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'Conservative approach' sees Michael Hooper miss Perth SVNS selection
By Ned Lester
Former Wallabies captain Michael Hooper's switch to sevens ahead of the Paris Olympics has suffered a delay.
Wallaby Sevens coach John Manenti revealed on Friday that Hooper is still adjusting to the game and the team have decided to take "a conservative approach" to his transition.
The high-intensity nature of SVNS will offer the 32-year-old quite a change of pace after missing selection for the recent Rugby World Cup.
After revealing his intentions to give SVNS a shot last November, the Perth event was slated as Hooper's ideal debut event, but it now looks as though Australian fans may have to wait a little longer to see Hooper in action.
“Michael is working hard as he continues to adapt to the Sevens workload,” coach John Manenti said.
“We’ve decided a take a conservative approach with his transition to the World Series and we will look for him to take part in further tournaments later on in the year.
“We are looking forward to seeing what he can add to the program in the coming weeks and months.”
France star Antoine Dupont is slated to make his debut in Canada on the 23-25 of February, and that will be Hooper's next chance to feature on the circuit.
The Perth event will be the third of the circuit and the Australian men currently sit fifth in the series standings, tied with Ireland, 12 points shy of leaders Argentina.
While Hooper is looking unlikely to feature in Perth, Henry Hutchison and Matt Gonzalez could make their return for the event after spells off with ACL and rib injuries respectively.
The Australians landed in Pool B for the Perth stop, landing them dates with Ireland, Great Britain and the USA in the opening round of the tournament.
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Latest Comments
No he's just limited in what he can do. Like Scott Robertson. And Eddie Jones.
Sometimes it doesn't work out so you have to go looking for another national coach who supports his country and believes in what he is doing. Like NZ replacing Ian Foster. And South Africa bringing Erasmus back in to over see Neinbar.
This is the real world. Not the fantasy oh you don't need passion for your country for international rugby. Ask a kiwi, or a south african or a frenchman.
Go to commentsDont complain too much or start jumping to conclusions.
Here in NZ commentators have been blabbing that our bottom pathway competition the NPC (provincial teams only like Taranaki, Wellington etc)is not fit for purpose ie supplying players to Super rugby level then they started blabbing that our Super Rugby comp (combined provincial unions making up, Crusaders, Hurricanes, etc) wasn't good enough without the South African teams and for the style SA and the northern powers play at test level.
Here is what I reckon, Our comps are good enough for how WE want to play rugby not how Ireland, SA, England etc play. Our comps are high tempo, more rucks, mauls, running plays, kicks in play, returns, in a game than most YES alot of repetition but that builds attacking skillsets and mindsets. I don't want to see world teams all play the same they all have their own identity and style as do England (we were scared with all this kind of talk when they came here) World powerhouse for a reason, losses this year have been by the tiniest of margins and could have gone either way in alot of games. Built around forward power and blitz defence they have got a great attack Wingers are chosen for their Xfactor now not can they chase up and unders all day. Stick to your guns its not far off
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