An already challenging spring tour has just got worse for the Wallabies with news that inspirational captain Michael Hooper will miss the season-ending Test against Wales on Sunday (4.30am AEDT).
Hooper limped off Twickenham in the second half of Australia’s 32-15 loss to England on Sunday and scans have revealed a grade two mid-foot sprain.
The star flanker will stay with the Wallabies in Cardiff this week before returning home to Sydney.
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The Wallabies said there was no timeline placed on his recovery given it’s the last match of the year.
The 2022 Super Rugby season kicks off on February 18 and a fit and firing Hooper will be crucial to the Waratahs as they try to chart a winning path under new coach Darren Coleman.
Hooper has been nominated for the world player of the year award alongside teammate Samu Kerevi.
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The Wallabies have lost to Scotland and England on their tour of the United Kingdom after a five game winning streak against South Africa, Argentina and Japan.
The selectors are hoping that tighthead props Taniela Tupou and Allan Alaalatoa – who missed the England game – will clear return to play protocols after their head knocks against Scotland.
The Wallabies are yet to announce a replacement captain for Hooper.
Pete Samu is Hooper’s likely replacement at openside while Colby Fainga’a is in line to make his Test debut from the bench.
“Obviously Hoops is a massive loss,” Wallabies No.8 Rob Valetini said.
“He’s our captain but he’s probably the biggest workhorse in our team. He never stops, and that’s something that the team will miss.”