Wallabies captain Michael Hooper has slammed a claim that fellow backrower Wycliff Palu “dogged it” against the All Blacks as unwarranted and inaccurate.
Former Wallaby fullback turned commentator Greg Martin told Fox Sports show Rugby HQ that Palu “let down Australia” and “dogged it” during their 51-20 thumping from the All Blacks at Eden Park.
While some believe it was no more than a deliberate attempt to fire up the 120kg No.8 ahead of Saturday’s Rugby Championship Test against the Springboks in Perth, Hooper was quick to jump to his teammate’s defence.
“Well, he was the top tackler at Eden Park, made the most carries,” Hooper said.
“The amount that he gets through and the impact that he has on the game is huge.
“Taking a shot at Cliffy is unwarranted because the guy is a servant of the game and somebody who does put their body on the line.
“(The comments) are not accurate in the slightest.”
Hooper also played down the effect the comments would have on Palu, saying opinions were just part and parcel of rugby.
“Throughout Super Rugby, throughout Tests, if things aren’t going well people are going to have shots at you,” Hooper said.
“I don’t think Cliffy will get wound up about it.
“But he’s always got something to prove to the guys and I think if you give the guy extra motivation, then jeez, that’s not a bad thing.”
With wet conditions forecast for the Patersons Stadium clash, Palu and the other Wallabies forwards will have to be at their absolute best if they want to win back the Mandela Challenge Plate they lost to South Africa last year after holding it for three seasons.
“They’ve got two things that we want,” Hooper said.
“They’re number two in the world and they’ve got the Mandela Plate.”
Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie has prepared for a typically brutal battle up front, as indicated in his decision to go with a forwards heavy 6-2 bench split.
Hooker James Hanson will face a baptism of fire in his run-on Test debut, with Springboks great Victor Matfield sure to give him a tough night at the lineout in his return game against Australia.
In the Wallabies’ backline, McKenzie has replaced flyhalf Kurtley Beale and halfback Nic White with the NSW Waratahs’ Super Rugby title-winning combination of Bernard Foley and Nick Phipps.
Yet the Springboks have also tweaked their backs, bringing in cool-headed flyhalf Morne Steyn and outside centre Jan Serfontein to prepare for what they describe as a “dangerous” Wallabies backline.
“But the weather tomorrow will probably prohibit them (Wallabies) from playing how they’d like to,” Springboks captain Jean de Villiers said.
The game will also be Springboks dangerman Bryan Habana’s 100th Test, while de Villiers is just one match behind him.
“The fact Bryan is playing his 100th gives (this Test) a different feel,” de Villiers said.
“It would be great to make it a special day for him.”
Peter Hughes
Roar Rookie
Mr Invisible certainly lived up to his name against the Boks last night. Was he really on the field? Did anyone see him before he was replaced after 60 mins? What i did notice was that the W pack were playing with 7 forwards for that first 60 mins & as soon as Higgers replaced him we had parity & punch. Palu has a 10 yr history of going well at super level. It's got nothing to do with coaches - it's him. He looks great at provincial level but is useless in high pressure at Test level. He goes missing in EVERY test. It's been the same in EVERY one of his 50 Tests - when will Aust learn??
Common Sense
Roar Rookie
I don't know what Hooper is on about, the whole team dogged it.
Dirtyrottenscoundrel
Guest
Marto has as much credibility as Fatty. Scratch that... Fatty may be a loudmouth but at least he put some runs on the board. Can't say the same for the other redneck. Marto give it up you're an embarrassment.
Magic Sponge
Guest
Bring in Cheika as coach better still give him some boots and give him the 8 jersey even if it is for 15 minutes, he had plenty of mongrel.
Fin
Guest
I think if I had Marto agreeing with me I'd give up.
terrykidd
Roar Pro
Low work rate ??? Topped the tackle count, topped the ball carry count, didn't give away any penalties. How do you justify your comment Peter?
Nigel Imrie
Guest
The only coach in all the years Palu has been the flavor of the month number eight either for the Wallabies or the Tahs that has actually got him to fire is Cheika, his form during Super rugby was astounding, he's never demonstrated that sort of go forward, backing up, tackling etc in his entire career. I personally think he is over rated and lazy but this Super rugby season he was reborn but he is slipping back to the old Palu under EM. It is the coaching, motivation and combinations as highlighted by Kafe on Thursday eve. Time to put the old bull out to pasture if he dosen't fire, or put EM out with him and bring Cheika in!
Highlander
Guest
A suggested media response for Mr Hooper should this come up again. I'm not sure the opinions of an ex fullback who played 9 tests, lost 6, and has a 100% loss record against the ABs is relevant when assessing the incumbent number 8 forward who has 53 tests under his belt. Just a thought
Stu. B.
Guest
Ignore Martins comments,he was a dud,is a dud and contributes absolutely little to rugby intellect full stop.
Freda
Guest
Martin has no idea on forward play and nor does anyone else that thinks Palu is of no value. He was 2nd in last years JE medal and 2nd best at the tahs this year. I would assume the team knows what his job is and recognise him for doing it.
colvin
Guest
I have it in my mind that it was Greg Martin who missed Campo's pass against the Lions and the resultant Lions try won them the series.
Jerry
Guest
The comedian Mike King used to have a catch phrase "At least you're having a go". He reckoned it was the worst comment a comedian could possibly hear, far worse than "You're sh*t" or "You're not funny" as it meant you though of as so awful and untalented that the mere fact you were even attempting comedy should be praised.
Jereme Lane
Roar Guru
ha ha, i scrolled down before i even finished the article because i knew you'd be here. well mate if there was anyone you want to take on a crusade its definitely marto!! good luck!!
Harry
Guest
Greg Martin's comments on Palu were accurate but could also be applied to the rest of the forwards who were badly exposed and humiliated. I would have like to see more anger and determination to do better from the Wallabies, less "moving on" and "focusing on the next game" type talk. Otherwise the delusion continues with results on the field disappointing. Of course Hooper is going to defend Palu but Peter Hughes above has it right, if a little OTT. All that said, Palu does play a lot better against any team that aint in black so we will watch with interest tonight.
JTG
Guest
Couldn't have said it better PH. Give someone else ago, even if they only put in 50% they would be better than Palu
Peter Hughes
Roar Rookie
Well of course Hooper is gonna defend his team mate - wouldn't expect less.. But Greg Martins comments on PALU were kind imo & I'll continue my crusade against him until he goes forever. PALU has a 10 yr history of going missing in pressure games and Aust play with 7 forwards against the top 5 nations every time he's picked. Low work rate , slow, error prone, lacks mongrel, gives away stupid penalties & is generally ineffective & invisible. He'll again be Mr Invisible tonight against Boks. Aust will never win a Bledisloe or World Cup with 7 forwards. There's 4 better no 8s available - pick any of em & Aust will have 8 forwards on the field. End of crusade hehehe :)
The Hurricane
Guest
just focus on your own game michael and you'll be fine