Hooper: Wallabies won't be sucked in by England baiting
Australia captain Michael Hooper insists the Wallabies will keep cool heads in the face of any further provocation from England in Saturday’s second Test in Brisbane.
Lock Darcy Swain was sent off for head butting in the first half of the 30-28 victory in the series opener when a running feud with Jonny Hill instigated by the tourists’ lock reached boiling point.
Swain was shoved in the face with both hands by Hill in an attack that went unpunished by the referee before having his hair pulled.
The 10 cap rookie’s red card resulted in a two-week ban and he expressed his sense of grievance at Tuesday’s disciplinary hearing, stating: “I have never been treated in the way Hill treated me in a professional game before and it hurt, surprised and angered me.”
Australia felt Swain was the target of a pre-meditated plan and head coach Dave Rennie has spoken to his players – and the officials – over what might be coming at Suncorp Stadium.
“We’ve got to focus on what we can control. We’ve got plenty of roles that are on the field in transitions and everything like that so we can’t be getting sucked into that (niggle),” Hooper said.
“It’s part of the game and being smart around how you come out on top of that is important. It’s always a factor and dealing with it in the right ways is going to be a challenge but a good one.”
Australia are strengthened by the return of explosive prop Taniela Tupou from a calf injury, setting up a potentially thrilling battle with England’s Ellis Genge.
Since Tupou made his debut in 2017, the Wallabies’ win rate climbs from 29 to 42 per cent when he is in the team.
“We know what he can deliver as a player, and in terms of personality he’s great,” Hooper said.
“He’s really excited to be playing rugby and lacing up this week. He’s obviously a vibrant personality, so that brings in an instant energy
“And then, on the field, he can do some really great things and has done at this stadium before as well.”
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I hope so man, and I hope they still pay Damien the same amount/enough to keep him too, even though it only really makes sense to have one or the other.
The only way things improve, that the future looks bright, is if these players remain in NZ. I don't think I'd enjoy rugby if it was all played offshore, than if there wasn't the Kiwi or Aussie game to enjoy, some I'm happy for the game in NZ to make it or bust.
Unfortunately why appears more and more likely as no news comes out, is that they've had to pull in the budget and Mo'unga is unlikely to be brought out of his contract, or perhaps not even be offered enough (with Dmac running the side) to return at all. The main reason I heard for his return can only get weaker and weaker as time heals I would have thought. So it looks like NZR will try and last as long as they can, being frugal with their money, until it all finally peters out.
Go to commentsWellington halfback Kyle Preston is a great signing for the Crusaders. I was impressed with him last year and he has won the Bronco twice , before and after Christmas. We also have Noah Hotham , who was brilliant in the wins over the Chiefs and the Blues and got in to the AB's . Mitchell Drummond is a real leader at the Crusaders and played over 100 games. 3 outstanding halfbacks to choose from.I look of another new Crusader Aki Tuivailala. He impressed with Waikato last year. Plenty of talent coming through the ranks in this country.
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