Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has backed new captain Michael Hooper to be at his peak by the 2019 World Cup.
The NSW Waratahs openside flanker was named as captain on Wednesday, replacing long-serving Wallabies captain Stephen Moore, who has stepped down from the role ahead of his international retirement at the end of the season.
Hooper has experience as skipper, having first stepped in when hooker Moore was injured in 2014 and he also led the team in this year's opening two Tests in June when Moore was benched.
"The way he plays the game and the way he stands up for his colours and and for his values is really quite exceptional and I think that's what made him the standout choice," Cheika said.
A veteran of 68 Tests at age 25, Hooper's first assignment after getting the role will be to lead the Wallabies in this month's Bledisloe Cup clashes with the world champion All Blacks.
"To have the opportunity to face then back-to-back the first time as captain is hugely exciting and for the group a really nice challenge to have to see what we can achieve in a couple of weeks time," Hooper said.
Asked if Hooper would pilot the team through to the World Cup, Cheika said, "Definitely.
"I think that when we get to the World Cup, Hooper is going to be pretty much at his peak as a player (at) 27, 28.
"He will have had a few years experience as the official captain within the team and I expect him to improve as a player as well in that time."
Hooper said he had learnt a lot over the past couple of years and was better equipped to be Test skipper now.
He said he would ask Moore for advice and was honoured but surprised by his appointment..
"When this came across in front of me it was a bit of a shock and I'm really excited about the challenge ahead,"; Hooper said.
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