Wallabies skipper Moore backs Hooper after Dwyer blast

Dwyer, who coached the Wallabies to their 1991 triumph, told local media that New South Wales Waratahs captain Hooper should not be picked for the June series against England, having gone from "an absolutely outstanding player to ... a non-event" in two months of Super Rugby.

Wallabies skipper Moore backs Hooper after Dwyer blast

(Reuters)





Dwyer's criticism of the 51-test openside generated a storm of controversy in Australia and hooker Moore said it was unfair.

"I thought the way he was treated in the media in the last few days was really poor," ACT Brumbies co-captain Moore said after their 26-20 win over the Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday.

"I felt for him and I don't think he deserves that. I know how much he puts his body on the line for the team, whatever team it is. He'll continue to do that and lead the team like he does. There's still a long way to go in the season."

Hooper was one of the standouts of Australia's charge into the World Cup final last year but he has struggled to lift the misfiring Waratahs and their fourth loss has left their playoffs hopes in jeopardy at the mid-point of the season.

The 24-year-old worked tirelessly against the Brumbies at Sydney Football Stadium but a couple of moments of indiscipline cost his team precious momentum.

Coach Daryl Gibson is also under scrutiny.

Michael Cheika's former assistant has yet to conjure a complete performance from a side that was expected to challenge the Brumbies for the Australian conference.

"Of course it's frustrating, but it's a work in progress," Gibson said.

"We're not going to solve those problems within a week, but we're determined and there's a good attitude in this side. I was impressed by the commitment shown by the players, particularly on defence, and you don't get those from people who don't care."





(Reporting by Ian Ransom; Editing by Peter Rutherford)


Share

2 min read

Published

Source: Reuters



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world