James Slipper will replace the injured Michael Hooper as Wallabies captain against Wales this weekend in Cardiff with the promotion of the veteran prop a popular choice among the players.
The Wallabies gave a “big roar” after it was announced Slipper would step in for Hooper, who suffered a mid-foot sprain against England to miss their final tour Test.
Hooper’s absence is a hammer blow for their hopes of salvaging some spring-tour pride as they look to avoid a first winless spring tour of Europe since 1976 after losses to Scotland and England.
While the champion flanker will remain with the team, Slipper will lead the team for just the second time with his only previous experience during his 113-Test career coming against the USA in 2015.
Playmaker James O’Connor said while the loss of Hooper would be keenly felt at Principality Stadium, the 32-year-old Slipper would bring a “steady presence”.
“It’s obviously devastating losing our captain Hoops but the boys are pretty excited and there was a big roar when we heard that Slips was captain,” O’Connor said from Cardiff on Tuesday.
“He’s been there and done that and everyone can rely on him – he’s a very steady presence on the field.”
Like O’Connor, Slipper has his own redemption story, bouncing back from a recreational drugs ban in 2018 to become Mr Dependable.
James Slipper in action against France (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
Against England he was a rock for the scrum after switching from his usual loosehead to cover at tighthead due to an injury crisis with Taniela Tupou and Allan Alaalatoa both out after head knocks.
“That’s just credit to the hard work he puts in and just how much he loves the game – he leaves it all out there,” O’Connor said of Slipper.
“He hadn’t played tighthead prop since 2012 so we asked a lot of him and he delivered big time.
“He’s been on his own journey but he’s someone you get around – he’s very authentic, a great bloke and we’re excited for him to lead us out for our last game this year.”
Teammate Rob Valetini also acknowledged it would be tough going against Wales without their talismanic leader.
“Obviously ‘Hoops’ is a massive loss,” Valetini said.
“Obviously he’s our captain but he’s probably the biggest workhorse in our team. He never stops, and that’s something that the team will miss.”
With the team named Thursday, Pete Samu is set to replace Hooper or former Melbourne Rebels flanker Colby Fainga’a could be a shock selection to make his Test debut after being drafted into the squad from French club Lyon.
Fainga’a’s older twin brothers Anthony and Saia both played for the Wallabies.
Valetini said the Wallabies were intent on finishing the year on a high and recognised they needed to improve their discipline and errors to overcome the Welsh, after giving away 18 penalties against England.
He called their multiple offside and high-tackle penalties “pretty dumb”.
“We let ourselves down with our discipline – it’s hard to win a Test match when you give away 18 penalties,” Valetini said.
“It’s a new week this week and we want to end the tour on a high so we will prepare well and hopefully go out with a bang on Saturday.”
Faithful
Roar Rookie
So the forward pack is a Brumbies forward pack? Can you point out how many Brumbies are in the forward pack? I count 3 starters at best (Slipper, Falou, Valentini). I think you need to take less anger pills brother.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
He's a very different type of player to Samu who brings the running game off the bench. He'd be more pushing for a starting role as 6/8 I'd think as his value is in his workrate and his toughness. Lots of good options and the coaching team seem very aware that they need balance which is encouraging
Marshy
Guest
If he genuinely can add openside flanker to his options he will become a real contender for national honours I would have thought. He can play blindside and No.8 as most would know, he needs to focus on being a genuine Openside option too. He had the time to train with Same Cane too which wouldn’t have went astray.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
If they're not at least considering Lolesio at 10, they're not doing their jobs properly
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Maggie Alphonsi (ENG) Fiona Coghlan (IRE) Thierry Dusautoir (FRA) George Gregan (AUS) Richie McCaw (NZL) Brian O’Driscoll (IRE) Melodie Robinson (NZL) John Smit (RSA) Clive Woodward (ENG) This group of numnuts chose him as one of the four people to be in the running as WR player of the year. They no bugger all apparently
Keef
Guest
Hooper didn’t play in the country this year until the tests so invalid comment and no Valetini wasn’t.
Keef
Guest
Didn’t say it was a brumbies back row. Maybe you need to practice the comprehension bit of reading before moving to the commentary part.
Azza
Guest
JOC no guarantee to start ? Beale at 10 ?
Matt
Guest
BS the Wallaby 2022 backrow will be dominated by Hanigan Hooper Valetini Swinton Leota and Samu. There will be no room for The Reds lads.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Mate try reading what its about before ranting. Its about who is captain for this weekend with Hooper out injured and who could be future captains so they could have got experience NOW. Nothing to Effin do with getting rid of Hooper. READ!!!!!
Matt
Guest
I think you will find that the Wallabies will not miss Hooper at all. The Wallabies will win quite comfortably imo.
Beefa
Guest
Jacko , nonsense. Hooper is still the future as Wallaby captain and open side flanker, he only just turned only 30, he has 4 or 5 years left in him. He is getting better every year. How old were other world class players Thorn, Read, Conrad, Smith, McCaw ,Carter, Nonu when they retired from test rugby ? Silly comment.
Paddy
Guest
Hooper is not a good backrower. Good god man . Stop the hero worship. He has done nothing for the Wallabies his entire career. They are the worst they have ever been with him at 7. When he retires on his own terms as a loser. He will leave behind a very poor Wallaby legacy. A 49 % win rate as a player is absolutely diabolical. He should have been dropped in 2016. Thank you again Mr Cheika, for giving the Wallabies Captain Baby Pants.
Paddy
Guest
Wallabies will do well in this test. No Hooper means they will have a balanced backrow .First time since 2011.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
oz, and not just with JOC.....
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Good point. I was a huge fan of what he delivered in SR both as 10 and team leader. He has suited up four times now though hasn’t he? Twice off the bench against Argentina and Japan, then starts against Scotland and England. He has to start this week, I agree (either 10 or 12), but all of our patience is wearing thin.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
ozinsa, It is often the case that it takes a couple of games for players to get their confidence back after injury. I know I am making excuses for him but what he is dishing up is a poor shadow of what he did in SR. If he does get a start then I am hopeful of a dramatic improvement.
mzilikazi
Roar Pro
Personally I rate LSL above Rodda.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Thanks mate, good to hear
K.F.T.D.
Roar Rookie
Bring on SR 2022