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‘No one should dictate how Hooper goes out’: SBW savages great’s World Cup dumping
By Tom Decent
All Blacks great Sonny Bill Williams has taken aim at Eddie Jones and his decision to leave Michael Hooper out of Australia’s Rugby World Cup squad, saying that the Wallabies veteran deserves better and should be able to go out on his terms.
Williams also questioned the controversial call to leave out close friend Quade Cooper, who he believes deserved his a spot through his performances in the past two years.
Hooper is recovering from a calf injury, yet Jones said on Thursday there was still a chance the former Wallabies skipper could be fit in time for a World Cup warm-up match against France on August 27 before Australia’s opening game against Georgia on September 9.
However, Hooper did not earn selection in Australia’s World Cup squad, which appears to have effectively ended a decorated international career that began in 2012.
Williams, who played many times against Hooper, was stunned that the 31-year-old will not go to France with the Wallabies.
“It’s not a very good way to treat him,” Williams said. “Some people deserve certain treatment; they have earned that. Some people have done enough to go out on their terms. No one should dictate how Hooper goes out.
“Michael Hooper cannot be snubbed. His reputation precedes him. He is one of Australia’s all-time greats and no one can change this. Michael Hooper not being at the World Cup is a loss to the world of rugby, not just Australia.
Michael Hooper has been left out of Australia’s squad for the World Cup.Credit: Getty
“This is the consensus among the most successful rugby players of this decade. I’ve spoken to them. Even current players, they’ve called me, they’ve asked, ‘What’s up here?’ There’s no one who wouldn’t have him in there.”
Jones’ bold selections throughout the squad show he wants to move in a more youthful direction. Fraser McReight is poised to wear the Wallabies No.7 jersey that has been synonymous with Hooper for a decade.
“If I had to pick an Australian team, Hooper would be the first person I’d pick,” said Williams, a two-time World Cup winner with New Zealand. “It’s not a case of nostalgia, he can play. He’s the best No.7 Australia has. He’s tenacious, he takes the heavy hits and he’s extremely brave. He’s not afraid of running at a prop, or vice versa.
“You see it. It’s not me making this up. There wouldn’t be an Australian that could not learn to carry oneself in adversity like he has.
Michael Hooper’s omission from the World Cup squad looks to have ended his 124-Test career for Australia.Credit: Getty
“He’s so dignified. In a very tough period for Australian rugby, he epitomised strength and overcame adversity. He never gave up on the field, no matter the score. You knew this guy was going to give his last ounce.
“He’s been in a team that has gone through so much. He’s almost been at the top of the mountain [at the 2015 World Cup] looking at the promised land. Then he had to go through that period with [Michael] Cheika that was tough. He’s been there for the rebuild.”
Another major surprise in Jones’ squad was the omission of Cooper, who returned to the Wallabies set-up in 2021 through good fortune and necessity during the pandemic.
The Wallabies won five consecutive games in 2021 with Cooper at No.10 before an Achilles injury last year prevented the playmaker from having an impact at Test level.
Jones said Cooper has been “probably not as sharp as he’d like to be” since the injury but did float the possibility that the 35-year-old could be involved later in the World Cup.
Sonny Bill Williams and Quade Cooper in Melbourne last year. Credit: Getty
That would depend on injuries. Carter Gordon, 22, and Ben Donaldson, 24, were picked as Australia’s only two specialist five-eighths.
“I think it’s a good squad, but if it had a few other players, it could have been spectacular,” Williams said. “Most people know that I’m close mates with Quade, so that needs to be said. When I talk about sportspeople, the proof is in the pudding.
“Look at the stats. It clearly shows that over the last 20 years, the best fly-half Australia has had on the field, for win percentage, is Quade Cooper. Australia beat the No.1 ranked team in the world, South Africa, twice in 2021 when Quade was at No.10.
“For me, when I speak about Quade, I just want to put those points forward. No matter how close we are, that removes the bias.
“I could rave about him forever, but that would be seen as someone speaking for his mate. Stick to the stats.”
Asked whether Donaldson deserved to be in the squad, Williams said: “I’m sure he’ll do his best and do the jersey proud. He’ll bring a lot of enthusiasm to the position if he gets his chance.”
Watch all the action from Rugby World Cup 2023 on the Home of Rugby, Stan Sport. Every match ad-free, live and on demand in 4K UHD from September 9.
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