From master and student to rival on rival, things get interesting when leading openside flanker David Pocock and his Wallabies understudy Michael Hooper clash in the Super Rugby this weekend.
The Brumbies, who lead the Australian conference by five points, travel to Perth to meet Western Force on Saturday, in the first week back after the international break.
For Hooper, it’s a chance to prove what he’s learnt after three weeks working alongside Pocock – both Wallabies and Force captain – in the Australian squad.
“He was really helpful for me in that set-up and surroundings and he took me in straight away and showed me the ropes,” the 20-year-old said on Monday, when he rejoined his Brumbies teammates.
“So yeah, it will be odd playing him this week considering we only broke up yesterday.”
Hooper has been a revelation for the Brumbies this season, and was duly rewarded with a Wallabies cap, playing his first minutes at the tail-end of Australia’s 9-6 loss to Scotland on June 5 in Newcastle.
He was a solid contributor during the first Test against Wales – and although a forgettable final five minutes in the second may have cost him a run in the third, Hooper said the opportunity had been rewarding.
The Force are in 13th spot on the Super ladder and are last of the Australia teams, are expected to lift as they farewell lock Nathan Sharpe in his last game at nib Stadium.
Sharpe has postponed his retirement to help the Wallabies during the Rugby Championship, but it will be his last game in front of a home crowd.
Those factors have Brumbies coach Jake White wary of an ambush, despite having notched the points against the Force 19-17 in their opening round battle in February.
“(Our returned Wallabies) bring energy back … but there’s a mass amount of energy that (the Force) get back as well,” he said.
Bringing his squad together for the first time since the break on Monday, White said only time will tell how the international window will affect the Brumbies’ momentum, with three games left to play.
White will have some tweaking of his usual line-up to do, with winger Joe Tomane remaining sidelined with an ankle injury and also questions over No.8 Fotu Auelua, who hurt his hamstring playing in Canberra’s local competition.
Wilson
Guest
Even as a Force fan I too hope that the Brumbies make the final.
Markus
Guest
Not sure if the Brumbies front row will be all that tired. Palmer hasn't played since Scotland, and Moore and Alexander have only played bench roles during the Wales matches. That said, I wouldn't be overly shocked if Murphy starts at LH against the Force with Alexander on the bench, just because Alexander has spent the last month training and playing at TH. In any other circumstance I'd love to see Sharpe get a good send-off, but I'd much more love to see the Brumbies make the finals for the first time in nearly a decade, and a win in Perth is crucial.
Wilson
Guest
The difference being that the Force get back a flogged Sharpe and Pocock. While Hooper comes back fresh as a daisy. Although the Brumbies front row will come back tired. But I'd back a forward pack of Wallabies tired over the Force front row fresh. I'd love to see a competitive game and the Force usually do put on a good show. But I am not confident of a win unfortunately. It would be good to send off Sharpe with a last win in Perth. Great to hear that Pocock was generous with his time with Hooper. Phil Waugh was infamous for his lack of time and advice given to other 7s in the Tahs and the Wallabies. I guess he always knew that Hodgson would kick him out of his spot when given the chance. And he did. Even if he was under utilised by Deans the last 4 years. Great to see Pocock.