Michael Hooper and James Slipper to co-captain Wallabies at Rugby World Cup

SYDNEY – Test centurions Michael Hooper and James Slipper will co-captain Australia at the Rugby Championship and World Cup this year, with coach Eddie Jones saying on Sunday they “embody what it means to be a Wallaby”.

It is the first time the Wallabies have installed two captains, with the inspirational Hooper now appointed leader of the national side under four separate coaches.

“Michael and James are both world-class players, strong leaders and embody what it means to be a Wallaby,” said Jones, in announcing their appointment through 2023 among a 34-man squad for the Rugby Championship.

He told Channel Nine: “With Slips and Hoops, we cover the range of the squad. Both have a slightly different approach to leadership, both have got a slightly different approach to the way they play the game, and I think together, they can be a really strong captaincy group.”

Flanker Hooper, who spent two months out of the game on a mental health break last year, relinquishing the captaincy to prop Slipper, is Australia’s most-capped skipper, having led the side in 68 of his 124 Tests.

Slipper also brings vast experience, with his 127 Test appearances third on the all-time Wallabies list behind George Gregan (139) and Stephen Moore (129).

“It’s an absolute honour to lead the squad alongside Slips,” said Hooper. “There’s a really optimistic mindset as a collective heading into what’s a massive four months.”

Australia face South Africa in Pretoria on July 8, Argentina a week later in Sydney, before two Bledisloe Cup fixtures with the All Blacks ahead of the Sept 8-Oct 28 World Cup in France.

Jones, who took the reins from Dave Rennie in January, named eight uncapped players in the squad, with Melbourne Rebels duo Carter Gordon and Josh Kemeny rewarded, along with Queensland Reds front-rowers Matt Faessler and Zane Nonggorr.

ACT Brumbies teammates Tom Hooper and Ryan Lonergan also earned call-ups, as did NSW Waratahs flyer and former Australia Sevens representative Dylan Pietsch.

Towering lock Richie Arnold was the final uncapped player, having helped Stade Toulouse win the Top 14 in France.

One of the biggest omissions was Japan-based playmaker Bernard Foley, who started the last six Tests.

“It’s probably one of the hardest squads I’ve had to select,” said Jones, who previously coached Australia from 2001 to 2005.

“There was a few sleepless nights.

“We know that in the Rugby Championship and in the World Cup, we’ll have at least a 20 per cent injury rate, so there’ll be opportunities for players who missed out.”

Meanwhile, Sam Whitelock expects to have some explaining to do to All Blacks coach Ian Foster after helping the Canterbury Crusaders win the Super Rugby Pacific final 25-20 against the Waikato Chiefs on Saturday despite an ankle knock.

“The body is definitely sore, I think I’ll be in a bit of trouble with All Blacks management, but it’s so good to sign off for a number of guys who have had massive careers with the Crusaders,” said Whitelock, ahead of his impending move to French club Pau after 14 seasons with Canterbury. AFP, REUTERS