Hooper denies Wallaby split

Editor

Australia captain Michael Hooper insists there is no split in the Wallaby camp despite reports of unrest in the Australian press.

Australia captain Michael Hooper insists there is no split in the Wallaby camp despite reports of unrest in the Australian press.

There has been speculation that the Waratahs players in the squad have grown frustrated at under-fire coach Ewen McKenzie but Hooper, a Waratah himself, claimed that is not the case.

It’s been a tumultuous few weeks for the Wallabies, with Kurtley Beale currently suspended indefinitely and McKenzie under huge pressure.

However Hooper maintains that the atmosphere is good in the squad ahead of Saturday’s daunting clash with New Zealand.

“Being on the inside this week, we’ve seen how tight we are as a group,” he said.

“There’s no split.

“When moments like this occur, you realise how good it is playing for the jersey and playing for your country.

“We’re taking on the number one team in the world. We’ve missed the mark a number of times over the last couple of years and this is a chance to draw the series.

“I think some of the guys are licking their lips.

“The All Blacks have shown they can hold onto a lead so we’ve got to be going out there and from the whistle put on a physical display in defence and in the carries.

“If we are able to put in a physical performance and show everyone that despite what’s happened this week we’re able to turn it around, that’s what I want out of this game, to show how much we care and try our hardest to get the result.”