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Michael Hooper has been one of Australia’s standout players this season. His speed around the field with damaging runs and huge tackles for a man his size has been fantastic. Working in conjunction with David Pocock (at No.8), the pair have been devastating.
On the strength of the Scottish game, however, Hooper is looking a little tired and would benefit with a rest. He has played nearly every minute of every game since February when the Super Rugby season started, rarely being replaced towards the end of matches.
His effectiveness against Scotland was noticeably less than normal even though he was working as hard as ever. The commitment is still there but maybe the engine needs a break.
Assuming Pocock is fit to take the field against Argentina I would have him start in his favoured No.7 jersey with Hooper falling to the bench and Sean McMahon making way.
Ben McCalman was gigantic against Scotland and his power and work ethic (along with Kane Douglas) will be required against the Pumas. Without this dominance the Wallabies will not have a chance against what has become a juggernaut team.
Australia clearly lost the breakdown against Scotland, and Argentina will be a much tougher opponent in this area. Scott Fardy will need to improve in this area and you would expect Pocock to be a menace here.
McCalman was a standout when given an opportunity in the last 20 minutes against Wales and continued this form against Scotland. His dominance is clear and he should start. This would allow Pocock to be an even greater pest than usual.
On the 60-minute mark coach Michael Cheika would then have the luxury to unleash a frantic Hooper onto the Pumas, replacing whichever of Pocock, McCalman or Fardy that makes the most sense at the time.
The Pool of Death may be catching up on the Wallabies and Hooper needs a break. McCalman still looks the goods and an enforced rest for Pocock last weekend is a blessing in disguise (now that we are through to the semi-final).
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