Tom Hooper truthers unite. Is he our saviour at six?




The No.6 has lengthy been a problematic place for the Wallabies, and throughout Australian Tremendous Rugby.

A bodily, excessive work price jack of all trades who can add mongrel and edge to the pack, do the soiled ruck work, run exhausting dominant strains and be a risk within the lineout is a tough proposition to bundle up in anybody participant.

Final 12 months, the Brumbies have been a blocked droppie away from competing for the title, and it takes multiple ingredient to make a stew, however Tom Hooper’s first half damage definitely dealt a marked blow to the trigger.

He makes his long-awaited return off the bench in spherical 11 in opposition to the Rebels and there’s a sizeable contingent of us within the feedback hyped to see him, with the tantalising promise that he can lock down the Wallabies ‘No.6 jersey as an X-factor participant.

Rob Valetini performs 6 for the Brumbies, however we all know him at as an 8, amongst a handful written in ink on the group sheet for the Wallabies.

In contrast to backs, the place the slick highlights gives you a good suggestion of stars, with forwards you’ve obtained to look at the total sport tape to understand the grunt work, however right here’s just a few anyway. In basketball they’ve obtained the VORP (worth over substitute participant) statistic, right here we’ve obtained the attention take a look at of what Hooper can carry:

via GIPHY

There’s not many than can cease Ardie in his tracks one on one, however Tom brings him to a halt time and again.

via GIPHY

Most of the time successful the collision and organising entrance foot ball.

The conundrum of the Wallabies blindside flanker position proper now’s too many choices with no clear standouts. Jed Holloway, Nick Frost, Seru Uru, RobLeota, Ned Hanigan have all been touted, however to my eye appear to lack the mix {that a} versatile 6 wants to really make a formidable and cohesive pack.

This has additionally magnified weaknesses within the locks and remainder of the backrow, whether or not it’s Will Skelton not being a lineout risk, Holloway not getting sufficient acquire line benefit or Hanigan not hitting rucks for ball safety. If Tom Hooper can proceed the event he’s began on this run as much as Tremendous finals season, I reckon he could be the 6 that has been promised.

(Phrase on the road is little brother Lachlan Hooper reveals some nice promise too. All the facility to the Hooper boys to place it collectively on the sphere).



Related Articles

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest Articles