Australia’s Super Rugby struggles will not carry over to the national team in next month’s three home Tests, Wallabies vice-captain Michael Hooper vowed Monday.
There are concerns for the Wallabies, who face Fiji, Scotland and Italy during June, after a demoralising Super Rugby campaign and domination by New Zealand provincial teams.
But flanker Hooper believes the national team will be strong in the international arena.
“The ability to separate those (Super Rugby and Tests) is something the Wallabies have always been good at and something that the coaching staff will definitely look into,” he told reporters.
“It’s a new challenge. It’s a quick turnaround from Super Rugby into international stuff.”
The Australian conference is by far the worst performing of the four in Super Rugby, with the ACT Brumbies leading despite being unable to win their last four games or score a try in 210 minutes.
Meanwhile, confidence is low at Western Force and Melbourne Rebels who are at risk of being culled next year in a controversial competition revamp by governing body SANZAAR.
Hooper said the Test environment would invigorate players when they go into camp under coach Michael Cheika.
“It’s a different challenge. It’s actually a lot easier than you think,” he said.
“There’s new people to bounce ideas off. It’s a fresh environment, fresh faces.
“So there’s a lot of enthusiasm, not to leave that stuff behind but take what you’ve learned and bring it in and pool it in together.”
The Wallabies kick off their international season against Fiji in Melbourne on June 10. – Agence France-Presse
