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‘Reopened a wound’: Michael Hooper reveals ‘doubt’ after sevens switch
By Finn Morton
As the new kid on the rugby sevens block, former Wallabies captain Michael Hooper has opened up about the “doubt” that’s seeped into his mind after embarking on the exciting new chapter.
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For a man who will go in history as one of the most individually decorated players in the history of Australian rugby, Hooper wasn’t going to let Rugby World Cup heartbreak define him.
Hooper, who had been named as one of Australia’s two co-captains at the start of The Rugby Championship, was left out of the Wallabies’ squad for the sports showpiece event by coach Eddie Jones.
Jones later questioned whether Hooper – along with playmakers Quade Cooper and Bernard Foley – were good “role models” for the team, much to the surprise of rugby fans everywhere.
But harbouring ambitions of representing Australia on the international stage, Hooper isn’t done yet. Hooper has taken up a bold new opportunity that could see him become an Olympian in 2024.
Rugby Australia unveiled Hooper as the latest addition to the men’s sevens side earlier this month, with the Wallabies’ most capped captain in history set to officially join the group in January.
After 125 Tests for the Wallabies, the man affectionally known as ‘Rook’ within the sevens group has discussed his reasons for switching to the sport’s shorter format.
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“A completely new challenge. There’s a massive carrot at the end and it’s something I never thought I’d be able to even have a look at in my career which is the Olympics,” Hooper said on Stan Sport’s Rugby Heaven.
“I’ve done the same thing for a long period of time and yes it’s been exciting to push myself at that level but this is a completely different thing.
“I think that’s the main excitement for me is to try and see if I can do something else and then be good at it.”
Hooper has always had his critics, possibly more than most. Whether it was down to his perceived lack of size or the Wallabies’ poor form, some of the blame seemed to find its way back to Hooper.
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But the four-time John Eales Medallist will go down in history as one of the best to have ever donned Wallaby gold. At least as an individual, the accolades speak for themselves.
While Hooper achieved some incredible feats in 15s, switching to SVNS is an all-new ball game – so of course there’s going to be “doubt.”
“Of course there’s doubt. I thought I was gonna go to the World Cup and didn’t so you’ve reopened a wound there,” Hooper said while laughing.
“This is our game; injury, form, selection, are you even good enough to get in the team? I’ve come in here and there is genuine guns in here and I’ve got to work my way in.
“It’s a different game. We’re passing, we’re scrumming, we’re doing the things we do in rugby but this is a different kettle of fish and that’s what’s so exciting.
“The idea that things might not work out enters my mind but it’s on me to push that down and do the work to try and make sure it doesn’t happen.”
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The writer here ignores the fact that, following on from not taking the penalty kick, the All Blacks did manage to score a try a few minutes later. Not directly from the penalty awarded, but it is speculation to say that had they opted to take the koi they would have won. Even if they kicked it, which was no guarantee, they would still be trailing and would have had to start again at half-way.
Go to commentsI would be surprised if Sales Opoku Fordjour and Northampton’s Tommy Freeman are not in the team, Anthony Watson is also one that could go on the wing. One thing I must say is that the front 3 will get destroyed against a team like South Africa.
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