Fraser McReight: Michael Hooper touches base with Wallabies’ two-try hero after stunning performance
Wallabies flanker Fraser McReight revealed that captain Michael Hooper texted him after their win over the Springboks on Saturday.
McReight has been filling in for Hooper, who is taking a break away from the game but still had time to commend the star on his brace of tries in a stunning 25-17 win over the Springboks.
The Reds flanker has proved his worth in the absence of Hooper after waiting a significant period behind the great Australian leader.
Learnt from the best
McReight says learning from Hooper has been crucial in his development as a player, particularly with how well the legend prepares for games.
“Yeah he texted me after the game tonight and sort of brought up the two tries I got,” McReight said.
“He’s probably sitting at home wishing he had scored those.
“Obviously I waited a long time to get that exposure and competing with Hoops for two-and-a-half years was very good for my development in terms of just seeing how he preps.”
The 23-year-old praised the player Hooper is and admired his consistency over a career that has seen him win more than 120 Test caps, with more than half of those as Wallabies captain.
“He’s a soldier of the game, a great at the game, and to see how he goes day to day and how he backs up from game to game – it was great to learn and just to view,” said McReight.
“We’re two different players, obviously, but yeah, being his apprentice and learning from him has been wonderful for me.”
Focused on task at hand
For McReight, it is all about performing in his role as well as he can. The flanker is proud to be playing for the Wallabies and will have no problems stepping aside if Hooper returns.
“I’m doing a job for a team at the moment and I just want to, like I said, do him proud, do the jersey proud and do the team proud,” he said.
“If he comes back and starts at seven then, he’s a legend in the game, and that’s what’s going to happen.”
The Wallabies face the Springboks again next weekend as they look to compound the South Africans’ misery as Jacques Nienaber’s men have lost two consecutive matches.
READ MORE: Springboks: More questions than answers for head coach Jacques Nienaber after loss to Wallabies
