Michael Hooper is another step closer to making his international return, with the inspirational Wallabies leader training alongside his national teammates this week.
A week after it was revealed that Hooper was firming for a return to the Wallabies, the 121-Test veteran joined the likes of Kurtley Beale and Lalakai Foketi at training alongside other Sydney-based national players.
The group were being put through their paces by Wallabies assistant coach Scott Wisemantel.
Hooper, 30, has not played for the Wallabies since standing down on the eve of the Rugby Championship for health reasons.
Since then, Hooper has kept a low profile but been training in the background.
But vision of him training at Kippax Oval, outside of Rugby Australia headquarters in Moore Park, is a major boost for his chances of going on the Wallabies’ end of season five-match Spring Tour.
In other good news, Waratahs-based centre Foketi is likely to go on the Spring Tour too.
It was feared he would need surgery to repair his shoulder after leaving Eden Park early in their heavy Rugby Championship finale loss, but scans revealed only a tear.
The news is not so good for Angus Bell, whose season is over.
The rising prop suffered a toe injury against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground and missed the next five Tests.
He was rushed back against the All Blacks at Eden Park, but struggled and the decision was subsequently made to have surgery.
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The Waratahs prop is expected to return for their Super Rugby season opener alongside Izaia Perese, who is also recovering well from his season-ending suffered against England in Brisbane.
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie will name his squad for the Spring Tour next week, with a number of spots on the fringes to be ironed out over the coming days.
In particular, the strong performances from Langi Gleeson, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Ben Donaldson, Jock Campbell and Suliasi Vunivalu have given selectors more food for thought following Australia A’s win over a Japan XV.
Australia A coach Jason Gilmore opted to provide more opportunities for his squad on Thursday, with a number of players to get their chance to push for Wallabies selection.
Young playmaker Tane Edmed gets his chance ahead of Donaldson while Dylan Pietsch will start on the wing.
As forecast, Tom Banks will also make his return via the bench with Campbell afforded another chance at fullback.
Ned Hanigan, who has not played for the Wallabies since 2020, will also start at blindside flanker for the second straight week as he closes in on a Test return.
Young gun Teddy Wilson, the son of former Wallabies great David, will also come off the bench in his first appearance for Australia A.
“Dave’s (Rennie) looking at this trip and how the boys go,” Gilmore said. “I’ve just got to make sure that both boys are in the right mindset this trip.”
AUSTRALIA A vs JAPAN XV, SATURDAY. KICK-OFF: 4PM AEST
1. Matt Gibbon (Melbourne Rebels)
2. Billy Pollard (ACT Brumbies)
3. Pone Fa’amausili (Melbourne Rebels)
4. Nick Frost (ACT Brumbies)
5. Cadeyrn Neville (ACT Brumbies)
6. Ned Hanigan (NSW Waratahs)
7. Brad Wilkin (Melbourne Rebels)
8. Langi Gleeson (NSW Waratahs)
9. Ryan Lonergan (c) (ACT Brumbies)
10. Tane Edmed (NSW Waratahs)
11. Dylan Pietsch (NSW Waratahs)
12. Bayley Kuenzle (Western Force)
13. Hudson Creighton (ACT Brumbies)
14. Suliasi Vunivalu (Queensland Reds)
15. Jock Campbell (Queensland Reds)
Replacements
16. Richie Asiata (Queensland Reds)
17. Harry Hoopert (Queensland Reds)
18. Tom Robertson (Western Force)
19. Seru Uru (Queensland Reds)
20. Rory Scott (ACT Brumbies)
21. Teddy Wilson (NSW Waratahs)
22. Hamish Stewart (Western Force)
23. Tom Banks (ACT Brumbies)
