ZCZC
BSP-03
RUGBYU-RC-2018-AUS-ARG-HOOPER
Injured Wallaby Hooper pulls out of Argentina Test
GOLD COAST, Australia, Sept 14, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Wallabies skipper Michael
Hooper on Friday pulled out of their weekend clash against Argentina after
hurting his hamstring in training, with David Pocock taking over as captain.
The experienced openside flanker was withdrawn from the game on the Gold
Coast on the advice of medical staff, said coach Michael Cheika.
“He felt his hamstring a bit at training yesterday afternoon and… we just
thought it was best not to push it,” he said.
“He was really keen to play this weekend but a week off will be a good
thing for him to just get it right.”
Pocock, returning from injury, will fill Hooper’s position with Pete Samu
resuming his role at number eight after starring against South Africa last
Saturday.
Ned Hanigan will take Samu’s place on the bench.
Australia (15-1): Dane Haylett-Petty; Israel Folau, Reece Hodge, Matt
Toomua, Marika Koroibete; Kurtley Beale, Will Genia; Pete Samu, David Pocock,
Lukhan Tui; Izack Rodda, Rory Arnold; Allan Alaalatoa, Tatafu Polota-Nau,
Scott Sio.
Replacements: Folau Faingaa, Sekope Kepu, Taniela Tupou, Adam Coleman, Ned
Hanigan, Nick Phipps, Bernard Foley, Jack Maddocks.
BSS/AFP/MRI/0829 HRS