Hooper keen to become Pocock’s understudy
BY CHRIS DUTTON
18 Nov, 2011 12:01 AM
Michael Hooper knows usurping David Pocock as Australia’s premier openside flanker is almost impossible.
However, after winning the Australian under-20s player of the year award, Hooper hopes he can put himself in a position to be Pocock’s Test back-up next year.
To force his way into the Wallabies squad, Hooper will need to first end the ACT Brumbies’ breakdown woes and prove he can be a dominant Super Rugby No7.
The Brumbies failed to capably fill the hole left by George Smith last season and were bashed and belted around the ruck.
Hooper wants to make it his mission to ensure that doesn’t happen again and he wants to impress Jake White to give himself a chance of becoming the team’s first-choice ball fetcher.
‘‘I’d love to start the season with the No7 jersey and hold it down, I want to keep that spot if I get it,’’ Hooper said.
‘‘Being a consistent performer and getting more involved around the field is what I need to do to hold that spot.
‘‘I was happy with my performances, but I feel like I can give a lot more.’’
There’s little doubt Pocock is one of the best No7s in the world.
However, the Wallabies were exposed at the breakdown at the World Cup when Pocock was on the sideline nursing a back injury.
Coach Robbie Deans opted not to select a second specialist openside flanker in the 30-man squad.
It’s a massive change from the days when Smith was locked in an intense battle with Phil Waugh and then Pocock made it a three-way contest.
While Hooper’s Super Rugby experience is still limited, he was a standout performer at the under-20s world championships in Italy earlier this year.
Fellow Brumby Colby Fainga'a captained the side, but it was Hooper who earned himself the Australian junior player of the year gong.
Fainga'a, Hooper and Julian Salvi battled to be Smith’s replacement at the Brumbies.
Hooper managed just three games in the starting XV and did not have a major impact on the he field.
‘‘It was unbelievable to [win the under-20s player of the year], we didn’t win in Italy, but it was a great trip and the award was the icing on the cake,’’ Hooper said.
‘‘With every franchise there’s a good No7 coming through. With Colby down here as well, [being Pocock’s back-up] is pretty open.
‘‘First you’ve got to get a starting spot with your club team and then try to get ahead.
‘‘Nothing will happen if you can’t get a start for the Brumbies.’’