be where does Pocock sit when he comes back from injury next year, will he be a chance to start for the Wallabies in the World Cup?

“There’s a lot of dynamics and changes that could happen and that could play against him.”

Hooper’s name has been thrust forward as a leading candidate to be named Australia’s new skipper with incumbent captain Ben Mowen bound for France at the end of the year.

The Waratahs openside flanker is just 22 and is up against veteran campaigners Stephen Moore, James Horwill and Will Genia but former Wallaby Waugh isn’t concerned by his youth.

Michael Hooper (centre) is a leading candidate to captain the Wallabies.

Rather the 79-Test veteran believes the need to “pick and stick” with a captain who will lead the Wallabies right through to next year’s World Cup, combined with the return of Pocock next year, could count against Hooper.

“But he keeps playing so well, he’s someone who’s thrown his hand up every week,” Waugh said of Hooper.

“It’s a big selection the captaincy. You go through the history of who’s won World Cups, it’s always teams with very strong captains.”

Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie will next week name a 30-man squad for the upcoming three-Test series against France.

Waugh predicted that the squad would be selected with the World Cup firmly in mind. He also backed Mowen’s comments this week that McKenzie should choose a captain that will be in the job for the long-term.

“If you look through the history of who’s won World Cups it’s been teams who have had consistent selections for 18 months leading into that World Cup,” Waugh said.

David Pocock is out for the year but could be back in the frame in time for next year’s World Cup.

“So I’d be very surprised if there’s a lot of changes from what squad gets picked for the French Tests right through until the World Cup next year.

“In terms of captaincy you need to work out who’s going to be a consistent starter.

“I agree with Ben Mowen. It’s important whoever they do pick they stick with for the 18 months leading into the World Cup.”