Bledisloe Cup: Wallabies captain Michael Hooper confident team can bring talent to bear against All Blacks
WALLABIES skipper Michael Hooper is confident his side can unlock their “amazing skill” in the face of the fierce All Blacks defence to end a 32-year hoodoo at Eden Park.
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WALLABIES skipper Michael Hooper is confident his side can unlock their “amazing skill” in the face of the fierce All Blacks defence to end a 32-year hoodoo at Eden Park.
Kiwi coach Steve Hansen said on Thursday that Australia should have scored three or four tries in last week’s match if they hadn’t butchered last passes, and Hooper believes Australia can better capitalise on their chances in Auckland to keep the Bledisloe Cup series alive.
“We believe in our shape, we believe in what we can do,” Hooper said.
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“Last week with some of those 50-50 stuff, we didn’t. Had we held those, I don’t know what could have happened. Maybe we didn’t score, maybe we did score two phases or one phase later.
“That’s something we want to try to show … build the pressure and unlock some of the amazing skill and talent we’ve got in this team.”
After Hansen criticised the Wallabies for not remaining on the ANZ Stadium turf to acknowledge 100-Test player Sam Whitelock last week, Hooper revealed his side would go into the Kiwis’ rooms in Auckland after the game to honour prop Owen Franks, who plays his 100th on Saturday.
“I don’t know how they’re doing it but we’re going into the change room after the match and I’m sure everyone will pay their respects to an amazing career that he’s had so far,” Hooper said.
“I’m sure he’s got more in the tank. Every 100 cap is a great opportunity and we’ll have an opportunity to do that.”
Hooper was one of just four players to stick around for Whitelock’s presentation last week.
“I know individually a lot of players paid their respects, but that was last week, Owen Franks is [Saturday] night, it’s Whitelock’s 101st,” Hooper said.
While history is against Australia, who have not won here against the All Blacks since 1986, Hooper is relishing the challenge.
“We know it’s going to be physical and we know there is going to be a lot of movement on the ball,” he said.
“Myself, personally, I was exhausted at points last week and how good, I love that.
“I love playing these guys and I love playing here this week.
“It’s going to be cold and there are going to be a lot of people.
“There won’t be much gold in the crowd and without swearing, this is the stuff you play for. This is what you want to be here for – it’s great.”
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