Wallabies legend John Eales says Michael Hooper would make a ‘very good captain’

MICHAEL Hooper’s push for the Test captaincy has received a significant boost, with Wallabies great John Eales backing him to make a ‘very good’ skipper.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 22: Michael Hooper of the Wallabies is tackled during the First Test match between the Australian Wallabies and the British & Irish Lions at Suncorp Stadium on June 22, 2013 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

IT’S rarely a good thing when nobody backs your bid to be the next Wallabies skipper.

Unless you’re Michael Hooper — and that “Nobody” is Wallabies legend John Eales.

Despite his youth and lack of long-term captaincy experience, ace Waratahs flanker Hooper shapes as one of the leading contenders to be named France-bound Ben Mowen’s successor as Australia’s Test rugby skipper.

And Eales — once labelled “Nobody”, as in “nobody’s perfect” — has backed the 22-year-old to take the reins as he battles veterans James Horwill, Will Genia, Stephen Moore and Scott Higginbotham for the job.

“I think there’s no doubt he would make a very good captain,” Eales told Fox Sports Rugby HQ.

“He’s an outstanding player, number one, and you’ve got to be able to be guaranteed your position.

Michael Hooper is a contender to captain the Wallabies.

“But also he’s very sensible, he’s very composed in the way he talks, he’s got maturity beyond his years.

“And also, exceptionally importantly, he’s respected by his teammates. So he’s a guy when he says something, people will listen. But more often than not he’s leading by example anyway.”

Hooper has captained the Waratahs this year in Dave Dennis’ injury-enforced absence and said he enjoyed the responsibility that came with the role.

“It’s cool, you get to run the team out which is a privilege. I think it’s cool to be able to make tough decisions. You’re the one that’s in that role and the pressure’s on you. That’s something that I think’s enjoyable,” he told Rugby HQ.

Michael Hooper talks to the referee during a Waratahs match.

Importantly, Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie is another one unfazed by Hooper’s age.

McKenzie will name his captain when the squad gathers on the Gold Coast on June 1 ahead of the first Test against France and isn’t concerned by the prospect of making Hooper the youngest Wallabies captain since Trevor Allan led the Wallabies as a 21-year-old in 1947.

“Don’t worry about age. Age doesn’t worry me,” McKenzie said on Thursday after naming his 32-man squad for the France series.

“The guy’s already won the John Eales Medal, let’s not worry about age. He’s a follow-me type.”

- with AAP