Round Table: Has Hooper made the right call?

It may have been the shortest preseason on record, but it’s all systems go as Super Rugby returns on Friday.

Springboks fans will continue to bask in the glow of their World Cup triumph, but for everyone else the return of the southern hemisphere’s premier provincial competition represents a new beginning, a chance to find hope both at club level and ponder what might be possible later in the year during the Rugby Championship.

As we prepare for Round 1, our team of writers have answered some of the questions that have dominated build-up to Super Rugby.

HAS MICHAEL HOOPER MADE THE RIGHT CALL ON THE WARATAHS CAPTAINCY?

Sam Bruce: I like it, and I think it is absolutely the right move for Hooper. You’ve got to acknowledge the fact that Hooper had virtually been doing both the NSW and Wallabies roles for the best part of the last six years, even though Stephen Moore was around through to the end of 2017 at Test level. Hooper became the Waratahs captain when Dave Dennis went down injured during their run to the 2014 title and it was a similar scenario at the Wallabies when Moore was injured against France the same year. That’s a fair stint doing both jobs, particularly when you consider all the turmoil of last year – Hooper wasn’t just confronting the Israel Foplau saga as Test captain, but also as the leader of NSW who were midseason when the star fullback reignited his anti-gay social media commentary. And I think it’s an acknowledgement of the new breed of No. 7 that will be lining up to dislodge Hooper, particularly given new Wallabies coach Dave Rennie says each Test spot will be “earned”. In the likes of new Reds skipper Liam Wright and rising star Fraser McReight, Hooper has to stay ahead of the chasing openside pack. A wise move.

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Brittany Mitchell: It’s a smart move from Hooper. He’s essentially been the captain of two sinking ships for close to six years and eventually something’s got to give. Although he took over the reins of the Waratahs at the height of their success – the 2014 Super Rugby win – he’s really been the face of a team that has struggled over the past four seasons, while he’s copped plenty of criticism as the captain of a Wallabies team that’s failed to produce anything of significance over virtually the same period. These disappointments weigh heavily on a player, especially a captain, and stepping away will take some of that weight off his shoulders. Stepping down frees Hooper up to focus solely on his game and allows him to be more of a teammate instead of a leader (although it’s hard to imagine Hooper being anything but a leader) and will give him an opportunity to learn and grow from a different position. There’s no doubt this move will make him not just a better leader, but a better player.

WHAT SHOULD WE EXPECT FROM WARREN GATLAND’S CHIEFS?

SB: He’ll have to loosen the reins, that’s for sure. And why wouldn’t you when you’ve got arguably the most exciting array of backline talent to work with? It’s also clearly a change in conditions to what Gatland has been used to over the past decade; the slippery, cold conditions of Cardiff, London and elsewhere traded for the hard, fast tracks of the southern hemisphere … for at least the first few months in Hamilton anyway. In veteran Aaron Cruden, Gatland has a playmaker who can play the expansive game but also lead his side around the paddock in a more traditional Test style should it be required. It’s true the Chiefs have lost some starch up front in Brodie Retallick, but you’d back Gatland to bring the best out of the rest of his forwards and it will be interesting to see whether Sam Cane’s Round 1 move to No. 8 is permanent. Whatever the case, I’m excited to see how Gatland adjusts to Super Rugby. The Chiefs are my pick for New Zealand conference honours, and to go all the way to the title. It’s disappointing to see Damian McKenzie a late scratching from their opener, though.

BM: Why change a game plan that has proven itself so many times? Under Gatland the British & Irish Lions took down Australia 2-1 in 2013, they drew with the All Blacks 1-1-1 in 2017, while Wales won four Six Nations titles, including three Grand Slams, and reached the semifinal of the 2011 and 2019 World Cups since he took over the reins. ‘Gatland-ball’ is simple to implement but clearly quite successful. The Brodie Retallick-sized hole is hard to ignore, and would have been perfect for his game style, but the Chiefs have wealth of front-five firepower and plenty of talent in their young back-row. And their talented backline, which includes former All Black Aaron Cruden, gives Gatland the best of both worlds. Cruden knows how to manipulate the defence and constantly puts his backs through holes, but he also gives Gatland another option in a more expansive game through creativity and flair. Either way, Gatland has an embarrassment of riches that will no doubt see the Chiefs return to the decider.

IS ROUND 1 TOO EARLY FOR ROOKIE AUSSIE 10S?

SB: If they’re ready, they’re ready. The big thing is that they are given the chance at multiple consecutive starts and not judged on one performance alone. We’ve seen that at the Tahs in recent years, particularly when it comes to Mack Mason. The young Queenslander had a fine game against the Crusaders in Sydney in 2017, but was barely handed an opportunity thereafter until a virtual lose-lose situation against the Sunwolves in Newcastle last year. Stepping in during one of Bernard Foley’s rest weeks, Mason had a forgettable night as NSW were embarrassed only a week after they’d beaten the Crusaders. You can’t expect inexperienced players to step in and dominate as a one-off, and merely cast them aside when do indeed fail to perform. I’m hoping the likes of Noah Lesio [Brumbies] and the Waratahs’ Will Harrison and young Isaac Lucas – who debuted for the Reds last year — shine from the outset, but should they not it’s imperative their coaches back them for a couple more matches at least.

BM: There’s never an easy time to make your debut, especially in a tight competition headlined with some of the biggest international stars, but I think Round 1 is perhaps a bit too early to throw your young guns into the line of fire. There’s always pressure when making your first start, but even more so in the opening round of the season when expectations are high and your team is searching for the perfect start to the year. While Junior Wallabies Noah Lolesio, Harry Wilson and Will Harrison (and several others) impressed during their preseason trial matches, nothing can truly prepare you for the fast-paced, hard-hitting Super Rugby competition. A poor start here can easily derail not just the team, but also your young star – especially if playing such an influential role such as fly-half. The Brumbies have named Lolesio to start – mainly because they’re short on experience at No.10 – while the Waratahs have thrown Harrison into the deep end with his first start against the Crusaders in Nelson, despite having the more experienced Kurtley Beale as an option. There’s perhaps no harder task than taking on the reigning champions at home, especially in Round 1. I only hope the 20-year-old has a belter in his opening match or Tahs coach Rob Penney – and Tahs’ fans – have patience in their young player if it goes wrong.