Michael Hooper is ready to launch the late-career switch to sevens from the international 15-a-side game that proved beyond at least one rugby great – but Bryan Habana is convinced the Aussie workhorse will succeed where he failed.
The former Wallabies captain Hooper will make his debut in this weekend’s Hong Kong Sevens – the shorter-format sport’s marquee World Series event – with his eyes set on making it to the summer Olympics in Paris.
“For the first time we’ll get to see Michael Hooper in an Australian sevens jersey,” the men’s head coach John Manenti confirmed.
“‘Hoops’ has worked hard to make his way into the squad, and we’re all delighted to welcome the ‘rookie’ into the mix.”
All eyes will be on the 32-year-old in the Hong Kong Stadium after his sevens career had to put on hold with an Achilles injury in November.
“Like any new player it will be a learning experience for him, and an important start point to a potential Paris Olympics,” Manenti said.
Michael Hooper. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
It won’t be an easy baptism, either, with Australia in the same pool in Hong Kong as Olympic champions Fiji and France, who won the Los Angeles Sevens in early March with their own converted 15s superstar Antoine Dupont shining.
Dupont, considered the world’s best player in the 15-a-side game, has quickly shown his adaptability and former South African speedster Habana believes Hooper, who was omitted from Eddie Jones’s World Cup squad in France, will do likewise.
Habana was also 32 when he switched to sevens in an attempt to play at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, but according to the flying winger himself, he “failed abysmally”.
But he doesn’t expect the same to happen to Hooper.
“The professionalism, the speed, and the skill set of the current sevens athlete is phenomenal, and many 15s players struggle with the transition – the anaerobic and aerobic effort over three days is absolutely brutal,” Habana told the South China Morning Post.
Bryan Habana scores during the Rugby World Cup Semi Final between South Africa and Argentina. (Photo by Tertius Pickard/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
“Hoops has one of the most incredible work rates I have seen from anyone over the past 15 or 20 years.
“His leadership qualities, his ability to communicate with teammates, and officials, and what he has already achieved on the biggest stages, stand him in very good stead (to succeed in sevens).
“I played against him a number of times, and was gutted he did not make the World Cup squad. I think a player of his ability, and with his leadership skill set, would have been integral to Australia achieving a different outcome.
“I have tried to share my experience (of the sevens switch) with him, but it comes down to him putting what he wants onto the field.
“I am extremely excited about his ability to have an impact, and I think he is really well suited to making the transition.”
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
:stoked: cheers mate ..Next one is on me :laughing:
Bearswanatah
Roar Rookie
He’s definitely a back and speaks for himself. That’s what a back does. Australia 15 - South Africa 0. Go you Aussies! (No offence Just Nuisance couldn’t help myself)
pm
Roar Rookie
I forgot he won the player of the year. Fair bit better achievements and better comments from him than the comment threads we roarers have put together here. :laughing:
Shaka
Roar Rookie
Cant win them all my friend :thumbup:
Dalton
Roar Rookie
Bryan has enough for a medium size cupboard. 2007 Rugby World Cup trophy. 2007 IRB World Rugby player of the year trophy. 2009 Tri Nations trophy. 2007 and 2009 Super rugby trophies. Not sure on his Mendela plate wins or if he won any titles with Toulon.
pm
Roar Rookie
Does Habana have a cupboard full?
Bennett
Roar Rookie
Well said KP
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Die blou masjien het n bietjie ge ( sieze ) teen Leinster verlede Saterdag .. :laughing:
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Kwagga is a gem ..So underated for so long ..But has settled nicely into his role as a bomb squad specialist and of course can cover centre and wing too giving Rassie the luxury of going 7 /1 for his bench ..But Hooper has a different role and should rather be compared to Kolisi than to Kwagga …There I feel Hooper stands up just nicely ..Leadership , experience , managing the ref , inspiring his team …Its the package ..If it was just playing ability at least 3 Saffas probably better players than Siya but none bring the whole deal he does . Hooper better looking for photoshoots too. Poor kwagga looks like a well used UFC fighter .. :laughing:
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
While appreciating you can have a different opinion, I think I will go with international coaches opinions.
Jazz
Roar Rookie
Lets see how he performs this weekend before any comparisons and judgement are made....
Khun Phil
Roar Rookie
Yes,AA,like you I just don't see why this negativity over Hooper.It can only be jealousy of someone who has achieved much more than they will ever do in their lives. You can see the class of Hoops with his comments after being left out of the RWC squad.He would have had every right to strongly complain about his treatment at the hands of Eddie,but never once did so. He is also showing his knowledge of rugby with his comments on Stan and will no doubt have a big future in media post rugby.
Khun Phil
Roar Rookie
Pisda Chastna(whatever that name is supposed to be?),you are a typical keyboard warrior who can throw insults like "un-loyal disrespectful traitorous pipsqueak" at a player who has given 100% every time he has taken the field.The kind of insult you would never have the guts to say to his face.
Khun Phil
Roar Rookie
What a stupid comment!Habana is all class,unlike this Springbok supporter,and gives his valued opinion of Hooper as a player.I surely back Bryan's opinion over a nobody.
CW Moss
Roar Rookie
Hooper was like a train without a station :silly:
CW Moss
Roar Rookie
I’m very happy with 7 likes. The reader is always right. :rugby: :thumbup: :stoked:
Gepetto
Roar Rookie
Show those amateurs how it's done Hoops
Pisda Chastna
Roar Rookie
His Daddy kept picking him when he clearly out of form from 2016-2018.
Good Game
Roar Rookie
Agree - 20 and 21 were outstanding years.
J Joseph
Roar Rookie
Good on you Michael Hooper. If every Wallaby had his heart and commitment we wouldn’t be where we are today. Never says much, but does a helluva lot. Not flashy, just always there and having an impact.