Hooper braced for French skipper

By Jim Morton / Roar Guru

Michael Hooper is braced for a boots-and-all ruck stoush with inspirational French skipper Thierry Dusautoir in a fiery baptism as Wallabies captain.

Rival skippers and openside flankers, Hooper and Dusautoir have spent second Test eve praising the other ahead of a pivotal breakdown clash at Etihad Stadium.

The 22-year-old NSW Waratah is 11 years younger and 36 caps less experienced than the Les Bleus’ talisman but Dusautoir has credited Hooper as a major danger for his side.

Hooper said the Wallabies were expecting a far different French display to the first Test pounding, with their world-class captain – one of 10 changes to the starting 15 – leading the way.

“They’re one of the team who can have a shake up like that and still turn around and be a better team the next weekend,” he said.

“We’re aware of the challenge they bring and Dusautoir is obviously the leader of that pack and will be at the forefront and I’m sure bring a lot of passion.”

Hooper said France’s one-point 2011 World Cup final loss to the All Blacks showed what sort of influence Dusautoir has on his team.

“He’s obviously a class player,” Hooper said.

“As a No.7, you want to play these guys and play the best in the world.

“He’s been at the helm for France for a few years now and is a really tough competitor.

“We’ve been preparing for that this week.”

Dusautoir, who missed last week’s 50-23 loss in Brisbane to nurse his biceps problem, is also hungry for a breakthrough victory over Australia.

The French have not won down under in 24 years, and the back-rower is yet to taste victory against the Wallabies in three starts.

“I really suffered with my guys last week,” he said.

“We have to improve on many points.

“To defeat the Wallabies we have to be perfect (in many areas).”

The Crowd Says:

2014-06-14T03:19:42+00:00

Magic Sponge

Guest


Agree Hooper is a legend but the captaincy will be too much and will detract from his game. Id bring Genia in for his captaincy. I think Link is just being a good bloke to Horwill , how he is on the paddock is unbelievable. The reds tight 5 gets pushed around by every super side and yet we have 3 in our tight five. cant fathom it and we will pay the price today,

2014-06-13T22:19:17+00:00

WEST

Roar Guru


Hooper is a legend, he will lead the team far better than any previous captains in recent history. Its Hoopers work ethic and mental toughness that makes him a strong leader. Horwill is a baby who cries and complains, Hooper just gets the job done, thats what makes him and the Wallabies look very dangerous.

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