The Wallabies team for this weekend’s Test versus Argentina will give fans a glimpse of an alternate reality after news broke that Michael Hooper will miss due to a hamstring injury.
Hooper will be replaced at No.7 by David Pocock and he will also skipper the side, a state of affairs that has often been recommended by those who are critical of Hooper and his position as captain.
Pete Samu will replace Pocock at No.8, and Ned Hanigan will come onto the bench to replace Samu.
Hooper’s hamstring injury isn’t believed to be a serious one, but instead the Wallabies are taking a cautious approach with the skipper.
“He felt his hamstring a bit at training yesterday afternoon and with his recent history, we just thought it was best not to push it,” said Australian coach Michael Cheika.
“He was really keen to play this weekend but a week off will be a good thing for him to just get it right.”
The Rugby Championship has a bye next week before the Wallabies will travel to play the Springboks and Argentinians on their home ground.
Updated Wallabies team to play Argentina
1. Scott Sio (48 Tests)
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau (85 Tests)
3. Allan Alaalatoa (26 Tests)
4. Rory Arnold (16 Tests)
5. Izack Rodda (10 Tests)
6. Lukhan Tui (10 Tests)
7. David Pocock (c) (72 Tests)
8. Pete Samu (6 Tests)
9. Will Genia (93 Tests)
10. Kurtley Beale (77 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (14 Tests)
12. Matt Toomua (36 Tests)
13. Reece Hodge (30 Tests)
14. Israel Folau (66 Tests)
15. Dane Haylett-Petty (24 Tests)
Reserves
16. Folau Faingaa (2 Tests)
17. Sekope Kepu (96 Tests)
18. Taniela Tupou (5 Tests)
19. Adam Coleman (25 Tests)
20. Ned Hanigan (14 Tests)
21. Nick Phipps (66 Tests)
22. Bernard Foley (61 Tests)
23. Jack Maddocks (3 Tests)
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
I am a Packers fan, so please ask me how my boys did the first week ;)
wade fite
Guest
And in a couple of years from now it will be...”do you remember that Caleb Timu? He looked like he had potential.” “Yep. And wasn’t there a hooker called Paenga-Amosa, cried a bit during the anthems, but looked pretty good footballer?”
wade fite
Guest
Yep. Agree with those Adsa. Morahan was treated very shabbily...was his run on test that shambles in the gale against Scotland?? Sean McMahon as well. Possibly a real coach could have got something from Timani too. The list goes on.
RahRah
Roar Rookie
I’m hearing you TWAS at 171 and 96Kgs I’ve never felt the pro players were that big, the look bigger on TV than in the flesh. Very different to guys like us who believe that spiritual enlightenment is achieved through the deadlift.
RahRah
Roar Rookie
Unlike your good self Piru ???????? Hey how did your NFL team go on opening day? I’ve forgotten which one you support.
RahRah
Roar Rookie
Ah yes you disagree with me ergo you are a “hater”.
Tipene Roar
Roar Rookie
Have to agree
RahRah
Roar Rookie
As opposed to watching the same coach do the same thing with the same players for the same result, which includes one win per season on which everyone hangs their hat to justify ground hog day as a legitimate process.
RahRah
Roar Rookie
No one suggests that he doesn’t or that he gives his all, the issue is not with his effort, it’s the suitability of him in that position before other players. I’m not quite sure why this concept is hard to understand.
RahRah
Roar Rookie
The Tahs didn’t want to be there that night. Hodgsons 2 million dollar quip was the highlight for me.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Because that’s when broadcasters want the game. And contrary to popular belief on this site, broadcasters want the game at a time that will attract the most viewers. Which seems to be night time. Or apparently broadcasters don’t know what they are doing either.
Wise Old Elf
Guest
Why on earth is the rugby test going head to head with the big sports tonight. Madness. They have all afternoon today and tomorrow when they could have gotten plenty of eyeballs. We seriously need to shove out the ARU managers.
waxhead
Guest
Yes as a Realist also I totally agree :)
waxhead
Guest
Injury forced but Pocock at 7 and captain should have been the run on selection all of 2018. Hooper is very overrated as a player and a poor captain imo.
Gloria
Roar Rookie
“We”? You support the All Blacks.
Gloria
Roar Rookie
You continuously criticise Wallaby players, Hooper and Folau bear the top of your list.
Gloria
Roar Rookie
I said Sami over Hooper. Can you read?
Jockstrap
Roar Rookie
What’s up with Genia ? He was a good captain, but yeah I think Pocock is better at captaincy than Hooper
terrence
Roar Rookie
182cm is 5'12 inches..if you wanna get technical..
RobC
Roar Guru
If they play like Gibbo's Tahs WBs will be fine If they play like the Brums in the final rounds, they will do better But... lets see what the attacking coach and his backs can do.