‘Not the right role model’ Michael Hooper starts for Eddie Jones-coached Barbarians side
Eddie Jones and Michael Hooper laughing during a Wallabies press conference in 2023.
Axed Wallabies flanker Michael Hooper will start for the Barbarians in this weekend’s fixture against Wales at the Principality Stadium.
The invitational outfit are being coached by Eddie Jones, the man who dropped the back-rower ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
Jones has stood by that call and last week controversially stated that Hooper was ‘not the right role model’ for Australia.
Jones has since left his position as head coach of the Aussies, citing issues within Rugby Australia for his resignation.
Picked ahead of current Wallaby flanker
This game has, therefore, come at an interesting time, and perhaps made for a tense first meeting earlier this week, but the 63-year-old, alongside fellow coach Scott Robertson, have decided to name him in the starting line-up.
They have picked him ahead of current Wallabies flanker Tom Hooper, who started all four games for the national team during the World Cup.
Hooper is alongside fellow Australian Rob Valetini and Welshman Justin Tipuric, who retired from international rugby earlier this year, in the back-row.
Another Wales legend, the world record cap holder Alun Wyn Jones, captains the side and is at lock alongside Wallaby Rob Leota, while Taniela Tupou (Australia), Tevita Ikanivere (Fiji) and Joe Moody (New Zealand) complete the pack.
Behind the scrum, there are plenty more World Cup stars, including Fijians Simione Kuruvoli, Selestino Ravutaumada and Ilaisa Droasese, and Argentinian fly-half Nicolas Sanchez.
Wallabies Izaia Perese and Len Ikitau combine in the centres, with New Zealander Shaun Stevenson on the right wing.
On the bench, there is plenty of impact in the form of Asafo Aumua (New Zealand), Angus Bell (Australia), Peni Ravai, Api Ratuniyarawa (both Fiji) and Tom Hooper up front, with Lautaro Bazan Velez (Argentina), Ben Donaldson and Andrew Kellaway (Australia) the backline replacements.
Barbarians team to face Wales
Barbarians: 15 Ilaisa Droasese, 14 Shaun Stevenson, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Izaia Perese, 11 Selestino Ravutaumada, 10 Nicolas Sanchez, 9 Simione Kuruvoli, 8 Rob Valetini, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Justin Tipuric, 5 Alun Wyn Jones (c), 4 Rob Leota, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Tevita Ikanivere, 1 Joe Moody
Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Peni Ravai, 19 Api Ratuniyarawa, 20 Tom Hooper, 21 Lautaro Bazan Velez, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Andrew Kellaway
Date: Saturday, November 4
Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 14:30 GMT
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)
Assistant Referees: Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy), tba
TMO: Tba
READ MORE: The financial implications of Eddie Jones’ departure on Rugby Australia
