Former Wallabies captain Michael Hooper is set to make his Australia Sevens debut in Hong Kong next weekend as he tries to prove himself worthy of Olympic selection.
Based on his own reaction to the news, it’s far from certain he’ll make the cut for Paris.
“In terms of getting fit on the field, it’s It’s quite a shift to what I expected in terms of the physicality needed to to play this game and I’m not there yet,” Hooper said on Thursday.
“This is going to be a big step forward, entering the field and playing. It’s a different world.
Asked what fans could expect from him, Hooper, Australia’s only ever four-time John Eales Medallist, candidly said: “Good question, mate.”
“Look, I am not the fastest, not the fittest. So it doesn’t start well, does it?
“But I’ll give it an absolute shake. I’m going to find out. I’m going to learn as much as anyone when I actually hit the field and see what I can do.”
Hooper, who played 125 caps for the Wallabies, has been part of the squad since November but is yet to play after suffering an Achilles injury.
Also called up for Hong Kong on April 5-7 is Maurice Longbottom who has been sidelined with a calf injury.
“We’re really excited about heading back to Hong Kong, where we have had some recent success,” coach John Manenti said.
“Our performances in LA were some of our best this season and we have the opportunity be better again next week.
“We welcome back Maurice Longbottom, who will add some spark in the midfield and for the first time we’ll get to see Michael Hooper in an Australian Sevens jersey.
“‘Hoops’ has worked hard to make his way into the squad, and we’re all delighted to welcome the ‘rookie’ into the mix.
“Like any new player it will be a learning experience for him, and an important start point to a potential Paris Olympics.
Aussie men’s Sevens coach John Manenti with Michael Hooper. (Photo by Nicholas Ward/ Rugby Australia)
“Every pool is tough and ours is no exception with Fiji first up and then LA winners France to kick off day one action. We’ll need to be at our best.”
The Aussie men took silver in Cape Town and Perth earlier this season.
The women’s team has made three changes ahead of their campaign as they aim to stay on top of the series standings.
Bienne Terita and Heidi Dennis are back in Tim Walsh’s side while Bridget Clark is set to make her Sevens debut with Dominque Du Toit unavailable through injury, and Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea missing with a shoulder complaint.
The Aussie women claimed silver in Los Angeles earlier this month and will look to continue their momentum towards the Olympic Games in July with another strong showing.
“The Olympic runaway is nearly upon us, and the squad is coming together providing some real depth, points of difference and some experienced and stable combinations,” Walsh said.
“Dominque Du Toit is unavailable due to a lingering ankle injury, paving the way for debutant Bridget Clark.
“It’s a welcome return to a very powerful and dangerous player in the form of Bienne Terita.
“Bienne adds experience, speed and a physical presence to the line-up. Also returning for her second appearance is the young and explosive Heidi Dennis.”
The women’s side will kick off the action in Pool B against Fiji at 3.25pm (AEDT) on Friday 5 April before clashing with Ireland later in the evening.
The Aussie men also start their campaign against Hong Kong favourites Fiji, with kick-off at 8:30pm (AEDT) on Friday 5 April.
Australia Women’s Sevens team for Hong Kong SVNS:
- Sharni Smale
- Faith Nathan
- Teagan Levi
- Madison Ashby
- Charlotte Caslick
- Kaitlin Shave
- Tia Hinds
- Bella Nasser
- Maddison Levi
- Heidi Dennis
- Bridget Clark
- Bienne Terita
- Sariah Paki
Australia Men’s Sevens team for Hong Kong SVNS:
- Henry Hutchison
- Ben Dowling
- Henry Palmer
- Dietrich Roache
- Henry Paterson
- Matt Gonzalez
- Nick Malouf
- Maurice Longbottom
- Nathan Lawson
- James Turner
- Hayden Sargeant
- Michael Hooper
- Michael Icely
Guess
Roar Rookie
As much as I like hoops I don't get this idea but hope he proves me wrong. Good luck
Guess
Roar Rookie
I also think it’s publicity. But hooper is very competitive so maybe he really tries to test himself idk
RayinSydney
Roar Rookie
As much of a great 15’s player he was, I can’t see what he brings to 7’s, publicity?. I don’t see he has the speed needed, unless he’s interchange and only used for a few minutes, does anyone know if they are expanding the squad to accommodate him or is someone else going to miss out to fit him in?
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
JN, channelling Eddie maaate
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Im not sure I understand your post…But I guess Wallabies really excelled without him :silly: ….. Nick , The way I see Hooper and I allured to the fact that he probably isnt the best openside in Australia .. Debateable for sure but he is for sure up there ..But rugby is first and foremost a team sport ..a collective not a collection of individuals .Hooper is a leader ..pure gold….Hooper has had to deal with astonishingly bad policies of men in suits ..or is that Pubs :stoked: .Sorry for my cynicism……But he does have that stature with his fellow players …its obvious ..He didnt select coaches….Ps. I reckon Cheika will agree with me…..But hey Cheikas biggest failure was not progressing beyond the semis in the WC with Argentina …What a loser :laughing:
cs
Roar Guru
Have a good one skipper.
Mungbean74
Roar Rookie
Geez, I’d love to see Corey Toole’s name joining Hoops on that list come Olympics! Go well Hooper.
HenryHoneyBalls
Roar Rookie
Is he doing this so he can get the Olympic rings tattooed on himself? Seems an odd move for a thirty plus year old flanker. Id be surprised if he makes much of an impact as great a 15s player he once was or maybe still is.
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
JN, maaaaate, he was a loser!
Kai Levuka
Roar Rookie
I used to go to school with Johnny Manenti … five eight in a prop’s body was what we called him :)
HittingGapsWithNoGas
Roar Rookie
I reckon that could’ve been an interesting experiment at one point.
HittingGapsWithNoGas
Roar Rookie
Rumours are RA has been spending big on Ozempic for coaching and other staff based at HQ. Apparently where all the money’s gone.
Bodger
Roar Rookie
How good was Smith when he came back for the Lions. I maybe one eyed as my favourite ever player but what a legend. Good call on Hooper. His best performances in recent years were after Japan when he cam back fresh and fit, and more fitness and less big game time would probably suit him and boost his performances.
Wally James
Roar Guru
I’m revisiting old issues but … that he was dropped for RWC was a travesty. All the best to him in 7s.
Skippy89
Roar Rookie
Would not be surprised to see him recalled to Wallabies as back up for McReight for end of season tour and or for Lions next year ala George Smith.
Rubbish Surf 69
Roar Rookie
Hooper finally in a 12 jersey :laughing:
ncart
Roar Rookie
Hooper has the all round skills and experience that I think will benefit the 7's team. He doesn't have to be the fastest - guys like Longbottom provide that, but he can provide that link with his workrate and power. Hope he goes well.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
I so rate this guy ..Wallabies most valuable player imo..Not so much his basic playing skills but the whole package really ..Leadership , experience , street smarts , presence...And he can play a bit too. A bit like Siya Kolisi ..Not the best player in his position but first pick any teamsheet....When Eddie Jones cut him out I was frankly dumbfounded ...Even as a non Australian I was angry so can just imagine his own fans emotions ...Ordinarily Im against what I feel is opportunism by some players in jumping on the 7s ship for a bit of Olympic glory denying a regular 7s player a spot ..Think Du Pont ...But I will make an exception with Hooper ....
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
Keen to see Hoops get a run, as I'm sure he is too. Still think it will be a challenge for him to make the final Olympics squad but good on him for giving it a crack.
Hughi
Roar Rookie
The photo with John Manenti and Hoops indicates John Manenti has lost a dangerous amount of weight. I Hope Hoops has a blinder he deserves a better outcome than last year and I think he will have a go.