Double act: the co-captain Australia must pair with Hooper for World Cup glory

Last month, I penned an article outlining why the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France would be the defining moment in Michael Hooper’s career.

Being part of a World Cup-winning side would, in the eye of the critical Australian rugby public, redefine Hooper’s career and be just reward for the success-starved flanker.

Two days after that article was published on August 3, Hooper flew home from Argentina citing mindset concerns. And I wasn’t sure whether he’d ever return.

As a rugby fan, I wanted him too – desperately – but as a human being, I just wanted him to do whatever was best for him and his wellbeing.

Now, it looks as though Hooper is ready to return.

That’s a massive win for both player and public.

He’s the heartbeat of the Wallabies, the perpetual motor that’s kept us going during our darkest years in the professional era, and seeing someone brave enough to tackle their headspace head-on has only deepened my respect for the man.

But when he does so, I hope Dave Rennie and the coaching staff can make what I believe to be their toughest decision yet and divide Hooper’s leadership responsibilities with that of Australia’s best on-field leader and rugby mind.

That man, in this writer’s opinion, is Allan Alaalatoa.

At 29, Alaalatoa has quietly built his case as Australia’s Mr Consistent since debuting in 2016.

And while the debate whether he or Taniela Tupou is the superior tight-head prop will endure, few will deny Alaalatoa’s high workrate and defensive output.

I’m often drawn to this analysis from Roar expert Nick Bishop, who in August 2020 wrote the following:

“Alaalatoa is a typical product from the Brumbies’ forward factory. He is tight, technical and rarely make a mistake in his choice of play. He works through the tape to the very end of the game and never quits.
Tupou is the more talented athlete of the two.

Eben Etzebeth of the Springboks (R) has a disagreement with Allan Alaalatoa. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

“He is more aggressive, and therefore potentially more of a handful for the opposition than the Brumbies man in the scrum.

“What sets them apart at present is the depth and completeness of Alaalatoa’s knowledge of his own role in every department of the game.”

I believe this assessment rings even truer today.

Tupou remains a game-breaker but with form and fitness in constant flux, Alaalatoa has all but secured his place as Australia’s first-choice tight-head.

And now with more than 50 Test caps to his name, alongside his 100+ Super Rugby appearances and three seasons as Brumbies captain, I believe Alaalatoa is primed to step up and lead his nation.

My reasons for elevating Alaalatoa to the co-captaincy (more on that later) are threefold: success as a leader, ability to execute on-field duties, and grass-roots development.

Alaalatoa’s rugby pedigree is unquestionable – he’s a sharp rugby mind as his Level 2 coaching qualifications attest – and he’s been far and away Australia’s most successful Super Rugby captain in recent years.

The Brumbies boast an overall 67% win rate under his leadership (including the 2020 Super AU final) and have the far and away the strongest record against New Zealand franchises with four wins in 2022 alone (Chiefs away, Highlanders away, Hurricanes twice at home).

And as highlighted by Nick’s earlier article, Alaalatoa seems to understand – and execute – his role.

He is one of ACT’s and Australia’s primary offensive ruck weapons and (excluding his sometime penchant for swinging arms) cleans with high efficiency, along with a few typically reliable carries from 9.

This efficiency is replicated in defence and set piece with the Brumby renowned for his tackling, square scrummaging and mauling at lineout time.

These are a tight-head’s bread and butter – not highlight-reel runs and flick passes – and Alaalatoa consistently executes.

He knows his role and he knows how to win against all opponents. That’s what I want in a captain.

Finally, I believe the elevation of a Pasifika player to a formal Wallabies leadership role sends an important message.

Australia is blessed to have so many Pasifika players at all levels of the game and having a role-model like Allan leading our country would be a strong step towards improving player retention and talent pathways for key areas like Western Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

And with a Lions Tour and home world cup around the corner, who better than to be the joint face of an Australian rugby revolution than the Samoan-born prop?

Alaalatoa (29) will be hitting his physical prime as a 31-year-old front rower when the Lions visit in 2025 and is on track to rank among the most experienced and respected props in World Rugby come 2027.

Why not pave the pathway to succession from Hooper – who has openly ruled out a 2027 World Cup appearance?

To wrap up, I’ll loop back to the aforementioned “co-captaincy”.

I believe the responsibility of leading our country should be shared by Alaalatoa and Hooper from the start of the Spring Tour and through to the end of our World Cup campaign.

Alaalatoa has the winning mindset, the deep understanding of his role, and strong bonds with the many Brumbies in key Wallaby positions such as 8 (Valetini), 9 (White & in future, Lonergan) and 10 (Lolesio).

He has the brains, the edge, and the courage to lead us into battle – if you doubt that, go rewatch the Etzebeth footage.

But a team needs heart. And I believe after a well-deserved break Michael Hooper’s is beating stronger than ever.

Without going into too much detail, I’d be bringing Hooper off the bench during the Spring Tour and hand him the armband when Alaalatoa subs out.

Perhaps Big Bobby V is given orders to go ham for an hour? Samu to 8 to give Hoops the openside?

Regardless, as an opposing team I’d shudder at the thought of a rejuvenated Wallaby captain coming in for the final flurry.

Alaalatoa and Hooper – co-captains.

A balance of experience, skillsets and rugby nous.

Maybe it’s just a pipedream (and I’m very keen to get your thoughts in the comments below, Roarers) but I really think it’s a double act pairing brains and heart that could set Australia up for future success.

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