John Eales backs new Wallaby skipper Michael Hooper
AUSTRALIA’S most successful Wallaby skipper John Eales has praised Michael Hooper, who will become Australia’s 82nd Test captain this Saturday.
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AUSTRALIA’ most successful Wallaby skipper John Eales has praised the leadership of Manly Marlins star Michael Hooper, who will become Australia’s 82nd Test captain in this Saturday’s game with France in Melbourne.
The 22-year-old backrower may become one of Australia’s youngest skippers but displayed maturity beyond his years in the 50-23 first Test won over France in Brisbane.
He took over the reins after Stephen Moore damaged his anterior cruciate ligament in the first minute of the game.
Eales, who led Australia to World Cup victory in 1999, said it was important Hooper took advantage of chances that presented themselves as he did last Saturday night.
“You are never sure when these occasions will come,’’ Eales told Fox Sports.
“So when he just steps in and doesn’t skip a beat taking that opportunity, that’s what’s really important.
“And we always sensed that he would be like that I think.
“He is a guy that doesn’t seem to worry about things too much and he gets on and it certainly doesn’t affect his performance.
He said Hooper has stepped in for NSW when he has needed to and he also did that for Australia on Saturday night.
“And still at a very young age,” Eales said.
Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie said Hooper will undoubtedly bring his own unique personality to the way things are done.
“But we wouldn’t have recognised him in a leadership capacity at the beginning of this series if we didn’t think he had to the ability to step into this role,” he said. “I couldn’t have been more impressed with his performance on the weekend after Stephen went down, so we know the added responsibility won’t impact the high-level of play we all expect from him each week.”